Archive for March 8th, 2010
There’s So Much That We Share
I think my son said it best. Although he had visited Walt Disney World a dozen times with his grandmother, it was my very first trip. I suggested giving the attraction a pass and he looked at me with horror, “But Mom, we have to do this; It’s A Small World is Disney.”
And so it is.
The cheerful little title tune, the subject of so much whining, is actually thought to be the most widely-performed and translated song in the world. Yes, it is sung for ten minutes straight, in five different languages by audioanimatronic figures backed up by assorted animals and animated props, as guests float past a variety of scenes representing many world cultures. But the ride, first created for the New York World’s Fair of 1964, also embodies so much of the Disney tradition and spirit.
Overseen by Walt himself, it was designed by Mary Blair, best known for her murals in the Grand Concourse of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. It also features the work of other Disney legends: Joyce Carlson, and Marc and Alice Davis. The original attraction found a home in Disneyland but it has been recreated for Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland.
The exquisitely-detailed costumes alone are worth the voyage over the Seven Seaways. Small children, dressed to evoke their native lands, bounce and twist to the ever-present music. It is charming and colorful, promoting a message of goodwill and unity – and, let’s be honest, every vacation can generally use a dash of goodwill and unity!
It’s a Small World
Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland
Approximately 10 minutes
Guests must transfer from wheelchair and ECV to ride vehicle
No flash photography
Handheld captioning device available
Park admission required
