A touching tribute is coming to the finale of it’s a small world at Magic Kingdom. Disney has officially confirmed that the beloved attraction will soon include “The Last Verse,” an addition penned by Disney Legend Richard Sherman before his passing in 2024.
Originally announced for Disneyland‘s 70th anniversary back in November, the heartfelt new lyrics will now grace the Florida version of the ride as well. Beginning July 17th, the verse will debut in the attraction’s grand finale scene and is meant to celebrate unity and shared humanity; timeless themes at the heart of the ride.
Gregg Sherman, Richard’s son, shared that the new verse is “meant to celebrate that there’s more that unites us than divides us.” It’s a fitting final note from one of Disney’s most iconic songwriters.
Mother earth unites us in heart and mind
And the love we give makes us humankind
Through our vast wondrous land
When we stand hand in hand
It’s a small world after all.
In addition to its debut inside the attraction, “The Last Verse” will soon be available for everyone to enjoy beyond the parks. Performed by the Disneyland Children’s Chorus, the new version of the iconic song will be released as a digital single on all major streaming and download platforms.
A short film about “The Last Verse” debuted on ABC last November and will begin playing at Disneyland’s Main Street Cinema starting July 17th. No word yet on whether Magic Kingdom will host a similar feature, but the sentiment is clear: Richard Sherman’s legacy will continue to sing around the world.
