A beloved Disneyland attraction returns to Fantasyland on Friday, Feb. 6, when "it's a small world" opens with some new storytelling magic. With the premiere of a new "Spirit of America" scene, new musical enhancements, and a new look for some of the attraction's familiar child dolls, "it's a small world" will once again take guests of all ages on "the happiest cruise that ever sailed."
This classic attraction has been renovated and enhanced while retaining the world-renowned charm that holds such a special place in the hearts of Disneyland guests. The "it's a small world" journey continues to celebrate children of the world and their message of harmony and friendship. And now, for the first time, guests will be able to find some of the child dolls dressed as their favorite Disney characters, in the countries where their stories take place. For example, dolls dressed in Aladdin and Jasmine costumes play in the Middle East scene, and a doll dressed as Alice from "Alice in Wonderland" appears in the Great Britain scene.
Guests will enjoy riding "it's a small world" again and again as they search for the 29 Disney and Disney-Pixar characters now represented in the attraction. Some appear as child dolls and some are playful-looking toys, such as the White Rabbit who accompanies Alice. The new doll costumes and toys are fashioned in the same artistic style that has made "it's a small world" an icon around the globe. That style was created by art director, color stylist and Disney Legend Mary Blair, whose sense of design shaped "it's a small world" from the very beginning.
"We know that many people have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to relive their 'it's a small world' memories and to create new ones with children, grandchildren and friends," said Disney Imagineer art director Kim Irvine. "It's a pleasure to once again offer this beloved attraction to Disneyland guests, now with some special Disney enhancements."
Among the enhancements is a new "Spirit of America" scene based on original concept art by Disney Legend Mary Blair, in keeping with the "it's a small world" theme that friendship crosses all nations, including the United States.
Child dolls that are costumed as stylized representations of their favorite Disney characters can be spotted in several scenes. The children in many "it's a small world" scenes will have a variety of new stylized toys to play with, inspired by Disney and Disney-Pixar characters: Woody and Jessie for "Spirit of America," a Mushu dragon kite for China, "The Three Caballeros" marionettes for Latin America, and others.
Additional fresh touches will be heard in the augmented "it's a small world" soundtrack. The renowned "it's a small world" song, written by Academy Award-winning composers Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman (MARY POPPINS), will still play throughout the attraction. Now, however, some subtle film music is woven into the song as counterpoint melodies, fitting the characters and scenes. All of the boats in "it's a small world" are new and designed to evoke the look and feel of boats that children of the world might play with anywhere.
