A big thank you to the Disney History Institute for sharing this incredible virtual recreation of Rolly Crump’s Tower of the Four Winds from the “it’s a small world” attraction marquee at the 1964 World’s Fair. It must have been something with all those World’s… Read More »Virtual Recreation of the Tower of the Four Winds from 1964 World’s Fair
Fans, cast members, celebrities and more will unite in song around the globe to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “it’s a small world,” one of the most iconic Disney attractions ever built. The first version of “it’s a small world,” opened as a tribute to peace and hope at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
On Thursday, April 10, 2014, hundreds of voices from Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan, Disneyland Paris in France, and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will sing the unforgettable theme song of the “happiest cruise that ever sailed the seven seas.” Fans from around the world can join the festivities in a first-of-its-kind, online global sing-along at SmallWorld50.com.
While on the website, fans may record videos of themselves singing the classic song and create virtual “it’s a small world” dolls to benefit UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund). UNICEF provides health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more to children around the world.
“‘it’s a small world’ has inspired hundreds of millions of people through its timeless theme,” said Tom Staggs, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Every moment of every day there are Disney guests enjoying ‘it’s a small world’ somewhere around the globe. The 50th anniversary of this attraction represents a celebration of the shared optimism, hope, and humanity of people throughout the world.”
Disney has also released this short video highlighting some of the history of the attraction:
Read More »Celebrate 50th Anniversary of “it’s a small world”
Earlier this month, I posted a marvelous photo of Walt Disney standing on the steps of the Main Street Train Station in 1955 looking out into the present. The component parts of that picture came from a amazing collection of photos that capture how Disney… Read More »Disney Parks Then and Now
The 1964 World’s Fair just had its 49th anniversary. It was very influential not just in the growth of Disneyland, but in Walt’s vision for EPCOT. After the Fair is a documentary that tracks not just what happened to some of the fair’s more iconic… Read More »Beyond the World’s Fair
The Disney Insider has posted a very touching tribute to recently deceased Disney songsmith Robert Sherman, or as the author called him — Dad. We all know there’s something special about “it’s a small world”, but I have new appreciation after reading Jeffrey Sherman’s tribute… Read More »Robert Sherman – A Son’s Tribute
I wish I could say I remember the 1964 World’s Fair, but alas I wasn’t quite even a glimmer in my parents eye then. I do feel like I’m acquainted with the project based on everything I’ve read about it and the four Disney created… Read More »1964 World’s Fair with Imagineer Marty Sklar
Note: Disney has released this obituary for Harriet Burns. I’ve included it in full here. Harriet Burns, Disney Legend and Veteran Imagineer For More Than 31 Years, Dies at 79 Helped to Create Classic Attractions For Disneyland and 1964 New York World’s Fair Harriet Burns,… Read More »Harriet Burns, Official Disney Obituary
Harriet Burns, Disney Legend and Imagineer has died at age 79. Burns was the first woman ever hired by Walt Disney Imagineering in a creative rather than an office capacity. Her role as an attraction and product designer for Walt Disney Imagineering laid a path… Read More »Harriet Burns, Disney Legend and Imagineer has died at age 79