Walt Disney’s “it’s a small world” officially opened at Disneyland’s Fantasyland on May 28, 1966, marking its 60th anniversary this week. The beloved attraction originally debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair before finding its permanent home at Disneyland, and it has welcomed guests ever since.
A Legacy Six Decades In The Making
“it’s a small world” was designed by Walt Disney and his Imagineers as a salute to UNICEF and the children of the world. The ride features nearly 300 Audio-Animatronics dolls representing children from countries across the globe. All are set to the Sherman Brothers song that has become one of the most widely heard pieces of music ever written. Disney characters were added to the attraction in 2009.
The attraction also received a special update as part of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebrations last year, when a new final verse of the iconic song was added to the ride’s finale.
How Disney Celebrated The 60th Anniversary
Disney launched a dedicated 60th anniversary merchandise collection to mark the occasion. The collection is available at Disneyland and on DisneyStore.com. Items include a Loungefly crossbody bag, a bucket bag, an ear hat, a button-up shirt, a t-shirt, limited-edition pins, a mystery pin blind pack, and kids apparel.
Sixty years in, “it’s a small world” remains one of the most purely joyful experiences Disney Parks has to offer. Whether you have ridden it dozens of times or are saving it for your first visit, the charm of the attraction has not faded. For more Disneyland history and news, check out our article on Kids Rule Summer at Disneyland. For official details on the anniversary collection, visit shopDisney.com.
