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    "it's a small world"

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Description And Comments

A happy and upbeat attraction with a world-brotherhood theme and a catchy tune that will roll around in your head for weeks. Small boats convey visitors on a tour around the world, with singing and dancing dolls showcasing the dress and culture of each nation. Almost everyone enjoys "it's a small world" (well, there are those jaded folks who are put off by the dolls' homogeneous appearance, especially in light of the diversity theme), but it stands, along with the Enchanted Tiki Room, as an attraction that some could take or leave but that others consider one of the real masterpieces of Disneyland Park.

In 2009 Disney inserted more than 20 new figures of Disney and Pixar characters into the classic attraction, over the vocal objections of some serious Disney fans. Tastefully crafted in the style of original artist Mary Blair, the additions don't detract from the ride, except in the tacky U.S.A. tribute tacked onto the end.

A mom from Castleton, Vermont, added this:

"it's a small world" at Fantasyland was like a pit stop in the Twilight Zone. They were very slow unloading the boats, and we were stuck in a line of about six boats waiting to get out while the endless chanting of that song grated on my nerves. I told my husband I was going to swim for it just to escape one more chorus.

"it's a small world" Holiday

From November through New Year's, the attraction receives an annual "it's a small world" Holiday overlay inside the attraction as well as outside, featuring "Jingle Bells" and "Deck the Halls" instead of the usual earworm soundtrack. We particularly enjoy the light-show and projection effects outside the attraction that happen every 15 minutes. We can't emphasis enough how much the holiday overlay changes the attraction. It's spectacular and a must do.

Touring Tips

"it's a small world" is a fast-loading ride that's usually a good bet during the busier times of the day. The boats are moved along by water pressure, which increases as boats are added. Thus, the more boats in service when you ride (up to a maximum total of 60), the shorter the duration of the ride (and wait).

Small World is taken off-line in mid-October and reopened in November with a special Christmas holiday theme. Removal of the overlay also keeps the ride closed for several weeks after the holiday season.

Two notes: while the loading can be very quick when there are many boats running, the unloading can be very slow. Second, the attraction has two loading zones, one which has wheelchair access and one without. Unless you need wheelchair access, we recommend using the loading zone on the far side of the entrance by choosing right-hand side of the queue when it splits.

Ride Through Video

Holiday Ride Through Video

"it's a small world" Wait Times

This chart shows you roughly how long you'll wait for "it's a small world" when you visit on a day with a given Disneyland Park Crowd Level. The blue bars represent the average "peak" wait time (that is, how long the line will be at its busiest). The bottom and top black lines represent the range of peak wait times to expect (for you fellow nerds out there: it's the 5th percentile and 95th percentile of peak wait times). Please note that these are estimates, and for a better forecast for your travel dates, see "it's a small world" Wait Times.

Attraction Photos

Special Comments

A pleasant change of pace.

Special Needs

Additional Resources

Social distancing markers have been placed in the queue. Boats are regularly cleaned with sanitizing spray by a Disney castmember. On the ride itself every other row is loaded with groups of 3 to 5 people.

Other Attractions in Fantasyland

Touring Plans with "it's a small world"

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