Disneyland’s “it’s a small world” has been delighting guests since it debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair six decades ago, however, there’s more going on under the surface of the “happiest cruise that ever sailed” than many know.
The story behind “it’s a small world”’s conception is one of the most oft-told in Disney Imagineering lore, appearing in several documentaries including the Behind the Attraction episode based on the attraction. In 1963, Pepsi approached the Walt Disney Company about possibly designing an attraction for the UNICEF (an agency of the United Nations responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide) pavilion they were sponsoring at the 1964 World’s Fair. The company initially dealt with Disney executive Admiral Joe Fowler, who turned down the request, due to Disney already working on three other attractions for the Fair without even consulting Walt Disney. Actress Joan Crawford, who sat on Pepsi’s board at the time took her case straight to Walt. Incensed at Fowler, Disney immediately signed the company on to do the project. With about 11 months lead time, Disney assembled an all-star team of Imagineering talent including Marc Davis, Alice Davis, Rolly Crump, and the legendary Mary Blair to complete the “little boat ride.”
That “little boat ride” went on to become the smash hit of the 64 Fair. Buoyed by Blair’s brilliant designs and the instantly memorable (some would say unforgettable) title song by the Sherman Brothers, “it’s a small world” became a pop cultural sensation. Following the Fair’s second and final season, the ride was moved to Disneyland in Anaheim California, taking up residence in a new show building featuring a whimsical Crump-designed facade. So, let’s take a look under the waters of this Imagineering icon.
Waters from All Over the World
According to Disney, “in preparation for the Disneyland Park dedication of “it’s a small world” on May 28, 1966, samples were gathered from bodies of water around the world for Walt Disney to pour into the attraction’s Seven Seaways canal.”
Jet Power
The boats on “it’s a small world” run on a track along the ride’s route, and are periodically pushed forward by water jets that propel them.
Sunken Treasure
Like many bodies of water in Disneyland – – including fountains and other flumes – – it’s become a tradition for guests to toss coins into the flume for “it’s a small world.” In line with the attraction’s UNICEF routes, Disney periodically gathers this money and donates it to children’s charities.
Chemicals
We’ve heard mixed things as to whether the water on “it’s a small world” is treated with bromide like some of Disney’s other water rides. Though, if we were to venture a guess, we’d guess that it is treated with some kind of chemicals since it smells similar to the waters from Pirates of the Caribbean and other similar attractions.
Flume Replacement
In 2007 Disney embarked on a massive refurbishment project to replace the entirety of the “it’s a small world” flume at Disneyland, as the original mid-60s version had deepened, causing issues with boats bottoming out. At the time, rumors flew that the sinking of the flu was due to to Americans being on average heavier than they had been 40 years earlier. Disney denied this, saying the issue actually stemmed from years of patchwork repairs to the attraction. Either way, the nerdy refurbished flume reopened in 2008.
“it’s a small world” remains one of the most beloved rides in Disney history, and we just know that song is stuck in your had now! Stay tuned to AllEars for more on the inner workings of Disney’s attractions.
Disney NEEDS to Fix the Carousel of Progress Finale ASAP
Are you a fan of “it’s a small world”? Let us know in the comments below.
I love the ride I go on it at least 3 times a year and take all my guests on it everything. I’m not able to walk. But I still go overtime. I travel from Washington State 3 times year and stay 5 to 8 days each trip. I love Disneyland and will continue to go every year.