When I visited Disneyland for the first time, one of my questions was how the parks and rides were different from each other. I wrote up a blog post about the general differences between the two parks, but now I want to take a closer look at the attractions that are on both coasts. I started this Disney World vs. Disneyland series, and today I’ll be tackling It’s a Small World!
The Ride
This dark ride actually appears in every Disney park in the world. It consists of a number of animatronic dolls, all designed to look like different children from all over the globe. You go through the ride on a boat, while the iconic song “It’s a Small World after all” plays in various languages. It was first created for the 1964 World’s Fair.
Main Differences
- The outsides look completely different. While Disney World’s ride is basically just a typical building with a covered queue, the Disneyland version has a gorgeous facade and the line and loading is outside.
- In 2008 Disneyland refurbished their ride to add in animatronic dolls of Disney characters – so now you’ll see Disney characters in their respective countries, like Lilo and Stitch in Hawaii and Peter Pan in England.
- There were definitely lots of little differences in the scenes. For example, I know in the last room at Disney World they have a hot air balloon and ferris wheel, and I don’t remember seeing those in Disneyland.
- Right before you get off, Disney World has a room with the word “goodbye” in various languages. In Disneyland, instead of the word goodbye you see postcards from around the world.
My Winner
For the most part there aren’t huge differences between the two attractions, but if I have to pick a winner it would be the one at Disneyland. I love the outside of the building – it’s so pretty and fun to photograph! And I know some people might have felt it was a little controversial, but I enjoy the addition of the Disney characters to the scenes. I feel like they did it subtly and it adds a fun Disney touch.
What do you think of It’s a Small World?
My cousin and his class were on the annual Disney World field trip and they got stuck in this ride for over an hour. They got out and ran around through the water. To this day (30 years later) he can’t stand that song.
Oh my goodness, that is unfortunate but also hilarious! I can’t imagine having to listen to that song play over and over for that long!
That used to be my favorite ride as a kid .I can’t wait to take my boys on it .
Aww it’s such a classic! I hope they love it 🙂
I prefer Disneyland as well.
Glad I’m not alone! I know some people were not thrilled with the addition of the Disney characters but I think they’re cute 🙂
How fun to have a chance to be able to compare the two. I have been on both, but DECADES apart and do not remember the magic kingdom version as I was only five!
It was really interesting since I know the Magic Kingdom one so well to be able to see the differences at Disneyland!
I love these types of comparisons! I’ve only been to Disney World and LOVE the entire park. I hope to someday make my way over to California to try out Disneyland.
If you love Disney World it’s definitely worth it to take a trip out to California! It’s just as magical, in a different way.
I’m a so-cal native, so I think I’ll always be partial to Disneyland, however I did enjoy the differences between the two Small Worlds! I loved going inside for Small World at Disney World. Don’t know why, but I think I just liked the fact it was a different experience. However, the outside of Disneyland’s Small World is gorgeous. Nothing can compare. 🙂
That’s interesting! The advantage to the inside queue at Disney World is that it’s a good ride to hit if it’s raining. I remember as a kid riding that one and Peter Pan over and over during a big storm since they were right across from each other and both indoors.
I’ve never been to Disney World or Disney Land. Now that I live in Cali I’m hoping to make a trip to Disney Land soon! Thanks for sharing this!
Ooh yes, Disneyland is a must if you’re in California now! They often have CA resident discounts too 🙂
I didn’t know they made those additions to the DisneyLand ride! Have you ever read the kid books based in DisneyWorld? Disney After Dark. In one of them the dolls all come to life and attack the characters in the boat, this is now what I think of…lovely right?! This was the second ride we did right after we got engaged so it’s got a special place in my heart 😉
I didn’t want to mention it in the blog post, but that is exactly what I think of on this ride! It’s definitely a little creepy now. One time I was in the Magic Kingdom for extra magic hours until 3 am and my friend and I decided to do Small World as our final ride. We were the only ones in our boat… and all the boats before and behind us were empty. I couldn’t stop thinking about the dolls coming to life and getting ready to attack me!
I never leave Disney World without going on It’s a Small World! I love it and I don’t care who knows it (I know my sibs find it endlessly boring)
Never been to Disney Land, but it sounds like they’ve done a gorgeous job with the ride (of course)!
It’s definitely a classic – I feel like it’s one of the iconic Disney rides!
I completely agree with you. For me the best one is also Disneyland. But Disneyland Paris comes in close because it’s a tiny little version of the Anaheim Disneyland one. It’s just super sweet. And hands down, the Pirates of the Caribbean set up at Disneyland Paris is completely awesome – it blows the other versions away…
That’s good to know – considering I just booked a trip to Disneyland Paris for next year!! I’m so excited. Since you’ve been, if you have any other recommendations please let me know!
Another awesome post that makes me want to go to Disney!
Well, writing Disney posts is the best way I can deal with the withdrawal! 😉