It's a Small World

It's a Small World is one of Uncle Walt's most annoying creations. Yes I said annoying. Let me show you what I mean. (All together now...)

It's a world of laughter, a world or tears
Its a world of hopes, its a world of fear
There's so much that we share
That its time we're aware
It's a small world after all

See how long that sticks in your head. (Yep, Dad has a mean streak.)

"The happiest cruise that ever sailed the seven seas" is the official slogan of this ride. I don't know about the seven seas ...

It's a Small World

Photo by Express Monorail

Waiting Area

The waiting area for this ride is a ramp that descends into the loading area. You get to watch the people loading into the boats and getting out of the boats. (Pay close attention. There are unconfirmed rumors about strange happenings on It's a Small World, the scariest ride at Disney World.)

Dad's Ride Information Table

History

The ride at Disney World opened October 1, 1971 with the rest of the Magic Kingdom. It's based on the attraction that originally debuted as the Pepsi Pavillion at the World's Fair in 1964.

• There are 472 figures, 289 animated dolls, 147 toys and 36 props (from Wikipedia)
• It takes 500,000 gallons of water to fill the "river"
• The original attraction in Disney World was completed in 9 months.

Video of the Ride

Check out the video of Uncle Walt at the opening of the Disneyland version. Walt talks about how every country is represented, and it shows the Opening Day ceremony where water from all countries is poured into the "river".

Fun Facts

• The song was originally written as a slow ballad. When Uncle Walt heard it he said he needed something peppier. So the tempo was speeded up, and the rest is history.
• 5 different languages are in the song.
• Over 100 countries are represented in the ride.

Needed Information

• Wheelchairs are loaded onto the boats.
• Fastpass is not available for this ride.

Dad's Bottom Line

Unfortunately the ride has become almost a universal joke. Everyone likes to poke fun at the song and at the hokey message of World unity. However, it's still one of the Magic Kingdom's busiest rides. Uncle Walt truly created a timeless masterpiece.

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