Welcome to the happiest cruise that ever sailed!
History
From a World's Fair to Walt Disney World
It's A Small World traces its origins to the 1964-65 New York World's Fair. The attraction was built for the Pepsi-Cola Company's pavilion by WED Enterprises (which later became Walt Disney Imagineering), as a salute to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Artist and Imagineer Mary Blair, famous for her work on many Disney films and attractions, assisted with the design. Song writing brothers Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman wrote the famous (perhaps infamous?) theme song. With some of Disney's best creative minds at work, the attraction was destined to become a hit.The fair closed in 1965, and the attraction was moved to Disneyland, where it continues to entertain today. When Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom opened in October, 1971, it was given its own version.
Other articles of historical interest:
- Over on his web site, Jim Hill offers this interesting story on the initial decision to create the ride for Pepsi-Cola.
- This Day in Disney History highlights the other attractions that Disney designed for the Fair.
- On MousePlanet.com, Wade Sampson provides a detailed history of the original Disneyland attraction.
Big Controversy With Small World!
Hard to believe, but a controversy has been brewing with the Anaheim version of this innocuous ride. It all started with this MiceAge article, in which Al Lutz talked about rumored changes to the classic attraction, including the addition of Disney characters to some of the scenes, and the replacement of the rain forest scene with a patriotic tribute to the United States.The article ruffled a lot of feathers, including Kevin L. Blair, son of the late Mary Blair. This letter was posted on the Re-Imagineering blog, from Kevin to Disney executives, urging them not to tamper with Mary Blair's "Children of the World" theme. (Be sure to read the discussion comments which follow - some interesting points are raised, both pro and con.)
Kevin L. Blair's letter, along with comments from many fans, generated a response from Marty Sklar, The Walt Disney Company's international ambassador for Walt Disney Imagineering, found here on The Disney Blog. (Be sure to read John Frost's initial thoughts on Marty's letter, found in the first Comment after the letter.)
The rumored enhancements have instigated the creation of Save the Rainforest, Save the Small World. This web site is an attempt to convince The Walt Disney Company to do the right thing, and contains contact information for those who wish to write to the company and express their displeasure in these changes.
Additional links to articles and web pages on this topic:
- John Frost provides additional thoughts about Marty Sklar's letter
- From the Re-Imagineering blog, The World Of Animation Speaks includes comments about the proposed changes from many famous people from the Animation industry.
- The Disney Gossip blog claims to have the real story behind the changes to the beloved attraction, and it doesn't have a happy ending.
- Disney archivist Dave Smith pipes in with his opinion in these letters to LaughingPlace.com. And John Frost has a frosty response on The Disney Blog.
- 2719 Hyperion's Jeff Pepper takes a step back and makes some observations about the entire debate.
- John Frost reports that Disney Imagineer Kim Irvine discussed the Small World changes during a recent interview on KCRW.
- John Frost suggests that the Disney Synergy may be out of control.
- On the "Passport to Dreams Old & New" blog, FoxxFur identifies what it is about "Blairgate" that really bothers her.
- Over on NETCOT.com, Van says he's ok with the rumored changes.
- Al Lutz provides a photo essay on Why 'small world' Matters.
- Mary Blair's nieces recount a Blair Family Memory to help explain why the integrity of Small World should be maintained.
How much do you love it?

Ride Facts

For a more complete list of facts and history, be sure to check out It's A Small World's wikipedia entry.
- The Small World canal is 1085 feet long, and your cruise through it lasts about 11 minutes.
- There are seven major scenes in this attraction: Europe, Asia, Africa, South and Central America, South Pacific Islands, Finale, and Goodbye.
- There are 289 dolls throughout the various scenes, as well as many animated animals and toys.
- You can hear the attractions theme song sung in 5 different languages: English, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Swedish.
Take The Cruise via YouTube
A Few Tips

- Keep an eye out for Cleopatra on her barge - she'll wink at you as you go by.
- Look for the Hidden Mickey in the Africa scene, near the elephant. (A hint: it will leave you smiling!)
- Be sure to stick around to watch the Clock Tower near the boarding area of the ride - it puts on a little show every 15 minutes.
Dangling under the Eiffel Tower behind the French Can-Can girls is a doll with blonde hair and large round glasses. This figure is a special tribute to Joyce Carlson. Ms. Carlson was a Disney artist who, among other things, worked on every version of It's A Small World, from the original 1964 World's Fair, up until the soon-to-be-running Hong Kong Disneyland attraction. Sadly, Ms. Carlson passed away in January 2008. This MousePlanet article by Wade Sampson tells you more about her, both artist and person.
Small World Books and Music
If you like It's A Small World and other classic Disney Park attractions, then you might enjoy taking a look at the items below.
The Art And Flair Of Mary Blair: An Appreciation by John Canemaker
A history of Mary Blair's career, including many c more...0 points
New York World's Fair, The 1964-1965 (NY) (Images of America) by Bill Cotter
Vintage photos documenting the history of the Fair0 points
Disney's Karaoke Series: Theme Park Favorites
Original and Karaoke tracks of the Disney Parks' m more...0 points
The Music!
If music in MIDI format is ok with you, Chris's Walt Disney World Music has 4 different arrangements of "It's A Small World". My favorite is here. And the Kiddy Karaoke Song Corner has this version with lyrics, in case you'd like to sing along!
covering the mouse has a couple of interesting covers of "It's A Small World" here (playable from a built-in MP3 player on the web page), including one by Rodney Allen Rippy, and one by Rockapella.
The Lyrics
Sing along!
Reader Feedback
Did you enjoy this look at It's A Small World? Let me know!
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- poddys poddys May 4, 2009 @ 9:36 pm
- Really nice lens. I have added it to the Disneyland lenses module on my California lens. Hope this helps.
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- Emily Emily Mar 28, 2009 @ 2:09 am
- I love the additions to the ride, they blend right in unless you are one of the people that goes looking for things to complain about. Walt said that Disneyland would never be completed as long as there is imagination in the world, well... it was time to bring new life to the attraction for a new generation of Disney fans, and the characters are what the children relate to. I have been going to Disneyland since 1985 and I love the park and all of its attractions, I know that It's a small world will continue to bring smiling faces on a boat ride around the world. Embrace this addition to the ride, it really is quite impressive.
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- Barrie Barrie Mar 13, 2009 @ 10:28 am
- Hi Tom - just came back for another look at this lens. It's really good! I'm one of the people who has never liked It's a Small World. I hate getting that song stuck in my head. The attraction is growing on me though. Great information here.
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- Bellella Bellella Feb 12, 2009 @ 2:06 pm
- It's not so bad that they added the America scene, it's the Disney characters that really hurt. They destroy the whole point of the ride, which is world peace. They didn't have to commercialize it. Why couldn't they have just refurbished it, and left well enough alone afterward?
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- Jimmie Jimmie Feb 7, 2009 @ 1:09 am
- I rode the It's a Small World at Hong Kong Disney when it was still being tested. It was very special! I think that HK Disney's Small World is the best!
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