On Friday, January 19, 2024, “it’s a small world” reopened at the Disneyland Resort. It had only been closed a short time as its holiday overlay was removed. As the park opened on Friday, many guests could be seen heading to the beloved attraction. Unfortunately, it didn’t open right away with the park. Several kind cast member explained that the attraction wasn’t open quite yet but hopefully it would be soon. This is indeed what happened. Soon, people were aboard “the happiest cruise that ever sailed” and experiencing the children of the world reminding everyone that it really is a small world after all. Check out a video of the attraction on its first day in attraction at Disneyland in its classic form in 2024 here:
“it’s a small world” was originally developed for the 1964 World’s Fair. After two seasons at the World’s Fair, it was packed up and moved out to Disneyland. This attraction has the iconic song written by the Sherman Bros., the whimsical designs of Mary Blair, and the beautiful costumes created by Alice Davis.
Since opening in 1966, the attraction has mostly stayed the same. It has had a few updates, one of them being the annual holiday overlay. Another was in 2009, when select Disney characters were added to the ride. These characters were made in the style of the dolls originally created for the attraction so that they fit in with everything else. Now kids, and kids at heart, have fun spotting these characters as they glide through the attraction. They include Peter Pan and Tinker Bell in England, Cinderella in her native France, Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket in Italy, Aladdin and Jasmine in the Middle East, The Three Caballeros in Mexico, Ariel and Flounder under the sea, Lilo and Stitch in the South Pacific and Woody, Bullseye and Jessie in the southwestern U.S.A.
“it’s a small world” is a beloved classic Disney attraction that has made millions happy through the years. It has a wonderful theme that promotes peace and compassion that has been replicated at Disney theme parks around the world.
