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Walt Disney World >> Magic Kingdom >> Fantasyland

it's a small world

Another opening day attraction, "it's a small world" was modeled after the original 1964 World's Fair attraction that was later transferred to Disneyland. Over 500 Mary Blair-designed audio-animatronic characters serenade guests with the Sherman Brothers famous anthem for more than 10 minutes; one of the longest rides at Walt Disney World. Guests glide through six large rooms representing the populated continents of the world. In early 2005 "it's a small world" underwent and extensive refurbishment with the exterior color being changed to white, blue, and gold and a clock face similar to Disneyland's was added. The soundtrack was also restored to the 1964 original.

General Information - Hide Section
  • Location: Opposite Mickey's PhilharMagic near the entry to Liberty Square.
  • Date Opened: 10/1/1971
  • # of Ride Units: 30 boats can run simultaneously.
  • Ride Capacity: 20 adults per boat, though that would be unusually crowded.
  • Restraint Method: None
  • Ticket Rating: D Ticket
  • Ride Photo: No
 
Time Commitment Information - Hide Section
  • Open/Close: Opens and closes with the park. This attraction is open during both morning and evening Extra Magic Hours.
  • Wait Times: A high capacity line that moves quickly. That said, it is popular (despite how often is it mocked) and during peak periods you may have to wait 45 minutes or longer.
  • Length of Ride: 11 minutes
  • FastPass: No
  • Single Rider: No
  • Queue Description: Interestingly, the show building's "facade" is inside, under cover. After a spring 2005 refurbishment the attraction reopened with a new facade inspired by the larger, more intricate one at Disneyland.
Access Information - Hide Section
  • Health Restriction: None
  • Ride Access: The queue is accessible along with two specially configured boats. Wheelchairs can roll directly onto the boat.
  • Wheelchair Transfer: It is necessary to transfer from ECVs into a wheelchair (available at the attraction.
  • Service Animals: Yes
  • Audio: "it's a small world" is sung throughout the ride in various languages. Assistive listening devices for this attraction are available at guest services.
  • Weight and Size Issues: The boats should be able to accommodate just about any weight or height, though comfort may increase by putting fewer people in the same row.
Parenting Information - Hide Section
  • Height Restriction: None
  • Child Swap: Yes
  • Other Issues:
History and Trivia - Hide Section
  • At this location: "it's a small world" has been in this location since the park opened in 1971.
  • The Attraction's History: The original "it's a small world" attraction was designed under contract as Pepsi-Cola's exhibit at the 1964 World's Fair in New York City. The visual look was designed by acclaimed Imagineer Mary Blair, to go along with the ride, Walt Disney asked the Sherman Brothers to come up with a simple song that could be repeated in many languages; to the delight or horror of millions of park guests, that is exactly what they provided. Extremely successful at the World's Fair, the ride was transferred to Disneyland in 1965, and was an opening day attraction at Magic Kingdom in 1971. Though the interior of the ride has remained mostly the same over the interveing decades, tweaks were made and a 2005 refurbishment restored many elements back to their original versions. Also new in 2005 is a "facade" (actually the back wall of the interior loading area) that is inspired and pays tribute to the facade at Disneyland.
  • Other Trivia:
    • Sponsors: Though currently unsponsored, the toy maker Mattel sponsored "it's a small world from 1991 through 1999.


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