05 February 2009 – A beloved Disneyland attraction returns to Fantasyland on Friday, Feb. 6, when “it’s a small world” opens with some new storytelling magic. With the premiere of a new “Spirit of America” scene, new musical enhancements, and a new look for some of the attraction’s familiar child dolls, “it’s a small world” will once again take guests of all ages on “the happiest cruise that ever sailed.”
(all photos copyright Disney)
This classic attraction has been renovated and enhanced while retaining the world-renowned charm that holds such a special place in the hearts of Disneyland guests. The “it’s a small world” journey continues to celebrate children of the world and their message of harmony and friendship. And now, for the first time, guests will be able to find some of the child dolls dressed as their favorite Disney characters, in the countries where their stories take place. For example, dolls dressed in Aladdin and Jasmine costumes play in the Middle East scene, and a doll dressed as Alice from “Alice in Wonderland” appears in the Great Britain scene.
Guests will enjoy riding “it’s a small world” again and again as they search for the 29 Disney and Disney•Pixar characters now represented in the attraction. Some appear as child dolls and some are playful-looking toys, such as the White Rabbit who accompanies Alice. The new doll costumes and toys are fashioned in the same artistic style that has made “it’s a small world” an icon around the globe. That style was created by art director, color stylist and Disney Legend Mary Blair, whose sense of design shaped “it’s a small world” from the very beginning.
“We know that many people have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to relive their ‘it’s a small world’ memories and to create new ones with children, grandchildren and friends,” said Disney Imagineer art director Kim Irvine. “It’s a pleasure to once again offer this beloved attraction to Disneyland guests, now with some special Disney enhancements.”
Among the enhancements is a new “Spirit of America” scene based on original concept art by Disney Legend Mary Blair, in keeping with the “it’s a small world” theme that friendship crosses all nations, including the United States.
Child dolls that are costumed as stylized representations of their favorite Disney characters can be spotted in several scenes.
The children in many “it’s a small world” scenes will have a variety of new stylized toys to play with, inspired by Disney and Disney•Pixar characters: Woody and Jessie for “Spirit of America,” a Mushu dragon kite for China, “The Three Caballeros” marionettes for Latin America, and others.
Additional fresh touches will be heard in the augmented “it’s a small world” soundtrack. The renowned “it’s a small world” song, written by Academy Award®-winning composers Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman (“Mary Poppins“), will still play throughout the attraction. Now, however, some subtle film music is woven into the song as counterpoint melodies, fitting the characters and scenes.
All of the boats in “it’s a small world” are new and designed to evoke the look and feel of boats that children of the world might play with anywhere.
See “it’s a small world” with the “Southern California 2fer Ticket”*
Southern California residents, many of whom have grown up with “it’s a small world” and taken their own children on the voyage, have a special value opportunity to enjoy the enhanced attraction as Disneyland Resort asks “What Will you Celebrate?” The “Southern California 2fer Ticket,” which can be purchased now through June 3 for the price of a one-day one-park ticket ($69 for age 10 and up; $59 for age 3-9), lets guests experience Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure on one day, and then come back on another day to play at the other park for free. For information, visit www.disneyland.com or call (714) 781-7290.
Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney’s California Adventure park – plus the downtown Disney District composed of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s three guest-welcoming hotels are the luxurious 745-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the magical 988-room Disneyland Hotel and the “day-at-the-beach” fun of the 489-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. For further information on attractions, events and vacations at Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com, call (866) 60-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.
Epcot’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure Preview:
The new Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure has recently soft opened at Epcot and as usual, site partner MouseSteps was there – with photos and video soon to come! One of the recruitment centers (below left) is where you get a fastpass and instructions on where to begin your adventure. The Kimmunicator you are given to play the game (below right).
I had the chance to play this when Kim Possible was testing in September of 2006 and really enjoyed it. From what I have been told, it is now broken into 7 shorter adventures around World Showcase. Below are some of the props used in the game that are similar to the props that were used during that original test.
Please check back later this week for more photos and video of this great new addition to Epcot!
Construction Update at the Magic Kingdom:
The Magic Kingdom is the scene for much construction activity this week. Below a crane is seen as the removal of the castle Dreamlights has begun.
The new fast service location Golden Oak Outpost looks almost ready to open. Because Pecos Bill’s Cafe is down for rehab, the rarely used El Pirata Y el Perico Restaurante has opened – but is not selling the usual taco’s and Mexican food, but burgers, chicken sandwiches and wraps.
Moving on to Tomorrowland, we see that Sonny Eclipse is vacationing on Jupiter (and also enjoying a brief rehab). Finally more progress is being made on the new “Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration” stage.
Bonus Video:
Below is video of construction at the Magic Kingdom for Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration at Walt Disney World.
This was shot today from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority attraction.
Epcot’s “Horizons” closed forever on January 9th, 1999. This updated 3-Disc Set pays tribute to the beloved Future World attraction and it’s replacement “Mission Space”!
Total Running Time (3-Discs): 190 Min
For more information or to purchase this item, please click HERE.
This all-new JeffLangeDVD title features the following magical experiences from the holidays at Disneyland: “A Christmas Fantasy Parade”, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle Lighting, “Haunted Mansion Holiday”, “it’s a small world holiday”, Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks and much more!
For more information or to purchase this item, please click HERE.
As always, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.
Once again, site partner MouseSteps presents some great photos for my readers to enjoy this time from New Years Eve at Epcot! Below left, guests laying in the grass while waiting for the New Years Eve celebration. Below right, the main stage at the fountain.
Below right, a cast member hands out horns (free hats and horns were available to all guests). Below right, The special New Years Eve edition of “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth“.
Below left, flames shoot out of the riser at the China stage. Below right, the Chinese dragon is better seen here.
Bottom left, a DJ plays techno music in Italy. Bottom right, a DJ playing songs at the main fountain stage.
Bonus:Nova Era performing New Years Eve at Downtown Disney!
Nova Era was a fixture at the Epcot Italy Pavilion at one time, and were back for New Years Eve this year (playing in front of Fultons at Downtown Disney).
This all-new JeffLangeDVD title features the following magical experiences from the holidays at Disneyland: “A Christmas Fantasy Parade”, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle Lighting, “Haunted Mansion Holiday”, “it’s a small world holiday”, Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks and much more!
For more information or to purchase this item, please click HERE.
As a special thank you to those that order Jeff Lange’s Disneyland Holiday Treat 08 DVD direct from this site, we are including the following as a free bonus while supplies last.
This was the “SparklingWithJoy” Holiday Guide Map given out at Disneyland and it makes an ideal companion to the new DVD.
For more details on purchasing this title, click HERE.
For more information on this or other titles please contact Jeff@jefflangedvd.com or visit JeffLangeDVD.
last minute shoppers: I do offer express shipping by request for all my products. Please contact me at Jeff@jefflangedvd.com to arrange for overnight delivery.
Seasons Greetings from Jeff Lange! Celebrate the holidays with this all-new DVD featuring magical experiences from the “Merriest Place on Earth”, Disneyland!
Disneyland Entrance / Main Street Omnibus – Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the holidays as you enjoy a one-way trip high atop the Main Street omnibus! You’ll travel past the Disneyland Christmas tree, stopping at Sleeping Beauty’s beautiful snow covered castle.
“A Christmas Fantasy” Parade – You have perfect viewing of this beloved holiday tradition, from Christmas Tree Point on Main Street USA! This Disneyland classic features an enchanted collection of holiday scenes, music, and your favorite Disney characters in yuletide settings. Toy soldiers march, friendly snowmen dance and Santa waves from a soaring sleigh as reindeer prance below!
Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle Lighting – Experience Disneyland’s winter castle in all of it’s holiday majesty! This park icon, decorated with snowdrifts and icicles, transforms like magic as it sparkles and glistens while snow falls all around you!
Haunted Mansion Holiday – See what happens when holidays collide as Jack Skellington and his fiendish friends take over the Haunted Mansion! This ultimate version was compiled from eight rides to capture all the nuances of this spooky holiday favorite!
“it’s a small world” holiday – Watch as the exterior facade of Disneyland’s “it’s a small world” attraction magically comes to life in an amazing display of holiday images and music! Next, board your boat and enjoy the “happiest holiday cruise that ever sailed” in this tribute to children the world over!
“Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks – This fireworks spectacular lights up the skies over the Magic Kingdom and Sleeping Beauty’s castle. The show is a combination of five acts: The Magic of Christmas, Christmas Merriment, A Heartfelt Holiday, Holiday Wonders and The Spirit of Christmas. Your night concludes with a magical snowfall on Main Street USA.
Pick up a copy of “Jeff Lange’s Disneyland Holiday Treat 08” today and relive all the holiday magic or experience it for the first time.
Running Time: 66 Min
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Construction is progressing at the Saratoga Springs Treehouse Villas at Walt Disney World! Here is some new video contributed by site partner Mousesteps.com.
Mousesteps also has some photos of around Fort WildernessCampground on the new site update!
Polynesian Resort Article and Vintage photos:
Also today, my friend Jim Hill did a story about the Polynesian Resort featuring some of my vintage photos. I have always loved the Poly and have so many wonderful childhood memories of staying there!
Below I am seen enjoying the themed volcano slide and a rare view of the original pool during a rehab.
This all-new JeffLangeDVD title features the 2008 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party including: Cinderella’s Holiday Wish, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, Holiday Wishes – Celebrate the Spirit of the Season, the “Celebrate the Season” show, cookie and hot chocolate stations and much more!
For more information or to purchase this item, please click HERE.