In 2009, Disneyland Park announced that Imagineers were integrating classic Disney animated characters into its version of “it’s a small world” attraction, and the fans were not pleased. Recently, there has been some news surrounding the attraction, so I thought it would be the perfect time to wonder aloud if any of those 2009 feelings have faded.
Last month, Disneyland added two characters, Miguel and Dante from Disney Pixar’s Coco, to the Latin America section of the attraction. After that, Kim Irvine, the Imagineer responsible for overseeing that project, announced her retirement from The Walt Disney Company. The two events, of course, are not related, but it does bring up some of those memories from over 16 years ago.
At the time, I was definitely active on the DISboards, but had not yet started writing or podcasting for The DIS. Still, I couldn’t miss the buzz about Disneyland daring to mix Disney animated characters with Mary Blair’s classic dolls.
When I finally got to experience what all the uproar was about, I was pleasantly surprised. Disney had done a great job of matching Blair’s style on the new dolls and had placed them in spots that were not obtrusive. The almost new characters felt like they had been there the whole time.
What sold it for me, however, was not the visual aspect of the addition, but something else entirely. In addition to adding the characters, Disney also mixed in musical cues from the appropriate films. Some work better than others, and some are harder to pick out, but it was just that little bit of unexpected magic that made the whole thing work for me.
My favorite of the added Disney characters is Cinderella. I think it’s because the “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” musical cue is the easiest for me to pick out.
Conversely, I could do without the Aladdin and Jasmine figures. They are difficult to see, and the four notes of “A Whole New World” on repeat are my least favorite musical cue. Abu can stay, though.
Coco has some great music and memorable characters, so I was happy to see Miguel and Dante join the attraction in such a prominent location; however, I’m still trying to figure out if there’s a new musical cue. Even if you’ve experienced the attraction before, it’s worth another ride to check out the newest updates.
I love that Imagineering continues to give classic attractions like this some love and extra magic. As long as they keep doing it well, I hope they continue to make those updates.
Were you someone who was disappointed back in 2009 that Disney was adding characters to “it’s a small world”? How do you feel about it now? Do you have a favorite character in the attraction? Is there another Disney character that you would like to see in the attraction?
Addendum: As I was adding photographs to this story, I realized that the Aladdin and Jasmine figures are NOT my least favorite Disney characters added to the attraction. I will just leave photo evidence right here:
