it's a small world
About this ride
Boats drift through enormous rooms representing different world regions, each filled with elaborately costumed animatronic children. The scale is genuinely impressive — hundreds of figures across dozens of countries. A holiday overlay version during December adds Christmas and holiday decorations from cultures worldwide.
Best time to ride
Good midday rest — fast-moving queue, climate-controlled interior, and long enough to genuinely rest your feet.
Insider tips
- Look for subtle Disney character appearances hidden among the native figures.
- The holiday overlay version (November–January) is widely considered the best version of the ride.
- The exterior facade and animated clock tower are some of the most photographed spots in Fantasyland.
- The original was designed by Mary Blair, whose flat graphic art style is still beautiful more than 60 years later.
Good for
Mateo's Take
“A piece of living history and a genuinely beautiful piece of art. You have to ride it at least once — and during the holidays, it becomes one of the best rides in the park.”
— Mateo, Lead Disney Parks Specialist
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