I’ve been in a pretty contemplative mood recently. I’ve been thinking a lot about life, and about the world around us. I’ve come to a few realizations that have really sunken in as I’ve gotten older.
It’s a world of laughter.
It’s a world of tears.
It’s a world of hopes.
It’s a world of fears.
There’s so much that we share,
That it’s time we’re aware
It’s a small world after all.
OK, so they aren’t really my observations. But it’s completely true, and, honestly, I think we all need to think about those words more than ever now. Go ahead and sing it with me.
It’s a small world after all.
It’s a small world after all.
It’s a small world after all.
It’s a small, small world.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of our systems, we can talk about the ride itself. This is a Disney classic, a ride that is both iconic of the parks, and synonymous with the Disney brand. Of course, the original, designed for the New York World’s Fair, resides in Disneyland, but the opening day Disney World version is very similar, and beloved as a definitive ride of the park.
Did you know “it’s a small world” is not actually the original name — or song? When designed as the UNICEF/Pepsi pavilion for the Fair, it was called “Children of the World” and had a completely different song. Then the Sherman brothers played Walt a song they wrote after the Cuban Missile Crisis. Walt asked for it to be happier, they sped it up, and the rest is history. When the ride opened at the Fair, it had the name and song we all know. Fun fact.
So, let’s go experience some Disney history together…
As you approach the ride, you’ll notice the queue is all indoors. It’s deceptive in that you usually can’t see people lined up. Instead, they are down deeper in the building, where most of the queue, and the boats, are located. As you pass the glittery, smiling clock, you immediately get a taste of the style of the ride, designed by Disney legend Mary Blair. When it’s your turn, step into the boat and prepare for “the happiest cruise that ever sailed”! The boats accommodate a surprisingly large number of people, so don’t worry if you are traveling with the whole family. As with any ride that involves water and a moving vehicle, be careful as you step in. The boat can be slippery, and shift a little as you climb in. Use the handrail.
When your boat sets sail, be sure to look up and wave at the people watching from Pinocchio’s Village Haus overhead! They can only see you at this part, so don’t be ashamed to sing along enthusiastically when you get inside.
The ride experience itself is delightful for some, terrifying for others. Both exist in my family. Bubba will ride it by himself on repeat all morning if he can, while hubby goes the avoidance route and waits outside for us. The entire ride is about children throughout the world, represented by little dolls — all of which, if you pay attention, have the same face. Their mouths don’t move, but they do dance, play drums, and play. It is all very simplistic movements. Think cuckoo clock. I particularly love the Polynesian dancers and the jungle. Be sure to say hello to the giant pink elephant!
Traveling through the ride you get to visit a huge variety of nations, and hear the iconic song in several different languages, all the while surrounded by whimsical settings and details in Mary Blair’s distinct style. The last scene features all of the children dressed in white and blue, singing the song in English, and dancing together to represent unity. Now that your cruise is coming to an end, you pass through a room filled with signs depicting the word “goodbye” in languages from the countries represented throughout the ride. I love the construction paper-and-glitter look of these signs. It’s so simple, and yet so effective.
It’s hard to get off this ride not feeling a little warm and fuzzy, unless you are one of the ones who really distinctly does not like it. Be careful climbing out of your boat, and take a second just to remember the message of the experience before heading back out into the crowds. It can do your heart good!
And if you happen to see a rather large bearded man wearing light-up fireworks Mickey ears and a stoic expression sitting in the back row by himself — don’t worry. That’s just Bubba. He’s just there to take it all in.
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Taryn was born and raised, and still lives in Richmond, Virginia. Neither she nor her husband ever had the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World when they were children, but when their daughter Avalon came along, they decided she was not going to follow in their footsteps. They brought Avalon for the first time when she was 3 and have been hooked ever since. Now along with Taryn’s mother and equally Disney-loving older brother, they go “home” at least once a year, and by the time she is staring longingly at Cinderella Castle from the ferry on their last night, Taryn is well on her way to planning the next trip. As a group consisting of two adults with Asperger’s, including one who is also vegan, a very accommodating husband, an only child, a senior, and a service dog, they are a pretty special family, but Taryn is excited to show that the World really is The Most Magical Place on Earth and that there is a place there for everyone. When she isn’t thinking about her next Disney adventure and trying to come up with a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party costume that will beat her Oozma Kappa nerd look, she is a professional blogger and novelist, but Taryn also likes to indulge her Disney passion on her Etsy shop It’s Better in Vinyl.
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