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TchaikovskysNutcracker Ballet, based on an 1816 E.T.A.

Hoffmann story, is as synonymous with the holidays as Santa Claus and candy canes.

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS

Credit: Laurie Sparham/Disney

This is not a green-screen movie, Gordon says.

We actually built these sets.

you might feel the difference between virtual sets and real sets.

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMSConcept map of the Four Realms

Disney

Take a look below for more on each of the enchanting sets.

Both Gordon and Dyas cite a heavy Russian influence in the design.

As part of ensuring the logic of the world, Dyas assigned specific jobs and responsibilities to each realm.

127_PalaceKingdom_160519_SS_SG

Disney

We took it seriously and adorned the sets with live flowers, he notes.

There were real flowers on set.

And they would have real fruits and vegetables, she marvels.

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMSConcept art of The Land of the Flowers

Disney

It was crazy how much detail was in it.

Between takes, I kept going and smelling them because they smelled so good.

They had to put signs that said, Dont eat the candy, says Foy.

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMSConcept art of the Land of Snowflakes

Disney

Im like, I want to eat it now that I know that its real!

Dyas remembers the sets being irresistible temptations for younger members of the cast.

A lot of [them] didnt eat their lunch that day.

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMSConcept art of the Land of the Sweets

Disney

Luckily for Dyas and his strict historical accuracy, lots of contemporary candy has roots in the Victorian era.

Most of the candy and sweets that we know today stem from things developed at that time.

Whether it be cotton candy or marzipan or refined nougat, chocolate cake, all these things.

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMSConcept art of the Fourth Realm

Disney

They make surprisingly good building materials.

That looks wonderful on the sides of the building because it looks like this stonework.

Gordon does hint that the majority of the story takes place in this realm.

Those were very, very impressive sets.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realmshits theaters Nov. 2.