The earworm heard all around the “Small World” within each global iteration of Disney Parks’ classic boat ride is getting a massive change in time for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. The original attraction It’s a Small World at the Anaheim, CA park will be getting an extended cut of its theme song, written by Richard Sherman before his passing last year.
Sherman left the new verse for “It’s a Small World” to Bob Iger in 2023 as a parting gift to the studio that changed his life as part of the Sherman Brothers. Along with his brother Robert, Richard Sherman was responsible for some of the most timeless Disney songs for films and Disneyland attractions, including Mary Poppins, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and of course It’s A Small World.
The attraction has only ever been slightly altered in the past, with the addition of Disney characters in the style of Mary Blaire (who designed the children and aesthetic of the ride) as new features in scenes related to their countries of origin with background music from the films. For example, you can hear an instrumental of “A Whole New World” softly playing when you see Aladdin and Jasmine on the magic carpet along with the ride’s main theme song. During the park’s annual winter overlay “It’s A Small World Holiday,” “Jingle Bells” and “Deck The Halls” are weaved in with the main track. This is the first time the song itself is getting a major addition.
Here’s the video that Disney studios released to honor Sherman with the added lyrics, which will be featured on the beloved attraction beginning July 17, Disneyland’s 70th birthday.
The story of the song’s new verse will be featured in another experience inside the Main Street Cinema, where park guests visiting for Disneyland’s milestone anniversary can watch the short above as a tribute to the Sherman Brothers. And at the Main Street Opera house, park goers can explore a curated gallery dedicated to Disneyland’s opening with art, artifacts, and images (some never before seen) as well.
July 17 will also mark the arrival of a Walt Disney animatronic that is set to be featured in a new show “Walt Disney—A Magical Life.” To celebrate the moment, Imagineering will host an exhibit tracing the progress made with audio animatronics from the parks’ opening through to today. Additionally, the lobby exit will highlight an exhibit about Disney Parks’ innovative progress, from Disneyland’s opening to glimpses of what’s next.
Celebrations for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary will begin May 16. The “It’s a Small World” enhancement and “Walt Disney—A Magical Life” will open July 17, seven decades to the day of the park’s opening.
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