Disney has officially confirmed an update to one of its most beloved attractions, “it’s a small world”. The classic ride, known for its uplifting message of unity and its famously catchy theme song, will debut a new verse at Disneyland Park in Anaheim on July 17—coinciding with the park’s 70th anniversary.
Originally created for the 1964 New York World’s Fair before making its permanent home at Disneyland, “it’s a small world” was designed by Disney Legends Mary Blair and Rolly Crump. The slow-moving boat ride takes guests on a journey through colorful scenes featuring children from around the world, all singing in multiple languages. Its theme song, written by The Sherman Brothers, has remained one of Disney’s most enduring melodies.
This summer, however, a new addition is being made to the song.
A New Verse for “it’s a small world”
Disney Parks Blog has announced that an additional verse, written by late composer Richard M. Sherman before his passing in 2024, will be incorporated into the attraction’s soundtrack. First revealed in the short film The Last Verse last November, the lyrics read:
Mother Earth unites us in heart and mind
And the love we give makes us humankind
Through our vast wondrous land
When we stand hand-in-hand
It’s a small world after all
Alongside this update, Disneyland will screen The Last Verse daily at the Main Street Cinema on Main Street, U.S.A.
The short film is also available for streaming on Disney+ and YouTube.
Disney has yet to confirm whether the updated verse will be added to other versions of the ride at Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Disneyland Paris, or Tokyo Disneyland.
While “it’s a small world” has seen various changes over the years, this is one of the more subtle modifications to the attraction’s audio. More recently, Tokyo Disneyland introduced “it’s a small world with Groot”, a temporary overlay featuring the Guardians of the Galaxy character and several Marvel heroes reimagined in the signature Mary Blair style.
Other Additions Coming to Disneyland
Beyond “it’s a small world”, Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebrations will bring additional updates to the park. The Opera House on Main Street, U.S.A., will debut a new gallery exhibit exploring the evolution of Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland. Created in collaboration with The Walt Disney Family Museum, the experience will feature over 30 artifacts, including personal items from Walt Disney’s apartment above the Fire Station.
Disney also confirmed a delay for Walt Disney – A Magical Life, the new show announced at D23 that features an Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself. Originally set to open in May, the production will now debut on July 17, using remastered footage and archival recordings to chronicle Walt’s life. After its initial run, the show will rotate with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
What addition are you most excited to see at Disneyland in July?
