Hey howdy hey! Can you believe on this day, 60 years ago, “it’s a small world” opened at Disneyland?
“it’s a small world” has one of the best origin stories in Disney history. The attraction was commissioned by UNICEF for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, where Walt Disney and his Imagineers created a boat ride celebrating the children of the world through music, color, and hundreds of Audio-Animatronic figures.
The Sherman Brothers wrote the now-inescapable theme song specifically to be performed simultaneously in multiple languages; a simple, repeating melody by design, because it needed to work in every corner of the world at once.
After the World’s Fair closed, Walt brought the attraction west to Disneyland, where it opened on May 28, 1966 and has lived ever since in Fantasyland.
— Image: Van Eaton Galleries
Magic Kingdom received its own version when Walt Disney World opened in 1971. Tokyo Disneyland followed in 1983, then Disneyland Paris in 1992, and Hong Kong Disneyland in 2008.
The visual identity of the attraction fell to Disney Legend Mary Blair, whose bold colors, flattened geometric shapes, and whimsy gave “it’s a small world” a look that has never aged a single day.
— Tokyo Disneyland’s facade
It is the most-ridden theme park attraction in history, and the Sherman Bros’ little song about world peace was likely the most-played song in global history… up until streaming services entered the chat.
“it’s a small world” inspired many merchandise collections over the decades, and the vintage pieces especially carry a charm that modern mass production has a hard time matching. Which brings us to this week’s finds…
Nothing says nostalgic knick knacks like vintage AVON novelty bottles. You definitely don’t want to use these cosmetics, but the bottles are a must-have for any small world collector. “The enchanted world of little girls and their dolls is a world filled with laughter and love.” Hits me right in the girlhood.
Trio lot available HERE | $29.99
Parisian girl available HERE | $35
Is this for EPCOT? Nah, this Mickey Mouse watch celebrates multiple cultures coming together and plays ‘it’s a small world’! But you could also wear it to EPCOT…
Available HERE | $74
Another piece that plays that theme song again and again… and again? This musical jewelry box! There’s a few different versions of these online, from either Disneyland or Walt Disney World, but this one’s in great shape for a great price!
Available HERE | $35
Jumping forward to the 90s/Y2K era, this vintage kids rolling luggage is cute for your little one’s next Disney trip!
Available HERE | $38.99
Last up for today is my personal favorite piece of “it’s a small world” history: the 1968 read-along book paired with either a cassette tape or vinyl record. This specific listing doesn’t include either musical accompaniment, but the book is in excellent shape for displaying or framing the artwork — which live in my memory more than I’d like to admit.
Available HERE | $10
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