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Global Celebrations Mark 50th Anniversary of ‘it’s a small world’ at Disney Parks

Thomas Smith

by , Editorial Content Director, Disney Parks

We have an exciting day planned Thursday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Disney’s “it’s a small world” attraction, including online and in-park sing-alongs, musical performances and even a special Google Hangout with Disney Legend Richard Sherman.
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We’re kicking off the global celebration early on Thursday with a live sing-along with ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America” in Times Square in New York City. If you’re in the area, be sure to check it out. In addition to Times Square, GMA will feature choirs singing live at the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, plus a choir at the Unisphere in New York at the original location of the 1964 World’s Fair, where “it’s a small world” debuted.

During the day, you’re also invited to join guests and cast members at Disney Parks around the globe for a historic “it’s a small world” sing-along at our global online hub, SmallWorld50.com. And as Erin shared last week, you can also join us for our Google Hangout event with Disney Legend Richard Sherman, live at 1 p.m. PDT from Disneyland park. The event can be seen live here and in the “Gallery” section of SmallWorld50.com.

Throughout the day, guests at Disney Parks will be participating in the celebration at all five resorts around the world. Here are the details for each park:

  • At the Walt Disney World Resort, hundreds of Magic Kingdom Park guests are joining in the song during a special “pre-parade” before the “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade.”

    Throughout the day, in-park performers – the Dapper Dans, Coke Corner Pianist, Notorious Banjo Brothers, Royal Majesty Maker Musicians and Main Street Philharmonic – are scheduled to include “it’s a small world” in their appearances.

  • At the Disneyland Resort, songwriter Richard Sherman is scheduled to appear in a sing-along cavalcade down Main Street, U.S.A., conducting hundreds of Disneyland guests in their “it’s a small world” sing-along.

  • At Hong Kong Disneyland, cast members and students from Hong Kong Children’s Choir are singing “it’s a small world” in Cantonese.

  • At Tokyo Disneyland, cast members and guests are gathering to sing in Japanese at Tokyo Disneyland.

  • At Disneyland Paris, a “blue carpet” event featuring international cast members is planned for on Main Street, U.S.A., with students from the European International School, singing a multi-language version of the iconic anthem in front of “it’s a small world.”

Destinations: Walt Disney World Resort

Comments

  • I think it’s wonderful that tomorrow Disney is celebrating the 50th anniversary of “It’s a Small World!” The fact that Disney is celebrating online is wonderful, and can really get everyone involved that can not actually be at a Disney resort. I remember riding the ride as a child growing up, it was my first Disney ride that I rode. I loved looking at all of the countries with singing children, and it always filled me with joy being able to sing along! What does everybody think of the ride overall? What are your memories from it in the last 50 years? Do you think that in the future they will expand and add more countries to the ride?

  • Is it possible to find out the time of the event at Disneyland?

  • Will there be any special Small World 50th merchandise to celebrate the event?

  • Hey Jean, the Annual Passholder Twitter account said it’s going to be at 2pm.

  • I couldn’t possibly be any more excited to be spending the day today at Disneyland Park with my mom who first saw the “it’s a small world” Attraction at the New York World’s Fair in 1964! It’s such a special day!! So, so excited!!!

  • I love It’s a Small world and It’s my favorite song during the mickey mouse disco. Awesome!

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