Ride: "it's a small world"

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through a happy celebration singing children from around the world.

Ride Information

Composite Review (4.3 / 5)

The attraction, "it's a small world" at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World, holds a unique place in the Disney legacy. Based on hundreds of fan reviews, here is a composite review of the classic boat ride.

Overall Verdict

"it's a small world" is one of Disney's most famously polarizing attractions: a true classic and a "must-do" rite of passage for some, and a form of "musical torture" for others. It is widely considered an unmissable piece of Disney history, best enjoyed for its profound message of global unity and its nostalgia. Families with small children love it, but many teens and adults find the slow pace and relentlessly cheerful song to be tedious. While many guests adore it, an equally vocal group strongly dislikes it.

The Experience

The experience begins as you board a slow-moving, high-capacity boat (seating up to 20 people) for an approximately 10-15 minute cruise. Once the boat departs, you are immediately immersed in a fantastical, indoor global journey.

The ride is a dark ride in the classic Disney style, taking you past brilliantly colored, two-dimensional sets—all designed in the distinct, whimsical style of Disney Legend Mary Blair. The scenes depict various continents and regions, each filled with hundreds of Audio-Animatronic dolls dressed in the traditional costumes of that country, often moving in simple, repetitive motions.

The entire journey is set to one song, "It's a Small World," which is constantly repeated. As you float from scene to scene, the dolls sing the tune in different languages, accompanied by diverse musical arrangements that reflect the country you are passing through, such as a strong drumbeat in Africa or an Italian gondola serenade.

The final room brings all the children of the world together in a grand, unified finale before the boat exits the cavernous show building.

The Good: What People Love

• Pure Nostalgia and History: As an attraction originally created for the 1964 World's Fair, it is cherished by many as an enduring piece of Disney heritage. Riding it is a core park tradition.
• A Relaxing Break: The slow, gentle boat motion makes it perfect for guests needing a smooth ride, a break from the Florida heat, or just a chance to sit down after a long day of walking.
• Perfect for Young Children: With no height restrictions, it is a fantastic first ride for toddlers and preschoolers. Reviewers frequently note how mesmerized small children are by the vibrant colors, lights, and non-stop motion of the dolls.
• The Art and the Message: Fans praise the unique, mid-century modern aesthetic of Mary Blair's designs. The ride's core theme—world peace and unity—is viewed as a simple, powerful, and timeless message.

The Bad: Common Complaints

• The Repetitive Song: The most frequent and intense complaint. While the song is iconic and intentionally designed to translate seamlessly, its relentless repetition for the entire 10-15 minute duration can be an overwhelming "earworm" that gets stuck in guests' heads for the rest of the day—or longer.
• The Stop-and-Go: Since it is a water ride, boats occasionally get backed up or stuck, sometimes for long periods. Being stranded in one scene, listening to the same 30 seconds of the song on loop, is often described as "torture."
• Creepy Dolls and Sensory Overload: A number of guests, both children and adults, find the stylized doll faces to be unsettling or "creepy." The combination of constant, loud music, flashing lights, and vibrant colors can be overstimulating for guests with sensory sensitivities.
• Comfort and View: Guests with long legs complain that the seats in the front and back of the boat are uncomfortable and lack legroom. Some guests also complain that the illusion is easily broken, as they can spot wires, emergency exit doors, and visible ceilings.

Top Tips from Reviewers

• Request Center Rows: If you have long legs, ask to be seated in the center rows of the boat for better legroom.
• Timing is Key: Do not wait a long time for this ride. It is best to ride when the queue is less than 20 minutes. Due to its high capacity, the line generally moves quickly, but an hour-long wait is not considered worthwhile by most.
• Know Your Child's Limits: If your child is sensitive to loud, constant noise or high visual stimulation, be prepared for a quick exit from the queue, as a few parents noted their kids were overwhelmed.

Summary

"it's a small world" is a quintessential Disney dark ride with a high fun-to-wait ratio. It delivers exactly what it promises: a slow, peaceful, and visually dazzling journey celebrating global harmony. It’s an essential classic that will delight young children and fulfill the nostalgia of a generation. Just be ready for the fact that its famous theme song, whether you love it or hate it, will become your soundtrack for the remainder of your trip.

Reference

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/its-a-small-world/