Prep & Landing
Clever holiday story is merry fun for the whole family.
Parents say
Based on 12 reviews
Kids say
Based on 9 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this delightful holiday tale blends a unique story with clever humor and kid-friendly content, making it an excellent choice for the entire family. There's very little in the way of iffy stuff, the imaginative concept of elves preparing homes for Santa's arrival will have give kids lots to ponder as Christmas nears, and there are plenty of adult-geared references to keep parents chuckling. In typical Disney fashion, all of this entertaining content is wrapped up in positive messages about perseverance, unselfishness, and self-worth.
Community Reviews
I saw this before I had a child and loved it so I couldn't till my son was old enough to watch it.
Report this review
Really is the best
Report this review
What's the Story?
PREP & LANDING tells the story of longtime Santa's helper Wayne (voiced by Dave Foley), who belongs to an elite group of elves trusted with the task of prepping each home before the Big Guy's arrival. A 227-year veteran of the job, Wayne is confident that he's earned a promotion, but when he's passed over yet again and saddled with rookie partner Lanny (Derek Richardson) on Christmas Eve, he loses his passion for his work and gets careless, causing a serious security breach. With exuberant Lanny's help, Wayne must rediscover the holiday spirit to save Christmas for a special little boy. The DVD comes with several funny extras including two shorts: "Operation Secret Santa" and "Tiny's Big Adventure."
Is It Any Good?
Just when you thought every avenue had been explored in the world of Christmas stories, along comes a story that will captivate you with its unique spin on a tiny facet of the magical holiday. This sugarplum of a tale will delight any kids who've fretted over the contingencies of Santa's visit -- how does Santa land safely on my roof? what if my dog barks at him? how can he be sure I'll be asleep when he comes? -- and reassure them that the North Pole team is a step ahead of every conceivable mishap.
Disney is well known for designing entertainment for both kids and parents, and this cute Christmas tale is no exception. Adults will pick up on the minor details that escape kids' attention (tie-ins to spy and action movies and a wealth of clever, high-tech gadgets) and will sympathize with Wayne's frustration over being slighted on the job and stuck with an overzealous coworker. But in the end, holiday spirit conquers all, tying in happy messages about unselfishness and compassion. Need another reason to like it? The special isn't tied to a merchandise line (at least, not yet...), so there's no fear of it prompting the "gimmes" from your kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the commercialization of the holidays. Do you think the media influences our expectations of holidays like Christmas? Do TV shows and/or commercials make you want certain items?
Kids: What are some of your unique talents? What do those talents help you to do? How can you develop your skills? How would you like to use your talents in the future?
Compare this special's take on the North Pole residents' preparations for Christmas with what you've seen in other movies. What other movies/specials offer a behind-the-scenes look at Santa and the elves at work?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 22, 2011
- Cast: Dave Foley, Derek Richardson, Sarah Chalke
- Directors: Kevin Deters, Werner Herzog
- Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Friendship, Holidays
- Run time: 22 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- Last updated: February 19, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Heartwarming for all ages, some old-school content.
-
Elf
Peppy holiday favorite for both kids and parents.
-
The Santa Clause
Heartwarming holiday tale has some potty humor.
For kids who love the holidays
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate