In this post we give an overview of “it’s a small world”, a whimsical boat ride at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World. We cover the basics of the ride, how to ride it, and our thoughts on the experience before closing with an FAQ. Read on to learn more!
Related Posts
This post is a quick guide to “it’s a small world”, but we have related content that dives deeper into topics. Our Magic Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lane post covers Lightning Lane strategy in deep. The Magic Kingdom Rides and Entertainment Guide gives brief introductions to all the park’s offerings. For putting together your day at the park, we have a One Day Plan for Magic Kingdom.
“It’s a Small World” Basics
“It’s a small world” is a whimsical boat ride at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The ride
does not offer rider switch
has a Lightning Lane that is a part of Genie+
does not have a single rider line
is a part of Early Entry at Magic Kingdom
is about 15 minutes long
Where is “it’s a small world” located?
“It’s a small world” is located in the western portion of Fantasyland, opposite Peter Pan’s Flight. Entering the park, you’ll proceed directly through (or around) the castle and take a left at Prince Charming Regal Carrousel. “It’s a small world” will be on your right and Peter Pan’s Flight on your left.
If you’re riding it first at rope drop as part of Early Entry, you’ll queue with the guests heading into Fantasyland (along the right side of the castle, not the group heading into Tomorrowland). Follow the crowd, and most will go to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, with a few going to Peter Pan’s Flight and very few going to “it’s a small world.”
“It’s a small world” is not a good option for rope drop, and the only circumstance in which we would recommend starting there is if it’s the only ride in Fantasyland or Tomorrowland that you are riding today.
How to Ride “it’s a small world”
If you have Genie+ “it’s a small world” should be easy to come by on all but the busiest days, and we typically ride it sometime in the middle of the day.
Without Genie+, you’re going to want to save “it’s a small world” for the middle or later portion of the day. Because it’s a long ride (about 15 minutes), its a bad use of time early in the day when waits around the park are still increasing. Once you hit the peak of the day (around noon to 3PM) it becomes a better option (as good as any option at that time of day).
You also want to keep in mind the 15-minute length when timing your ride to avoid running up against a conflict with, say, the fireworks.
If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom with small children, “it’s a small world” is basically a must-do. While our toddler has gone back and forth on many dark rides, “it’s a small world” has always been a favorite.
“It’s a small world” Ride Experience
“It’s a small world” is a 15-minute leisurely boat ride. The ride takes you through international scenes populated by animatronic children singing the eponymous song in different languages. Its cliche (but true) to say the song is somewhat maddeningly catchy. You can see a video of the ride here.
“It’s a small world” FAQ
Can infants ride “it’s a small world”?
They sure can! The ride has no height requirement which means even infants can ride. It’s actually one of the few rides that entertained our infant back in the day!
How does “it’s a small world” know your name?
At the end of the ride, there is a screen that shows greetings to different guests. The technology developed as part of the MagicBand system allows guests to be identified and their names displayed. I believe this particular effect requires a MagicBand, but I could be wrong.
Does Disney still have “it’s a small world”?
Yes! In fact, it’s the very ride being discussed in this post with versions also found at Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland in California!
All Your Other Disney World Planning Questions Answered
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Just starting out? Check out our Walt Disney World planning guide! If you're still picking dates, we've got everything you need to know about Disney World crowd calendars. For picking your hotel, check out our Walt Disney World hotels guide.
When it comes time to book we’ll help you find discount Disney World tickets. Decide whether you need a dining plan in our Complete Guide to Disney World Dining Plans! And don't forget to book those Disney World Advance Dining Reservations!
Don't forget to master your Disney World Genie+ and Lightning Lane strategy a few months in advance. We'll keep you out of long lines so you can maximize the magical time in the parks! We've got park-specific guides as well: Magic Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, Epcot Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, Animal Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, and Hollywood Studios Genie+ and Lightning Lanes.
Know what to ride with our guides to: Magic Kingdom rides, Hollywood Studios rides, Epcot rides, and Animal Kingdom rides! Plus learn about the water parks with our guide to Blizzard Beach and our guide to Typhoon Lagoon! And for some some fun prep, check out our Ranking of Every Ride at Walt Disney World.
Finally, before you head out, be sure to check out our to-the-point packing list, 10 essentials you forget to pack for every Disney trip. And if you're interested in saving, there's no better list than our 53 Ways to Save on your Disney trip from start to finish.