It's a Small World (formatted “it's a small world” by the Walt Disney Company) is a popular attraction at several Walt Disney theme parks: Disneyland© (in California), Walt Disney World© (Magic Kingdom in Florida), Tokyo Disneyland© and Disneyland Resort Paris©. It has been announced that it will open in Hong Kong Disneyland© in 2008.The ride features a multitude of audio-animatronic figures in the style of children of the world singing the ride's title track (composed by the Sherman Brothers), which has a theme of global peace.
Like several other Disneyland© attractions, It's a Small World originated with the 1964/1965 New York World's Fair (it was Pepsi's© pavilion). After the fair closed the ride was transferred to Disneyland© and when the other parks opened they too included versions of the ride. The attraction was designed by Mary Blair, who was also an art director on several Disney animated features (including Cinderella and Peter Pan). Like many Disneyland© and Walt Disney World© attractions, scenes and characters were designed by Marc Davis, while his wife, Alice Davis, designed the outfits of the dolls.
The name of the ride was originally "children of the world." When Walt Disney demonstrated it to songwriters, the Sherman Brothers, the ride's soundtrack featured numerous national anthems all playing at once. Disney said, "I need one song." In response, the brothers wrote what would disputably be known as the most performed and translated song on earth: It's a Small World.
The Walt Disney Classics Collection introduced the 'it's a small world series in 2003. One release, very fitting for Thanksgiving is the Native American Indian Boy ("Little Big Chief") released in August, 2005. This two-piece set consisted of the Native American Indian Boy (7") and Cactus Accessory (4-3/4").
I'm a big fan of the attraction and of WDCC's it's a small world collection.
ReplyDeleteIt's now one of my daughter's favorites also.
Here's hoping WDCC brings more children of the world into the collection as well as backdrops and animals.
With all the figures available in the WDCC line I wasn't going to venture down this path. Once I purchased my first "Small World" piece there was no stopping me. While the Disney quality remains consistant, the pieces really look great when grouped together. Who says less is more? I agree with herc, bring us more children of the world. My personal favorite is Italy: Serenata with the Gondolier Poles. thanks.
ReplyDeleteMy husband told me not to start collecting the Small World children, because he knew there were alot of different ones. Well needless to say, I did start collecting them & I have been enjoying them ever since! They are all SOOO ADORABLE! They bring back Wonderful childhood memories of the ride & park. Keep bringing more of the children & animals!!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you which one is my favorite, but my first one that I bought was Switzerland: Alpine Climber.
Small World are like Lays Potato Chips, you can't stop with just one .. LOL!
ReplyDeleteThe first Small World I bought was Tahiti as a gift for my wife. It was soon followed by Italy, my personal favorite.
Totally agree, it would be awesome to see more animals and backdrops to flesh out the ride.