Countdown - 82 Days to Go!
- Jillian Wallin
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
🎶 82 Days to Go: Let’s Talk About “It’s a Small World”
I’d be remiss if I didn’t deep dive into probably one of the most polarizing Disney attractions out there. If you guessed “It’s a Small World”, then we’re totally aligned. Whether you find it charming or slightly creepy, there’s no denying—it’s iconic.
🏛️ A World’s Fair Legacy
Back in 1964, the Disney Company made a splash at the New York World’s Fair. They were already involved in:
Magic Skyway (Ford Pavilion)
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (Illinois Pavilion)
Carousel of Progress (General Electric Pavilion)
But Walt being Walt… that wasn’t enough. So cue the creation of It’s a Small World—a whimsical boat ride featuring animatronics, international flair, and a tune that’s impossible to forget.
Fun fact: all of these attractions were designed to be dismantled and moved to Disneyland after the fair ended. So there is chance that you've expereinced some of them!
🗓️ Park Timeline: Where You Can Ride It
🌍 Park | 📅 Opening Date | ✨ Notes |
Disneyland (CA)  | May 28, 1966 | In 2009, they added beloved Disney characters to the ride. Can you spot them all? |
Magic Kingdom (FL)  | October 1, 1971 | Opening day attraction—but no grand façade like Disneyland’s. Missed opportunity? Maybe! |
Disneyland Tokyo | April 15, 1983 | This version is stunning! They took the Disneyland façade and gave it a vibrant glow-up. |
Hong Kong Disneyland | April 28, 2008 | Façade and Disney characters? This one started strong with the best of both worlds. |
Disneyland Paris | April 12, 1992 | Another gorgeous façade—Disney clearly learned it’s a must-have. |
Shanghai Disneyland | — | No It’s a Small World here. Shocking, right? |
💦 Fun Facts You Might Not Know
MagicBand Magic – In some parks, your MagicBand may trigger a personalized goodbye as you exit the ride.
Exiting Disneyland's Its a Small World - Photo Credit Jillian Wallin Musical Marathon – The theme song can play up to 1,200 times during a 16-hour shift. Cast Members deserve medals.¹
Tradition Matters – Disney research says 1 in 4 guests consider this a ride of tradition.¹ We’re definitely in that camp—even after getting stuck on it!
Holiday Overlay – Disneyland shuts the ride down for weeks before Christmas to install a festive overlay, complete with holiday tunes.
Holiday Overlay at Disneyland - PhotoCredit JillianWallin Doll Count – Nearly 300 dolls populate the ride. If you suffer from pediophobia (fear of dolls), maybe skip this one…
🐘 Final Thoughts
It’s a Small World is pure Disney DNA. Alongside castles and Space Mountain, it’s one of those attractions that instantly evokes the magic. Unless you’re truly petrified by the idea of floating through a city of dolls, I say give it a try. Personally, I’ve loved every boat tour I’ve taken—though if you get stuck, may the Cast Members have mercy and mute the music!
📚 Reference
¹ McMorrow-Hernandez, J. (2014, May 14). 20 facts about Disney’s It’s a Small World ride, which turns 50 this year. Travel Hacks Guide. https://travel.thefuntimesguide.com/its-a-small-world/
Want help turning this into a countdown graphic or carousel post? I’ve got ideas for layouts, captions, and even a “Façade Face-Off” ranking if you’re game!
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