"It's a small world" will always hold a special place in my heart because it was one of my favorite Disney rides as a child. So getting to experience it with my daughter was extra special--and the fact that she loved it just as much made it even better. We actually rode it twice! She was completely fascinated by all of the different characters, costumes, music, and representations of different countries. She kept asking me which country everyone was from (and listen...Mama did NOT know all of them ), but I loved watching her take it all in. And that song? Yeah...we are still singing it DAYS later. This is also such a great ride when you need a break from the heat and walking. It's calm, relaxing, air-conditioned, and you can just sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenes as you travel through the different regions of the world. As an adult, I appreciated the message of unity and togetherness even more than I did as a child. And seeing my daughter experience that same sense of wonder made it even more magical. Definitely one of my must-do Disney rides. read more

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Even if you've never ridden this attraction, you know the song. It's on repeat during the entire ride and it'll be stuck in your head for a moment. Even with several boats taking groups for a ride, the line can get backed up as foot traffic flows. Each row fits 3-4 adults, which was a bit tight for our 4 adults. It's a relaxing water attraction with no reason to get splashed or hills. I noticed during this visit it lasts awhile, which is great when the weather is rainy or hot - plus the line queue is primarily inside as well. read more

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This ride is not my favorite as a kid I loved it but as an adult the only time I ride it is if my mom is riding it. This ride I will say is a way longer ride so if u are sweating and want a longer nap this is the ride to do it. it will keep ur kids entertained if u don't got kids then its just a solid nap. This ride is not for the thrills it's a solid recovery ride. read more

This was one of my favorite rides in Magic Kingdom. It was really popular, lines were long. We used the fast pass to skip the line and got in within 10 minutes. Loved the chill boat ride that had lasted about 10 minutes. It floated through several different small world sections, covering different continents, countries and cultures around the world. The small world song in itself was also really amusing to me. The staff members were friendly during onboarding and exit. Loved the goodbye sign many different languages. read more

It's a Small World - Amusement Parks Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

It goes without saying that "it's a small world" is one of the all-time classic and iconic Disney rides. I've been on this ride I think three times in my life: twice as a kid circa 1990 at both Disney World here in Florida and Disneyland in California, and once as an adult recently again at Disney World. I think I enjoyed it more as an adult than I did as a kid. Either way, I do think this ride is worth going on as part of a Disney bucket list. At Magic Kingdom, I don't think the ride has changed much since its opening on October 1, 1971. The scale is impressive. At around 12-15 minutes in length, I think this is one of the longer rides at Disney World. The ride definitely feels like a creation of its time (1960s-1970s), and that part to me is interesting and cool because in 2026, we still get to experience what it was like when Disney World (1971) and Disneyland (1966) first opened. Trivia: At the Disney World version of this ride, about 100 countries or cultures are represented by nearly 300 audio-animatronic dolls. Shout-out to the Thai dolls. The song is sung in five main languages: English, Italian, Spanish, German, and French. Other languages, like Japanese, can be heard at the end. We had Lightning Lane passes around 2:13 PM on a non-holiday Monday and experienced a short wait (a few minutes). Fun fact: When I was a kid, I got lost outside the Disneyland version of this ride. My family lost me for well over an hour (maybe two or even three; I just remember hearing the clock outside ring and seeing the animated figurines parade out every 15 minutes over and over again). I stayed put at the gift shop outside and my cousins eventually found me and took me to my mom who was crying inside The Mad Hatter shop. She feared I had been kidnapped. read more

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One of the most iconic rides at Disney. It's one of the longer ones too so you get a break. It's for all ages so anyone can enjoy it including very young ones. Theres not dips or crazy turns on this ride. You go thru the same speed the whole ride. There is lots to see so you probably should go more than once! read more

If you are looking for a classic Walt Disney attraction then look no further. A boat ride around the world with small animatronic children singing the same song over and over and over again. You hear it so much that it is probably stuck in your head for the entire day. We all know it, "it's a small world after all". These lines can get long at times, but I highly recommend waiting until the wait is 20 minutes or less. To me this ride really is not worth the 20 plus wait. The ride itself is a simple ride, it's a boat ride that moves slow through the water, no drops, no sharp turns, just a slow moving boat ride. I can see why a lot of adults are not huge fan. I will say the boat itself is extremely uncomfortable for those with long legs. The rows are narrow and my wife and I knees get smashed against the row in front of us. Overall, I would say ride it. It's classic, iconic Disney attraction. Do not wait more than 20 minutes though. If you are a first timer to Disney, this is a must ride. Fun colors, lots to see and look at and the classic never leaving your head song. Great Disney attraction. read more

It's a Small World - Amusement Parks Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

If you are looking for the class Walt Disney attraction then look no further. This is the most iconic Disney attraction. A boat ride around the world with small animatronic children singing the same song over and over and over again. You hear it so much that it is probably stuck in your head for the entire day. We all know it, "it's a small world after all". These lines can get long at times, but I would highly recommend waiting until the wait is 20 minutes or less. To me this ride really is not worth the 20 plus wait. It is truly iconic but it is truly also for children. My husband actually really dislikes this ride. The song sticks in his head and he cant get it out. The ride itself is a simple ride, its a boat ride that moves slow through the water, no drops, no sharp turns, just a slow moving boat ride. I can see why a lot of adults are not huge fans of it. I personal do like because it is so nostalgic, nothing else. Its just a fun classic Disney ride. I will say the boat itself is extremely uncomfortable for those with long legs. The rows are small and narrow and I always find my knees smashed against the row in front of me. It is a little bit of a longer ride and always seems to back up towards the end. It should move pretty quick since they are constantly sending the boat. Overall, I would say ride it. Its classic, its iconic Disney attraction. Do not wait more than 20 minutes though. I find the shorter waits are towards the end of the day so we prefer to go then. If you are a first timer to Disney, this is a must ride. Fun colors, lots to see and look at and the classic never leaving your head song. Great Disney attraction. read more

It's a small world is magical. It instantly brings me back to my childhood hood. This is the most classic Disney ride. It is a simple boat ride showing all of while singing the song "it's a small world" in all the languages. It's always nice to see what the kids find amusing of the cultures. This is a nice relaxing ride to get out of the Florida heat!!! Make sure you ride it! read more

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This is the epitome of Magic Kingdom. Think back 1983 as an eight year old who just performed to this song in her ballet/tap recital. Now 40 years later it is the same ride. And I love it! Time stand stills and I am eight year old again. 20 minutes in line and enjoy a 14 minute ride. This ride makes my Magic Kingdom day complete! read more

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I genuinely love this ride. You haven't gone to Magic Kingdom if you haven't done It's a small world. The lines are fairly long in a consistent basis but around mid day or late in the evening you can usually get a short wait time. They have recently done an up keep to the ride and the colors are looking vibrant. Honestly it looked even more beautiful than when I rode it as a kid! read more

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"it's a small world" is less a ride and more a cultural baptism. Every kid ends up on it, every parent regrets it halfway through, and every adult leaves with the same vacant stare--the Sherman Brothers' earworm gnawing into their brain like cheerful termites. This isn't a ride, it's psychological warfare set to a waltz. A little history: Walt Disney originally built "it's a small world" for the 1964 New York World's Fair, sponsored by Pepsi (because nothing says global unity like soda). The Sherman Brothers cranked out that iconic song in record time, and 50+ years later, it's still looping like a broken record from which there is no escape. The song has been played so many times it deserves its own congressional seat. The Florida version, opening with Magic Kingdom in 1971, is... fine. It's a rite of passage, sure, but California's is better. Disneyland's got that storybook façade, the clock tower that spits out a parade every 15 minutes, and extra Disney character dolls sprinkled throughout. Florida? You board inside a warehouse that looks like it was designed by "budget cuts, inc." It's not whimsical--it's Walmart whimsical. But once you're floating along, it's still iconic: hundreds of dolls in traditional costumes, singing in unison, spreading a message of world peace you stopped believing in somewhere around the Scandinavia room. It's not global harmony--it's global Stockholm Syndrome. And yet--it's essential. Every kid needs to ride it once. Every adult needs to endure it once. And every family will forever argue which room's dolls looked the creepiest (spoiler: all of them). "Earworm" doesn't even cover it--it's brain termites in matching costumes. read more

Directly across Pete Pan in Fantasy Land, this is a must ride! We had early entry and made our way to peter pan, and right after we saw on the app the wait time was only 5 so we got right on the boat. I'd heard about this ride for YEARS but didn't even know what to expect, however it was amazing! I love that it is very clearly an old ride, looking like something designed (ahead of it's time) in the 60's. This 12 minute ride takes you through the whole world. Everything was so beautifully done and the kids enjoyed the boat ride. There was a little bit of me wondering when it would end, but I think it was cute and very classic disney. read more

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Old school of the old school. One of the few places I naturally found a hidden Mickey. The ride felt like it went on forever and ever in a nice way. read more

This has been one of my favorite rides for over 40 years! It feels like disney magic when you are enjoying this boat ride through a doll village around the world . Disney cast members are always so friendly and full of magic at this ride compared to others as every adult because a kid again on this ride. No matter the wait time, we will always make this the first stop while visiting the magic kingdom ! read more

It's a Small World - Inside the ride if it's a small world at magic kingdom - Amusement Parks Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

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It's a Small World is a Disney cult classic. In a slow paced boat ride, you'll be taken through various audio-animatronic dolls in traditional cultural costumes on a repeat of "It's a small world". Since this is one of Magic Kingdom's original rides, you'll notice some of the dolls a little more loved than others. read more

It's a Small World - Exit - Amusement Parks Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Iconic. So great for families. Parents, its air condoned and takes longer than 2 min so its a great break from Central FL the heat. The wait time can be quite long but the quequ is mostly shaded. A good wait time is under 40 min but you can often find it for 25 or less you just have to keep checking. I will say the app's wait time is typically wring on this ride in my experience. The ride is slow paced and beautiful. As a child I had favorite characters and their costumes as an adult I still do and look for those childhood favorites because *nostalgia*. I def recommend taking this approach with children who may be easily overstimulated as a way to help them focus and get though the ride. Yes the song is an ear-worm, but when you visit WDW, having Disney songs stuck in your head all day long is sort of part of the experience. Please don't forget to wave as the cast member right at the start of the ride and at the people dining in Pinocchio's! It does add a little something special to everyone's day. **If you hate dolls you will not enjoy this and please just skip it. This ride will go down in rain so keep an eye on the weather on the day of your visit. If it is a must do for you and your group get it in before rain as it may not open again after sever storms. I highly recommend looking up the history of the ride because its quite interesting and adds a lot of context which as an adult make the ride more interesting. A tip: When riding this ride, please remember you are not the only one in your boat. If you are going to ride it and just complain about dolls being creepy, or it being boring or hating the song, just don't ride it. Some people do in fact love this ride. It's charming and nostalgic. It is excellent for families with small children. There is AC both in the ride and queue. If you're going to ride and just bash it the entire time please just skip it. No one is making you rode it, but in riding and complaining the whole time you're ruining other guests experiences. read more

It's in Fantasyland, and it's actually one of the first rides to open at 8:30 am during the early entry period. It happened to be temporarily unavailable when we arrived. But fear not, Peter Pan's Flight is right across from it and also opens at the same time. After finishing the first ride, we lucked out. It's a Small World just happened to be open with no wait. It didn't take long to hop in the boat and enjoy the ride. But wait. I thought it had been updated since the last time I was there. Sadly, no. It might have received a new paint job, but it was the same ride from 16 years ago. Not a bad thing if you're into nostalgia. It's a great place to see dolls dressed in each country's traditional attire. Did you know that the seamstresses at Disney hand sewed all the costumes using that country's materials? That's pretty cool! I remember when my brother sent me dolls from Germany. Yeah, it's a girly thing. But I must say, the ride did bring back many memories for my husband as well. I did notice one thing different at the end of the ride. Make sure you look up at the screens when you start seeing "Goodbye" in many languages. Magicband users will see their names on the screen. Let's face it. It's a catchy song that brings the whole world together. A little corny, but fun. It's not Fantasyland without It's a Small World. read more

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CATCH THE SCENE WITH DON QUIXOTE FROM THE MAN OF LA MANCHA We often do It's a Small World (Magic Kingdom Fantasyland) as a downtime ride with AC. During our last 'round the world trip, we thought it would be fun to try to ID the countries represented on the ride. We started noticing dolls like the Scottish bagpiper. But we were most surprised when we saw Don Quixote and his servant Sancho Panza fighting the windmills - are there other hidden gems on this ride that we've missed? read more

Five stars because my six year old LOVED this ride. Also since during our stay this ride never had a wild wait so we were able to ride it multiple times. They really keep those boats rolling! My son loved trying to guess which country we were in or quizzically asking me every two minutes. When I think Magic Kingdom I always think of It's a Small World, and adorable way to beat the heat and take in Disney nostalgia. read more

If there's one ride that captures the heart and soul of Walt Disney World, it's "it's a small world." Some call it corny, some say it's dated, but let's be honest...every single person still rides it. It's practically an unwritten Disney rule: no trip is complete without floating through those colorful scenes and humming that unforgettable tune. This attraction is pure Disney magic. It may not have thrills or high-tech effects, but what it does have is history, charm, and the kind of timeless Imagineering that set the stage for everything that came after. read more

It's a Small World is one of my favorite rides in Magic Kingdom at Disney World. The ride is located in Fantasyland, directly across from Peter Pan's ride. If you're eating at the Pinocchio Village Haus, you'll be able to see the Small World ride and wait queue line. The queue line moves quick. I've never had to wait longer than 10 minutes for this ride, on the standard walk-in, non-lightning lane. This is a slow, classic boat ride. You'll embark on a journey, visiting various countries and regions around the world! You'll also see some Disney characters throughout the ride such as Alice from Alice in Wonderland, Aladdin, and much more! This ride is relatively lengthy, approximately 15 minutes long. Be prepared to get the song stuck in your head for your entire Disney trip though! This is a classic and a must do ride at least once! read more

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Unfortunately this is my least favorite ride at Disney. It's probably cute or scary if you're a kid. As an adult, I kept asking myself why I subjected myself to this ride since it's repetitive and seems long. Basically the ride takes you through different cultures of kids around the world to give the riders a different perspective on how others lead their lives and maybe inspire them to be the change they wish to see so that we can live harmoniously. The only part I like or find exciting is the Asian/Pacific Islanders section. The music tempo and vibe changes although a lot of the animatronics and backgrounds are stereotypical from a certain era of thought. It would be a much better ride if the ride aged to the present since many of the cultures shown no longer live a certain way. I know it's a kids ride and the ride has been there forever, but times are changing and I hope this ride keeps up with the winds of change instead of being stuck in the past. read more

This is a slow boat ride that goes through different countries and cultures. The song is played in all different languages and it's overall a corny ride with a classic anthem striving for world peace. The part of the song where it goes "It's a small world after all" is catchy... addictingly catchy. You might catch yourself repeating it for the rest of the day and annoying the rest of your group (personal experience). read more

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I am very late posting this review, It was not intentional actually! I did post a review of Magic Kingdom but didn't realize there is a separate section for It's a small world itself . So this is probably one of my favorite in Magic kingdom! I felt & acted like a child there lol. Even my teenage son had fun & he did complain about being too long ! But definitely a must see & experience for kids! You got to enjoy different part of the world in one place . The colors, the cultures, the lights are really magical. It is getting little messed up, they need to fix it up. But I actually enjoyed the whole ride & took a lots of pictures & recorded a ton of videos! So if it's your first time at Magic Kingdom you definitely don't wanna miss this. read more

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It's a world of laughter....yes It's a Small World indeed! One of the most popular rides in Magic Kingdom for kids of all ages.. Where else can you visit so many countries and hear It's a Small World in different languages and see the costumes as well. It's very fun ride except if you get stuck for awhile...LOL Relaxing while one can sit for a nice ride to relax...but please stay seated and keep all hands and feet in the boat at all times. Enjoy the ride! read more

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The quintessential Disneyworld ride! After rope drop and breakfast, this was the first ride we went to - mind you, we had Genie+ for our day, so we're going to be ping ponging around a bit, but no matter what It's a Small World is a MUST RIDE at Disney and no trip is complete without it! It's a very tame, relaxing boat ride "around the world" filled with dancing statue/puppet/animatronics. It's comical, it's camp, it's perfection. Banger of a song, on repeat just how I like it. 10/10 forever for It's a Small World! read more

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It's a Small World is a Walt Disney world classic ride located in the Magic kingdom park. It's a boat ride that takes you through singing animatronics from several different countries as they all sing it's a small world. While one of the most internationally recognized rides of all time it also has a reputation for being the most annoying. The song on repeat can get old and of people do not like little doll figures than this ride is your worst nightmare. Personally I think it's kinda interesting. There is so much animatronics and sights to see on This ride that I feel like I see something new every-time. I will say on my most recent visit this was my 2 year olds favorite ride of the 4 parks. She was fired up and excited by the singing and what she called "babies" all around her. Overall a classic and simple ride with lots to take in. Ride is for all ages and sizes and has a hit or miss wait time. At certain parts of the day it can be over and hour wait but at other times you can walk straight on the ride. read more

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If you want the complete Disney experience, then you have to ride this ride. If you don't know the song, you will after riding this ride. The lines are typically not overly long, so if anything, it can be a break from the heat. It's another sit in a boat and ride slowly around looking at stuff ride. It's easy on and easy off The "dolls" throughout the ride are definitely out-of-date and some look a bit creepy, but the message of international unity and that we're all humans on this planet is a message everyone can be reminded of. We can all love hating that F'ing song together! #UnitedAfterAll read more

It's a Small World - No Leather Worker???? - Amusement Parks Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

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Who doesn't love this ride? And the song that gets stuck in your head the rest of the day! This is a great Group ride and is again friendly for all ages. Also a nice way to relax for a few minutes from the busyness of the park. read more

If you're going to get on this ride make it first. It is very hard to keep any child's attention on this ride if you have already been on roller coasters or through the exciting shows and rides. It's a small world is a classic but it can also be torture listening to your kids keep asking when is this ride going to be done or I'm bored or when are we riding the next coaster! If you want to experience this one I really suggest making it a first ride and then off to the exciting stuff... read more

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This classic ride for all ages is a must when visiting Disney! "It's a Small World" is sung in many different languages by children and shows we may look and talk different, but it's a small world, we're all human and should be treated equally! A great message to spread not only for children, but adults alike. I would HIGHLY recommend hopping aboard this fun boat ride to celebrate all the cultures and traditions around the world and we're definitely looking forward to returning to see more! read more

It's a Small World - Love this classic ride! - Amusement Parks Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

This is a classic ride that makes an appearance at many of the Disney theme parks throughout the world. It's a slow moving boat ride with no fear of motion sickness. It's a fun game to go through and see what countries you can name and admire the various forms of cultural dress that appear. There are some slight musical variations as you make your way around the globe so keep an ear out for that. The ride is showing a little bit of wear and tear. There were a few animatronics that weren't completely functional but maybe even added to the ride. One hippo was "derpified" and somewhere else, a hula girl was phoning it in on her shift. It's still a must ride (at least once) to get that true Disney experience. read more

It's a Small World - I love this hippo - Amusement Parks Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

So we love the OG. And have been on it a lot. Less immersive, but it is like riding through a colorful pop up book. Very pretty and graphic design color scheming on point read more

Who doesn't love this ride?????? So much to look at and enjoy, along with an endless song of Its a Small World. Every time I go I feel I see something new. Definitely a Disney must. read more

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"It's a small world" is one of 4 attractions introduced by Walt Disney at the New York World's fair in 1964. Large boats are handicapped accessible. It was introduced at Disneyland and was one of the original rides at the Magic Kingdom. Outside the attraction the smiling clock greets you as you get ready to cruise on the happiest ship on the planet. Inside the famous "Small world song" is sung in different languages as you watch miniature dolls from all over the world display their native cultures and surroundings. Check out the ride closely. They have added new dolls such as the Israeli wedding. So adorable! Each room features a different country theme whether it is Europe, South America, Africa, the Pacific islands. This ride never stops being an amazing and heartwarming ride. Love the kids on the elephant as you exit one room to another, the Indian dolls in front of the Taj Mahal, so much to see and enjoy! The finale room puts all the dolls in white garments at a carnival showing unity throughout the world. Farewell signs in different languages bid you goodbye and come again as you sail out of the attraction. It's wonderful to enjoy a blast from the past and am glad they have kept this ride. It will never stop enchanting children. Located in Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom. read more

It's a Small World - Amusement Parks Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

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Nice, but not as impressive as the Disneyland version. I missed it the first time, because the entry is small. Still one of the most relaxing rides in the park. Come here for a nice break and enjoy the show. read more

My family and I went to Disney World three weeks ago. I bought some Dole Whip Floats at Aloha (on Saturday afternoon) and Angela was pretty rude and condescending towards us. Inside It's a Small World, Ashley was very rude and condescending to me. I spent a lot of money to be out there. I was there to have a good time, not to be treated like I was being paid to be there. I'm from So Cal and have gone to Disneyland every year since I was a child. I used to have an annual pass. I love Disney. We were a party of six adults and two children spending the weekend there at Disney World. We were celebrating two birthdays on Saturday. The way I was treated by Ashley ruined the day for me. This place is supposed to be magical. It's supposed to be the happiest place in the world. I felt no magic and no happiness because of Ashley. The customer service at Disneyland is always good. Staff there are friendly and courteous and smile at guests. Ashley was unfriendly and rude and had a very nasty attitude. I don't know if she's just racist, but she should not be working there if that's how she treats guests. I will never go there again if nothing is done about Ashley. The fact that it was raining so hard that afternoon already made the day hard for us walking around. We were trying to make the of it. Instead trying to make guests feel better, she destroyed any chance I had to enjoy the rest of the day. It's a Small World has been one of my favorite rides since I was a kid and I have very fond memories of it, but I was not able to enjoy the ride that day because Ashley made me so upset. It's not just money we were spending to be out there. We were also taking time away from work and school. I'm a full-time graduate student at USF and I was taking precious time away from my studies to be there. This was supposed to be a fun and happy day that I was looking forward to for a while. Ashley ruined it for me. We spent our second day at Animal Kingdom. The staff there was much more knowledgeable, friendly, courteous, and professional than Ashley inside It's a Small World was. They were immediately able to show me how to find my pass on the app unlike Ashley who blames and mistreats guests for her own incompetence. This family trip should have created some lifelong memories. Unfortunately, those memories are tainted by how Ashley mistreated me. read more

It's a Small World - Amusement Parks Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

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Must go on this ride. The song will be stuck in your head. Look around for hidden Mickeys.

Magic Kingdom (Orlando) FANTASYLAND I love this classic Disney ride! Why else would we be in line for one of the most beloved attractions around the park but for one thing! To take a break from the heat and relax the feet even for just precious 13 minutes! Just kidding! No, for real. This water based ride can be found in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom (Disneyland in California) and this ride consistently has a rather lengthy wait time... AND FastPass+ is available. For awhile last year it has been rumored throughout the "kingdom" that the ride was closing but until just last week when we rode the boat ride attraction it was still in operation. It was supposed to be replaced by an attraction themed after Disney's "Tangled" but Disney has yet to confirm. Oh well... if you have not experienced It's a Small World (yet) it's a slow boat ride that takes guests for a tour around the globe. I found Philippines... I was looking for her doll in Asia but I think she was by herself with Tahiti and the other Islands. I could be wrong but her costume looked like the native traditional Maria Clara gown so I'm almost positive it's Philippines. I can never find her in Disneyland and I'm not about to keep riding that attraction just to look for her. Now let's all sing it... It's a world of laughter A world of tears It's a world of hopes And a world of fears There's so much that we share That it's time we're aware It's a small world after all :) Now that I got the song in your head have a fantastic Sunday Funday, Yelp Friends! Review #1435 read more

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