How was “It’s a Small World” created?

It’s a Small World has been entertaining millions of guests through the years since it was first created in 1964.  But, discount cialis how was “It’s a Small World” created?

small-world-fair-1964-DPrksIt all began when executives of Pepsi-Cola Co. asked Walt for assistance with the creation of an exhibit for the 1964 World’s Fair to benefit UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund). Walt put Marc Davis, one of the original Disney animators, in charge and he designed the boat ride through the different countries of the world. Mary Blair used- her creative talents to design the colorful sets, dolls, etc.  By the time the Fair was over, the attraction had thrilled more than 10 million children.

Walt Disney with creative team of It's a Small World Marc Davis and Mary Blair 1964Following the close of the Fair in 1965, some changes were made including enlarging it about 33%.  The next year it found it’s permanent home in Disneyland and has been delighting park guests ever since.  It was so successful, one was created for Walt Disney World in Orlando and three other Disney parks throughout the world.

Walt-dolls-DBlogIt’s a Small World is easily identifiable by the international dolls, colorful child-like sets and it’s music.  Who can’t sing or hum the music of It’s a Small World? Answer: No one!

The infectious melody is virtually impossible to ignore during the boat ride.  Everyone is singing or humming the song by the end of the ride. I dare say, many people probably wake up during the following nights with “It’s a small world after all. It’s a small world after all. It’s a small world after world.  It’s a small, small world.”  going through their heads!

The song was written by the Sherman Brothers (Robert and Richard) who were long time Disney staff songwriters. Walt had asked the brothers to craft a tune that could be easily translated into Richard and Robert Sherman, Disney song writersmultiple languages. And that, they did!

The Sherman’s were an incredible team who created the majority of all Disney Park and movie music for decades — Enchanted Tiki Room, Carousel of Progress, “Mary Poppins”, “The Jungle Book,” Winnie the Pooh” and many others.

The next time you’re visiting Disneyland, look up at the windows on Main Street USA and you’ll find one that is dedicated to the Sherman Brothers.  It says “Two Brothers Tunemakers” with their names inscribed underneath.  This is the highest honor a Cast Member can receive.

Being a Disney FUNatic, I enjoy uncovering the history and stories behind all things Disney. In researching It’s a Small World I came across a video of Walt talking about the original creation of the attraction for the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.  Take a look at this vintage video from Disney Parks.

 

 

 

F. G. Mama

About the author…F. G. Mama, Katie McDill, has been in love with Walt Disney World since first entering the gates in 1976. After her two kids went off to college, she moved from Georgia to the backdoor of the Magic Kingdom in Florida. She worked several years at Walt Disney World performing as Fairy Godmother in day parades, the “Best of Disney” castle stage show, and the original Electric Light Parade. For the last ten years, she along with daughter and family, have enjoyed “living the dream” in Celebration (the town that Disney built) just across the bridge from Disney World. During this time she has collaborated with son-in-law Jimmy in several production projects including Orlando Attractions Magazine-The Show, The Mindy Mouse Show and FunaticsTV. Her other career included being a writer, artist/designer, special events creator and coordinator. Now she is enjoying the good life of Anna Maria Island, Celebration, Disney World and, of course, sharing magic at FUNaticsTV!

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