News New Verse Being Added to "it's a small world"

[VJ]

Inside the famed Main Street Cinema, you’ll get to see the story and impact of the famous songwriting duo, the Sherman brothers.

Here you can watch a heartwarming three-and-a-half minute film called “The Last Verse,” which celebrates the timeless connection and hope behind the Sherman brothers’ iconic song, “It’s a Small World.” Created for the song’s 60th anniversary, this film unveils a new verse written by legendary composer Richard M. Sherman in his final Disney contribution. In the spirit of the beloved song, viewers journey across the globe as the song is passed from person to person and generation to generation, culminating in the reveal of this heartfelt new verse:

“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.”

Additionally, we are honored to share that we will be premiering this third and final verse in the “it’s a small world” attraction at Disneyland, beginning July 17.

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary: New Experiences Coming to Main Street, U.S.A., on July 17 - Disney Parks Blog

Upon entering Disneyland park, the first land you step into is the quaint Main Street, U.S.A. Inspired in part by Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri, Main Street recreates the unique charm of small-town America at the turn of the 20th century, filled with hope and optimism. As we...

disneyparksblog.com

 

[Disney Analyst]

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary: New Experiences Coming to Main Street, U.S.A., on July 17 - Disney Parks Blog

Upon entering Disneyland park, the first land you step into is the quaint Main Street, U.S.A. Inspired in part by Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri, Main Street recreates the unique charm of small-town America at the turn of the 20th century, filled with hope and optimism. As we...

disneyparksblog.com

I suggested (demanded) this the moment they released that footage. I take full credit. Thank you for adding this to the ride Disney. A win.

 

[Consumer]

As long as the audio still sounds correct, this sounds like a positive change.

 

[brb1006]

I remember seeing footage of Richard Sherman reading the last verse to It's A Small World to Bob Iger that was shown at a Disney Expo late last year.

 

[VJ]

I suggested (demanded) this the moment they released that footage. I take full credit. Thank you for adding this to the ride Disney. A win.

i must admit i am a little worried on how the verse will be integrated into the soundtrack of the attraction, but given how the other "legacy" additions (like the new fantasy in the sky fanfare) were handled, i'm trusting that it'll be faithful and not too jarring

 

[VJ]

As long as the audio still sounds correct, this sounds like a positive change.

i'm imagining it being added to the finale room as an extra "oomph" and honestly, it could work

if they re-record the entire soundtrack and everything i'd be disappointed but like i said, as long as it's done well and stands up to the original i won't mind

 

[Disney Analyst]

i'm imagining it being added to the finale room as an extra "oomph" and honestly, it could work

if they re-record the entire soundtrack and everything i'd be disappointed but like i said, as long as it's done well and stands up to the original i won't mind

I kinda thought it would be cute to have his voice singing it, at the exit tunnel of the ride...

But I assume they likely recorded a group of kids singing it, and it will be worked into the finale room or something.

 

[Too Many Hats]

MOTHER Earth? Great, even Small World is woke now smh

(/s)

 

[Phroobar]

MOTHER Earth? Great, even Small World is woke now smh

(/s)

Stop it!

 

[SuddenStorm]

I just love the 60's recording of the song and would hate to lose that. I like the idea of just adding it in the finale.

 

[VJ]

I just love the 60's recording of the song and would hate to lose that. I like the idea of just adding it in the finale.

exactly my worry! it's one of my favorite disney park soundtracks (and rides in general) so i'm very protective over it

the new verse itself works best for the finale because it fits the theme of that section of the ride - the world in harmony, singing as one, and it would make less sense (and be less special) if you heard it before you reached that moment in the ride

due to the counterpoint construction of the song, they wouldn't have to mess with the instrumental if they replaced the end "it's a small world after all" refrain with the new verse (or, keep the adult chorus singing the "after all" refrain underneath while having the children sing the new verse over it)

 

[donaldtoo]

Anything to make it less “rinse and repeat”, I guess…?!

 

[SuddenStorm]

This also continues the trend of Disney frequently messing with what works, while ignoring what doesn't.

And even when they're trying to change something that needs improvement, like Constance, they somehow find a way to screw it up.

On paper this change is great, but Disney has a way of fumbling changes that on paper are great. How many people on here were excited for a Princess and the Frog attraction four years ago, since it seemed like a slam dunk?

 

[VJ]

This also continues the trend of Disney frequently messing with what works, while ignoring what doesn't.

And even when they're trying to change something that needs improvement, like Constance, they somehow find a way to screw it up.

On paper this change is great, but Disney has a way of fumbling changes that on paper are great. How many people on here were excited for a Princess and the Frog attraction four years ago, since it seemed like a slam dunk?

i'd counter that lately (within the last 5 years or so), disney has had more hits than misses when handling "legacy" fixtures - like fantasy in the sky as i said, and also the adventureland treehouse to name another example, and the main street electrical parade 50th anniversary additions to name a third

this is why i'm more willing to give them an inch here - i am a little worried, but if their track record holds, it should be fine

 

[chadwpalm]

I just love the 60's recording of the song and would hate to lose that. I like the idea of just adding it in the finale.

I think they should take this opportunity to switch it to techno.

 

[Homemade Imagineering]

 

[chadwpalm]

The Holiday overlay started in 1997 and I assume they recorded the Christmas additions to the song at that time and it all sounds pretty seamless.

I'm not worried that adding in a new verse will sound bad.

 

[chadwpalm]

I was thinking more like this.....

 

[chadwpalm]

This one's pretty good too, but no lyrics.

 

[Consumer]

The Holiday overlay started in 1997 and I assume they recorded the Christmas additions to the song at that time and it all sounds pretty seamless.

I'm not worried that adding in a new verse will sound bad.

It probably will be ok, but 1997 WDI and 2025 WDI are very different beasts.