Disneyland has always been called “the happiest place on Earth.” All throughout the year, there are decorative lights, parades, and cheerful Disney characters walking the park that continuously attract big crowds. However, during the holiday season, Disney shows its Christmas spirit with new attractions.

From November 10 to January 7, 2018, Disney guests can enjoy the special light displays, themed parades, and limited edition snacks, and take pictures with characters in festive ugly sweaters at no extra charge, all while listening to various Christmas carols. Not only do they change the light displays, but there’s also a beautiful, perfectly decorated Christmas tree right on Main Street.

“The holiday decorations and treats all over Disneyland was a very magical feeling for everyone around. It added to the whole experience and put a smile on all of our faces,” volleyball player Maya Hamaoka said.

For a moment, the crazy long lines for the rides die down as guests begin to reserve their spots for the “Believe in Holiday Magic” Christmas firework display. When it gets dark, the famous castle is illuminated, and the fireworks begin (passive voice). Some people are so in love with the display that they sit for hours directly in front of the castle to ensure the perfect viewing spot for their friends and families and even make it an annual trip.

“I’ve been to Disneyland to watch the fireworks on multiple occasions, and the Christmas fireworks always put my family and I [sic] in the Christmas spirit,” Kalani sophomore Mia Wong said.

The families that do this every year even have a system for the pre-fireworks show.

“My family finds a good spot to put our stuff down, and we do a tag team system where two people stay back to reserve our spots while the rest of us continue to go on the line-free rides. We switch spots every once in a while since we have to wait a couple of hours before the show starts,” Logan Fujitani said, a Kalani student who goes to Disneyland every year.