Did you know that on this date in 1964, “It’s a Small World,” designed and color-styled by the inimitable Mary Blair at the request of Walt Disney himself, opened at the 1964 New York World’s Fair? The Disney Store currently has ears and a dress just in time for the happiest celebration on earth!
Following its 18-month run at the fair, where the ride raised money for UNICEF, it was dismantled at rebuilt at Disneyland. Due to its popularity, similar rides have been installed at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Park in Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland. In addition to the holiday overlay that is featured annually at Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland will be debuting a special “It’s a Small World with Groot” overlay in 2025, celebrating characters from the Marvel universe. The iconic song, which was written by the legendary Sherman brothers, charmed Walt Disney and resulted in the name of the attraction being changed from “Children of the World” to the famous title we know today. It truly is “The Happiest Cruise that Ever Sailed!”
Why is Joan Crawford always left out of the story as it was her idea and she got Disney to do it for Pepsi?
I can’t speak to why other people don’t include her, but my goal is to draw attention to the work of Mary Blair. I think it would be wonderful if you wrote about Joan Crawford’s contributions on your website, though.