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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and nothing beats spending the holiday engulfed in the magic of Disney World for former employee-turned 2024-2026 Walt Disney World ambassador Shannon Smith-Conrad.

Shannon Smith-Conrad. Courtesy of Aysa Watkins/ Disney Global Public Relations

As a Black woman who has no shame in nurturing her inner child by engaging in all that the park, dubbed the greatest place on Earth, has to offer, Smith-Conrad is on a mission to spotlight all of the fun that a Christmas at Disney can entail for those looking to ditch the traditional time with loved ones at home.

“Originally coming from California, I have a totally different appreciation for the holiday season when it comes to traditions that my family and I did while growing up,” Smith-Conrad told Madamenoire. “A beautiful thing about Disney is, as a company, we embrace our cast members to share their true, authentic storiesand their upbringing and bring those stories to …