General Information

Location: Opposite Mickey's PhilharMagic near the entry to Liberty Square.

Date Opened: 10/1/1971

# of Ride Units: 30 boats can run simultaneously.

Ride Capacity: 20 adults per boat, though that would be unusually crowded.

Restraint Method: None

Ticket Rating: D Ticket

Ride Photo: No

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Time Commitment

Open/Close: Opens and closes with the park. This attraction is open during both morning and evening Extra Magic Hours.

Wait Times: A high capacity line that moves quickly. That said, it is popular (despite how often is it mocked) and during peak periods you may have to wait 45 minutes or longer.

Length of Ride: 11 minutes

FastPass: No

Single Rider: No

Queue Description: Interestingly, the show building's "facade" is inside, under cover. After a spring 2005 refurbishment the attraction reopened with a new facade inspired by the larger, more intricate one at Disneyland.

Access Information

Health Restriction: None

Ride Access: The queue is accessible along with two specially configured boats. Wheelchairs can roll directly onto the boat.

Wheelchair Transfer: It is necessary to transfer from ECVs into a wheelchair (available at the attraction.

Service Animals: Yes

Audio: "it's a small world" is sung throughout the ride in various languages. Assistive listening devices for this attraction are available at guest services.

Weight and Size Issues: The boats should be able to accommodate just about any weight or height, though comfort may increase by putting fewer people in the same row.

Parenting Information

Height Restriction: None

Child Swap: Yes

Other Issues:

History and Trivia

  • At this location: "it's a small world" has been in this location since the park opened in 1971.
  • The Attraction's History: The original "it's a small world" attraction was designed under contract as Pepsi-Cola's exhibit at the 1964 World's Fair in New York City. The visual look was designed by acclaimed Imagineer Mary Blair, to go along with the ride, Walt Disney asked the Sherman Brothers to come up with a simple song that could be repeated in many languages; to the delight or horror of millions of park guests, that is exactly what they provided. Extremely successful at the World's Fair, the ride was transferred to Disneyland in 1965, and was an opening day attraction at Magic Kingdom in 1971. Though the interior of the ride has remained mostly the same over the interveing decades, tweaks were made and a 2005 refurbishment restored many elements back to their original versions. Also new in 2005 is a "facade" (actually the back wall of the interior loading area) that is inspired and pays tribute to the facade at Disneyland.
  • Other Trivia:
    • Sponsors: Though currently unsponsored, the toy maker Mattel sponsored "it's a small world from 1991 through 1999.