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Celebrating 50 Years of “it’s a small world” Around the World

IT'S A SMALL WORLD AT THE 1964 WORLD'S FAIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Today was a big day in Disney theme park history. We celebrated the 50th anniversary of Disney’s “it’s a small world” along with thousands of guests and cast members at Disney Parks around the globe united today in a historic “It’s a Small World” sing-along. The iconic attraction opened as a tribute to peace and hope, saluting UNICEF, at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Today it is represented around the globe.

“‘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.”

I had the opportunity to talk with a few of the cast members who are responsible for maintaining the Magic Kingdom version of the attraction. We talk about the history of the attraction and what is involved in caring for all the dolls costumes:

Throughout the day, Disney Parks guests participated in events in all five resorts around the world, including in-park sing-alongs, cavalcades and special musical performances. Richard M. Sherman, the Oscar-winning songwriter who composed “It’s a Small World” with his late brother, Robert, led a sing-along at Disneyland Park in California.Read More »Celebrating 50 Years of “it’s a small world” Around the World

DVD Review: Saving Mr. Banks – A Sentimental Look at Key Moment in Disney History

The movie version of Mary Poppins changed the course of The Walt Disney Company both artistically and financially and it almost never happened. The movie “Saving Mr. Banks” dramatizes the conflict between the spirit and drive of Walt Disney and his creative team and the… Read More »DVD Review: Saving Mr. Banks – A Sentimental Look at Key Moment in Disney History

Saving Mr. Banks – Deleted Scene

Mary Poppins, the movie, was such a success for The Walt Disney Studios that it funded a big expansion at the studios, at Disneyland, and even gave Walt the freedom to seriously pursue his grand idea of EPCOT out in Florida. The story of how… Read More »Saving Mr. Banks – Deleted Scene

Interesting facts and enchanting tales from Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom

Interesting facts and enchanting tales from Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom. Available now via DispatchFromDisneyland.com or Amazon.

Announcing The Publication of “Dispatch from Disneyland” – A New Book From The Disney Blog’s John Frost

You may have heard that I’ve been working on writing a book called Dispatch from Disneyland – Stories and Essays from the Happiest Place on Earth. I am excited to announced that the big day is finally here and the book is available for purchase… Read More »Announcing The Publication of “Dispatch from Disneyland” – A New Book From The Disney Blog’s John Frost

Disney Launches a Startup Accelerator

That mad clicking sound you hear is the keyboards of thousands of hopeful startup entrepreneurs filling out an application to be among the first crop of companies accepted into the new Disney Accelerator program. The oft-unspoken secret to both Walt Disney’s success was that he… Read More »Disney Launches a Startup Accelerator

Shirley Temple, Starlet of Hollywood, Dead at age 85

Child star and Hollywood legend Shirley Temple Black died on Monday at age 85. As a child in the 1930’s, she tap danced and sang her way into the hearts of America and the world. As an adult she became involved in politics and served… Read More »Shirley Temple, Starlet of Hollywood, Dead at age 85

Walt Disney Biopic – As Dreamers Do

There’s no Ryan Gosling, but someone is making a biopic of Walt Disney’s life. It’s called “As Dreamers Do” and it is, obviously, unauthorized. The film follows young Walt as he develops his skills as an animator through to his creation of Mickey Mouse. I’ll… Read More »Walt Disney Biopic – As Dreamers Do