AP preview of enhanced "it's a small world"

[disneyfreak62]

I'm really looking forward to the new additions to IASW. Before, I only rode it during Christmas. Now, this gives me something new to see the rest of the year. The attraction needed a little "plussing".

[Tiggerlives]

The issue is that adding Disney characters does nothing to support, enhance, or reinforce the themes of unity and peace found in the attraction.

Again, I think it does. In this day and age, Disney is probably the most recognizable world brand. It's something that the entire global community of children can share. An American child meets a kid from China and do you think they'll be more likely to talk about Mulan or communism? What are they more likely to share? Their thoughts on Wall-E, or Tiananman Square? By providing common ground, Disney characters DO unite.

[Mortimer]

Again, I think it does. In this day and age, Disney is probably the most recognizable world brand. It's something that the entire global community of children can share. An American child meets a kid from China and do you think they'll be more likely to talk about Mulan or communism? What are they more likely to share? Their thoughts on Wall-E, or Tiananman Square? By providing common ground, Disney characters DO unite.

Excellent post.

[Chavez Ravine]

Wow! The conspiracy continues!!

I think the characters add a lot to the sense of unity and brotherhood of IASW.

In addition each country or region is basically a fantasy stereotype of that region. Whether it is flying carpets, santa claus, mermaids, or smiling suns. The disney characters fit in perfectly with each country's theme. The message of unity and love really comes to play in the ending scene. Before that it is more of a presentation of each nation.

It's not like the ending scene is going to just be mickey heads singing...
:to the tune of It's a Small World:
"Buy my plush doll at the store
It will bring you happiness
Buy my plush doll at the store
It was made by child labor"

[refurbmike]

What I'd like to know is why the existence of mermaids since the attraction's conception is somehow excusable, but now when Disney wants to add characters in there's an uproar. Both mermaids AND Disney characters are fictional creations. Why does one get a freebie while the other doesn't?

It's a matter of taste to me. It's almost like we're replacing 'their' fiction with 'our' fiction. When I look at the current representations of their cultural influence and see generic adaptations of fictional icons, I can accept those as something they believe in, or somehow being apart of their culture. When I see it replaced by very noticeably Disney-ized version, it seems to cheapen the effect. While it may be the same exact icon (e.g. a boy on a flying carpet), it seems less like something they believe in and more something Disney made up.

[Yookeroo]

I think what I'm trying to get at, before the characters, was small world not one of the greatest Disneyland attractions ever built?

No. Not even close. It's a cloying ride with overly cutesy dolls and an annoying song.

Is the old version not Hall of Fame material?

No.

Will Disney fans look back on small world and say, "What were we thinking? A small world without characters? I can't even imagine such a small world today! How could we give that version so many accolades?"

Maybe. I doubt most won't give it that much thought.

Will they go back and digitally insert Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse into the old specials with Walt Disney introducing his small world to the world? Why not?

That's fine with me.

It's just a ride. One that wasn't ever all that appealing to anyone over the age of 6. And one that really hasn't aged well. Bring on the characters. Might actually make me ride it once in a while.

[PirateGuy 815]

^ I comopletely agree with everything you just said. I, and most people, hardly ride this. I've posted this about 15 times, but no one seems to bring tis up.

And the unity thing is a great point. When I was a kid, I had no idea Snow White was German and Pinocchio was Italian. Up until a few years ago, I didn't even now Aladdin was a Muslim. Some kids will be brought up better knowing there favorite charcters are from all different parts of the world. IF THEY SEE THEM, they'll know that all the characters are from different parts of the world, and they may appreciate cultural diversity more.

And didn't Walt say Disneyland will always be changing? I didn't know IASW was an exception to this. Wow, I feel stupid now.

[Spokker]

^ I comopletely agree with everything you just said. I, and most people, hardly ride this.

The attraction continues to be one of the most popular in the park. You may not ride it, but most people who visit Disneyland on an average day ride Small World.

[MasterGracey]

No. Not even close. It's a cloying ride with overly cutesy dolls and an annoying song.



No.



Maybe. I doubt most won't give it that much thought.



That's fine with me.

It's just a ride. One that wasn't ever all that appealing to anyone over the age of 6. And one that really hasn't aged well. Bring on the characters. Might actually make me ride it once in a while.

Sounds like you're letting your personal feelings toward the attraction obscure the reality.

The reality is that "it's a small world" is still a popular attraction with wide appeal. If it weren't, it probably would no longer be open, let alone be duplicated at every Magic Kingdom-style theme park.

[Spokker]

The first change I would make to small world is to do something about the annoying song. I don't find it annoying but I'm not going to pretend that it's a pretty common complaint, even parodied in popular culture.

I would add breaks in the lyrics, some instrumental interludes, between verses. That might help quite a bit in breaking up the monotony of the song.

As it stands now one thing I really like is how the song changes slightly throughout the attraction. Perhaps there is a way to expand on that concept to make the soundtrack less repetitive.