Santa’s Top Elves Face Their Funniest Mess Yet

Read Time:5 Minute, 16 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol
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Genre: Animated, Kids & Family, Holiday
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 25m
Director(s): Shane Zalvin
Writer(s): Hilary Helding
Cast: Dave Foley, Sarah Chalke, Derek Richardson, Manny Jacinto, Dulcé Sloan, Danny Pudi, Christopher Swindle
Where to Watch: premieres on Disney Channel on November 27, 2025, and the next day on Disney+

RAVING REVIEW: PREP & LANDING: THE SNOWBALL PROTOCOL arrives after more than a decade of silence from the franchise, and the first thing that stands out is how comfortably it slips back into place. There’s an immediate sense of familiarity to the world Disney built with these elves, yet this new installment doesn’t rely entirely on nostalgia to carry the experience. Instead, it uses the series' history as a springboard, letting Wayne and Lanny stumble through another mission that spirals just enough to keep the special going and tightly paced. It’s a brisk 25-minute return, but one that understands what fans loved about this world in the first place: small-stakes holiday chaos with just enough heart to warm the edges.

This time, the story leans more heavily on Wayne’s anxieties, playing with the idea that he’s convinced Santa is ready to put him on some kind of professional naughty list. By tapping directly into Wayne’s tendency to overthink, the special gives itself room to explore past slipups—an opportunity for comedy that feels in-character rather than stitched in. These glimpses into previous mishaps let the short expand the universe without overstaying its welcome, keeping things brisk and fun while layering in small character touches that longtime viewers will appreciate.

Dave Foley slips back into the role of Wayne effortlessly. His delivery still balances sarcasm, nervous energy, and begrudging responsibility, making the character instantly recognizable. Derek Richardson’s Lanny has the same bouncy charm he’s always had, offering the perfect contrast to Wayne’s spiraling. Sarah Chalke brings just the right touch of heart to Magee, grounding the special with the same no-nonsense tone that has always made her the backbone of the franchise. Manny Jacinto and Dulcé Sloan add new touches to the dynamic without overshadowing the characters that built the series.

One of the biggest strengths here is how the special blends its humor with its sense of tradition. The original PREP & LANDING shorts succeeded by focusing on the unsung, behind-the-scenes work that makes Santa’s annual journey function. THE SNOWBALL PROTOCOL keeps that spirit intact, showing both the technical side of the elves’ duties and the emotional stakes tied to doing the job. Even when the story dips into chaos, the tone never becomes cynical or overwhelming. This is still a world where mishaps are met with teamwork and where the stress of the holiday season is softened by camaraderie.

If there’s an area where THE SNOWBALL PROTOCOL could stretch further, it’s in its emotional finish. The short embraces its comedic energy wholeheartedly, but a slightly deeper resolution for Wayne’s anxiety could have added an extra layer of satisfaction. There are hints of growth, but the special doesn’t last long enough to really dive in. Understandably, the brisk runtime is a factor, yet a few additional moments of reflection—something small, grounded, and honest—could have elevated the final impact without disrupting the comedic flow.

The overall experience delivers exactly what this franchise has always promised: a dose of animated holiday comfort that doesn’t require much time or emotional investment, yet still feels like a complete and satisfying seasonal treat. The story stays true to the fundamentals—tech-savvy elves, traditions full of rules, mishaps that escalate just enough, and a tone that understands families want laughter with a touch of warmth rather than a heavy-handed moral. That said, I’d love to see this become an annual tradition!

PREP & LANDING: THE SNOWBALL PROTOCOL ultimately functions as both a nostalgic revival and a reminder that holiday specials don’t need complexity to connect with audiences. It relies on dependable character chemistry, comedic timing, and a sense of joy that doesn’t feel manufactured. It’s the kind of short that settles in comfortably alongside the earlier entries, adding another piece to the rotation for families who already revisit these characters every December.

The return of the franchise after such a long break could have easily felt like a mere corporate obligation. Instead, it feels like a genuine continuation—familiar, upbeat, and smart enough not to overplay its hand. The runtime leaves you wanting a little more, which is usually a good sign for holiday programming. It doesn’t reinvent the series, but it doesn’t need to. What matters is that the world of PREP & LANDING still works, still charms, and still carries the spirit that made it a holiday staple. For a 25-minute comeback, that’s more than enough.

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[photo courtesy of DISNEY CHANNEL, DISNEY+, DISNEY BRANDED TELEVISION, DISNEY TELEVISION ANIMATION, ICON CREATIVE STUDIO]

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