Fun Facts about Disneyland’s ‘it’s a small world’
Category: Activities, Performances, & Events
it’s a small world is a favorite attraction at Disney parks and everyone who has ever ridden it knows that memorable song. There are several facts about this fan favorite that you might not know.
- it’s a small world is never capitalized. It is always spelled with lower case letters.
- The song by the Sherman Brothers is the only Disney song never to be copyrighted. Walt Disney wanted it to belong to the children of the world and as a tribute to UNICEF.
- The attraction was originally created for the 1964-1965 World’s Fair in New York.
- The attraction was moved to Disneyland in 1966.
- it’s a small world is in Disneyland, Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland.
- Everything about the attraction was inspired by the art of legendary artist Mary Blair who not only contributed her whimsical art but also her blend of colors.
- All the art and designs in the attraction represent a childlike atmosphere.
- A final third verse to the iconic song was written by Richard Sherman to honor the 60th anniversary of Disneyland and will be added to the attraction in 2025 to coincide with Disneyland’s 70th anniversary.
- During the holiday season holiday songs and the essence of the holidays become part of the attraction.
- Every quarter hour the clock on the faćade rings out with a procession of children walking around the clock. Walt Disney said the clock “performs the time.”
- The exterior if the attraction is transformed at the holiday time.
- The exterior is also used as a screen for projections at various times during the day and night for guests to enjoy more of the Disney magic.
- In 2014 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the attraction Disney released several singing dolls from the ride. They sang the iconic song in their native language and also in English. The dolls won the FAMILY CHOICE AWARD in 2014. To hear her sing click here Small World doll singing .
- The ride depicts the children of the world, however in 2009 some Disney/Pixar characters joined in the fun. Look carefully as you sail through the world and you may spot: Peter Pan and Tinker Bell (Peter Pan) in Great Britain, Alice and the White Rabbit (Alice in Wonderland) in Great Britain, Cinderella, Gus, and Jaq (Cinderella) in France, Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket (Pinocchio) in Italy, Aladdin, Jasmine, Abu, and the Magic Carpet (Aladdin) in the Middle East, Mulan and Mushu (Mulan) in China, Simba, Pumbaa, and Timon (The Lion King) in Africa, Ariel, Flounder, Andrina, and Attina (The Little Mermaid), Lilo and Stitch (Lilo and Stitch) and Nemo and Dory (Finding Nemo) in the South Pacific Islands, Donald Duck, Panchito, and José (The Three Caballeros) in South America, and Woody, Bullseye, and Jesse (Toy Story) in the U.S.A. And joining them this year in Mexico are Miguel and Dante (Coco).
it’s a small world has touched the hearts of generations of guests to the parks, and the song has stayed with them long after they left! But hey, it’s a beautiful thought combined with fun medley and an enjoyable boat ride. When you think about it, it’s a small world after all.
And, as they say, it’s the happiest cruise that ever sailed.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
Images and video: Francine Brokaw