Amazing Things About “It’s a Small World”
I don’t need to tell you that “It’s a Small World,” ride and song, are amazing. The classic attraction from Walt Disney himself is an enduring symbol of a united world. But, here are some facts you might not know that will make you appreciate this amazing attraction even more.
An Anthem to Unite
The song that we all know and love today that speaks to a unified world almost didn’t come to be. Originally Walt wanted each country represented on the ride to sing their own national anthem at the same time. But, after realizing that this idea wasn't harmonious to the ears at all, he decided to ask Richard and Robert Sherman to come up with a song that could be translated into many languages. Walt loved the song so much that he changed the name of the ride from “Children of the World” to “It’s a Small World.” If you listen closely on the ride, you can hear the song in French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and English.
The Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed
Of course the tag line for the ride is “the happiest cruise that ever sailed.” But it isn’t just something clever Imagineers thought of. All the faces of the nearly 300 audio animatronics on the ride, penguins included, are smiling. So this makes it literally the “happiest cruise that ever sailed.” Even a frowning clown that was in the finale room of the ride has been altered to smile in the most recent refurbishment in Magic Kingdom’s version.
Authenticity in the Details
Something that might go unappreciated is the costumes that the audio animatronics wear in the ride. Each one is designed to be a traditional outfit of the country represented and is hand sewn with authentic materials from each country. From the silk saris of India to the wool kilts of Scotland, Imagineers wanted to portray the garments as they would be if they were being worn in that country.
Moons and Suns on the Waterway
As you cruise along the Seven Seaways Waterway, you’ll hear in the song that “there is just one moon and one golden sun.” Well, Imagineers took this verse to heart because in each new room you enter, you’ll find one moon and one golden sun. See if you can spot them all the next time you ride!
Signature Mary Blair
The whimsy, color, and bold design of the ride is the signature touch of artist, Mary Blair. She was prominent in producing art for Walt Disney animated classics like Peter Pan, Cinderella, and Alice in Wonderland. She was so well regarded by Walt himself and the Disney company that her art is the signature 90 foot mural at the Contemporary Resort. Check out this mural and notice the wonderful similarities in design and color that it shares with “It’s a Small World.”
The Song that Never Ends
Since, 1983 “It’s a Small World” has been present in five Disney parks all over the world. Because of this, there isn’t a time when the song is not playing in at least two parks at any one time… that’s right, since 1983! Which means from the moment when you wake up in the morning to overnight when you are sleeping, no matter where you are, “It’s a Small World” is playing.
For the frequent park-goer, this ride might not always be a must do, but I hope these facts change that!
Hope this brings some magic to your day!
— Laurie
