In 1964, the world was introduced to a boat ride that would become one of Disney’s most iconic attractions: “it’s a small world.” Celebrating the 60th anniversary of its debut at the New York World’s Fair this year, this beloved attraction has become a symbol of global unity and the simple, yet profound idea that across countries and continents, humans like us all around the world are connected, and not too different from one another after all.
As we get closer to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event and all the exciting updates to come during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase on Aug. 10, we’re taking a look back and celebrating some of our favorite classic attractions over the years. Read on to learn more about “it’s a small world” history — from its New York World’s Fair debut to becoming a Disney Park crowd favorite.
Flashback to the mid-1960s, Walt Disney was commissioned to create an attraction for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) pavilion as a “salute to all the world’s children” for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. Walt envisioned a boat ride that transported guests from country to country on “The Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed” and featured children from around the world singing in harmony and promoting peace.
The original attraction is often characterized by its iconic marquee, the Tower of the Four Winds, a 120-foot high tower of mobiles, conceived by Walt’s memory of colorful mobiles constructed from unusual materials like matchboxes and driftwood from inside his studio library several years prior. Designed by Disney Legend, Rolly Crump, the Tower of Four Winds was powered solely by wind and has been described as wild and colorful, representing a carefree interpretation of childhood spirit and youthful energy.
The creative team behind the attraction included some of Disney’s most talented Imagineers, such as Disney Legends Marc Davis (who you might remember was one of the minds behind our favorite singin’, dancin’ bears), Alice Davis, creator of the highly detailed costumes, and Mary Blair, whose distinctive artistic style shaped the ride’s whimsical aesthetic. Meanwhile, brothers and Disney Legends Richard and Robert Sherman composed the attraction’s unforgettable, eponymous theme song.
Each scene of “it’s a small world” showcases different regions of the world, populated by a myriad of children portrayed through Audio-Animatronics, dressed in clothing inspired by traditional outfits and singing “It’s a Small World” in multiple languages. The vibrant colors, intricate details and cheerful atmosphere create an immersive experience that delights guests of all ages to this day.
Celebrated Disney artist Mary Blair played a pivotal role in defining the visual style of the renowned attraction. She envisioned a stylized, storybook-like world that would appeal to children and adults alike. Known for her use of bold colors, geometric shapes, and classic, yet expressive designs, Mary’s work brought a unique and enchanting atmosphere to this beloved attraction. The result? A vibrant and cohesive aesthetic that seamlessly blended different countries and cultures into a harmonious, timeless and visually captivating experience.
Many elements of “it’s a small world” are still instantly recognizable today, like the popular clockwork art for the attraction’s opening at Disneyland that was later replicated at Walt Disney World in the mid 2000s.
Since its debut, “it’s a small world” has been brought to Disney parks around the globe, beginning with a larger version arriving at Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort in California only two years after its debut. Over time, the attraction made its way to Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida in 1971, as well as Tokyo Disneyland in 1983, Disneyland Paris in 1992, and Hong Kong Disneyland in 2008. It’s one of the most recognizable attractions and songs at Disney parks around the world.
Each iteration maintains the same art style and message of unity as the original attraction and features the same iconic clockwork art. The global presence of “it’s a small world” reinforces its longstanding message of peace and a united world, as guests from different parts of the world get to experience the joy and childlike wonder Walt was first inspired by all those years ago.
In 2009, Disney introduced an enhancement to “it’s a small world” at Disneyland by incorporating beloved Disney characters into the attraction. These characters were integrated seamlessly into the existing scenes and added a new layer of engagement and familiarity for guests by representing a variety of beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios films including Cinderella and Prince Charming from Disney Animation’s “Cinderella” and Woody, Jessie and Bullseye from Pixar’s “Toy Story” films.
All designed in Mary Blair’s iconic style to maintain the ride’s artistic cohesiveness, the integration of fan favorite, recognizable Disney characters enabled a new generation of fans to connect with the ride while preserving its original charm and message. The attraction at Tokyo Disneyland will even be getting a heroic look early next year with the arrival of “it’s a small world with Groot.” In this upcoming, limited-time experience, Groot from “Guardians of the Galaxy” and his friends are traveling to Earth on vacation. Guests will travel along with Groot and his Super Hero friends – including some of the Avengers — at destinations all over the world.
“it’s a small world” has always been more than just a boat ride and embodies a vision of a world where shared humanity brings us together and our differences are celebrated. As we look back on six decades of magic and inspiration, the 60th anniversary is not just a celebration of the beloved attraction, but a reaffirmation of what it represents. “it’s a small world’s” long-standing message of inclusion and diversity and how it really is just “a small world after all,” is just as relevant and special today as it was in 1964.
Check out our blog for a historical breakdown of Country Bear Jamboree and more to come as we gear up for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. We’ll also have the latest news, announcements and happenings coming out of Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase on Aug. 10, so be sure to check back here and follow Disney parks on social media.
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