It's a Small World

It's a Small World is a covered boat ride through several illuminated rooms where hundreds of singing dolls represent different continents. The boats glide slowly through artificial canals past colorful backdrops, each showing a different geographic zone.

The attraction was designed in 1964 for the New York World's Fair as a contribution for UNICEF and brought to California two years later. Later, identical versions were built in Florida and Hong Kong, largely adopting the original concept.

National anthems and folk songs from different countries were adapted into a single melody so all figures sing together. The costumes and decorations show recognizable features of each region, from European folk dress to Asian garments.

The ride lasts about a quarter of an hour and takes place in open boats that move slowly, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. The loading system is continuously in motion, so waiting times tend to be shorter than at other rides.

The melody plays simultaneously in more than a dozen languages, made possible technically by precise synchronization of each figure. Every doll moves only its mouth and arms, yet together they create the impression of a worldwide children's choir.

Location: California

Location: Florida

Location: Hong Kong

Inception: April 22, 1964

Part of: Fantasyland

GPS coordinates: 33.81460,-117.91800

Latest update: December 12, 2025 20:23