Posts Tagged ‘Tokyo Disneyland’

Another tantalizing image, courtesy of our friend Peter Lee who recently returned from a visit to Tokyo with an extraordinary collection of photographs.  Here’s a delightful detail from Aunt Peg’s Village Store in Tokyo Disneyland where you’re sure to fall in love with Old Cape Cod!

Our thanks to photographer Peter Lee for this ethereal shot of the Tokyo Disneyland Electric Parade – Dreamlights.  Doesn’t it make you want to jump on a plane to Japan?

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