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Disneyland kicks off 2014 holiday season by lighting up a small world in a special way

in Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, Theme Parks

Posted on by Mark Eades 1 Comment
Mickey Mouse takes center stage alongside a woman host, surrounded by children and adults in colorful holiday outfits, as festive lights illuminate the backdrop during the magical “it’s a small world” holiday celebration at Disneyland.

It was 11 years ago, and Maya Gallardo was only two years old, and she had cancer. There was one way to help her, according to the doctors at the City of Hope, and that was for her to receive some T-cells from a donor.
Well she got some, from her older brother Aaron, 17. Now healthy at 13, Maya and her entire family were invited to come to Disneyland and throw the switch to light up the holiday lights at “it’s a small world” as the official launch of the holiday season as Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Her entire family besides brother Aaron, were on hand at the event done in conjunction with the attraction’s official sponsor, Siemens. The rest of her family included her father Marc, mother Maya, and younger sister Emma, 6.

Disneyland Ambassador Sachi White hosted the brief ceremony in front of the attraction. Joining her on stage for a few brief moments to talk about the holiday season was Disneyland Executive Vice-President, Mary Niven. Then the family was brought on stage in style in the Disneyland Fire Engine, along with Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Pluto.

Video: It’s a Small World Holiday Lighting Ceremony 2014 at Disneyland

Mickey Mouse joins a group of guests dressed in festive attire for a photo op amid dazzling holiday lights and decorations at Disneyland’s iconic "it’s a small world" during the 2014 holiday season.
Maya, 13, (front right) was diagnosed with cancer 11 years ago. She received T-cells from her brother Aaron, 17, (top row second from right) back then which allowed her to be cured. Also pictured are Top Row: (l-r) Mickey Mouse, Marc (Dad) Nora (Mom) Aaron, Disneyland Ambassador Sachi White. Bottom Row, Emma, 6, and Maya.

Later the family gave their reaction to being at Disneyland on this special day, as seen in this video.

Video: It’s a Small World Holiday lighting ceremony interview with Gallardo Family

Beloved Disney characters and performers in festive costumes take the stage before a dazzling holiday light display at Disneyland, joining guests to celebrate the 2014 season by the iconic "it’s a small world" façade.
The Gallardo family, along with Disneyland Ambassador Sachi White, Goofy, Mickey Mouse and Pluto, check out the holiday lights on Disneyland’s “it’s a small world” facade.

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