It's a Small World

It 's a small world is a theme ride at Disneyland (California), the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World (Florida), Tokyo Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland and Disneyland Park at Disneyland Resort Paris. Visitors to the attraction take place in small boats which they lead past comic-like presentations of the various continents. Are populated these sceneries of nearly 300 audio animatronic children dolls, which sing the song of the same title "it's a small world " of friendship and mutual understanding.

History

Its origin had created the attraction at the New York World 's Fair 1964, for Walt Disney and his Imagineers "it's a small world " as sponsored by Pepsi Cola UNICEF pavilion. The design of the attraction is mainly attributable to the artist Mary Blair, who was involved in the 1940s and 1950s in the production of various Disney animated films. In particular their work on three Caballeros is said to have served as inspiration for the design of "it's a small world ".

After the end of the world exhibition was brought the attraction to the California Disneyland, where it was re-opened on 28 May 1966. "It's a small world " proved so popular that other versions of this boat ride at Walt Disney World (1971 ), Tokyo Disneyland (1983 ), Disneyland Paris (1992) and Hong Kong Disneyland (2008) were built.

Implementation and variants

One of the most important elements of attraction, however, should be their very catchy music: the initial idea of ​​playing during the boat ride, the different national anthems of the countries shown, not proved feasible, Disney was a song in order, which will be played throughout had could. The music composed by the brothers Robert and Richard Sherman music was easy to vary and their text easy to translate, so that over the attraction of the song could be sung in several languages. Today is considered "it's a small world " as one of the most played songs as well meistparodierten the world - such as in the episode " Selma wants a baby," the Simpsons but also their own in Disney's The Lion King.

Since 1999 is redesigned each year Christmas time "it's a small world holiday" at Disneyland "it's a small world " California: the dolls wear more festive costumes and scenes of the attractions to be provided with decorative allusions to the various festivals of different cultures. Among the well-known theme song to this blend Christmas carols such as " Jingle Bells" or " Deck the Halls ". It has meanwhile become "it's a small world holiday" in Tokyo Disneyland an integral part of the local Christmas season.

Also for issues drives other operators was "it's a small world " as a model. So, for example, built Efteling with " Carnival Festival " or the Parque de Atracciones Madrid with "Fantasia" very similar themed rides.