*Walt Disney's Final Message: It's A Small World* | Documentary

[@toddhensley880]

For me, the songs “It’s a Small World”, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow”, and “One Little Spark” are the core Disney message.

[@monicaharvatt633]

I’m a 70s kid that loved the Carousel of Progress, so I also love Now is the time Now is the best time Now is the Best Time of our lives

[@historyadventureswithcandi3497]

Rest In peace Walt Disney.

[@chrismetzger8875]

Can’t believe the ride is 60 years old.

[@skywalkerpanyt]

Absolutely love this! Such a beautiful history of small world and such an incredible tribute to Walt’s legacy. Thank you for this! 😄

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@stephenkramp5602]

"Typical" Alex the Historian video. Peaceful, informative, educational and enjoyable. Always time well spent. Walt was my childhood hero. I remember, as a small child, bring fascinated by the monorail and the Tiki House, but only on TV. I visited WDW in 71 or 72 with my parents. Small World was my mom's favorite ride. Every time I visit WDW, that is the one ride I have to visit. A good remembrance of a different era, and in many ways a better time. Thanks Alex!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you, glad you liked the video!

[@Ericland_Entertainment_Inc]

YES YES YES!! I'm shocked I used to hate this beautiful ride, now I love it with all of my oversized heart. I'm glad this ride still promotes world peace thru the sheer innocence of children singing together. What a great message Walt sent to the world before he left us too early. If only people could appreciate the rides universal message, it really is a small world after all.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Good to see you here buddy! Yes I'm shocked you used to hate the ride too, but that's ok, you are forgiven! :D

[@Ericland_Entertainment_Inc]

@@AlextheHistorian Oh good!

[@goofyrulez7914]

And... it was so hard to synchronize the music in all the areas, they decided to just let the ride run 24/7/365 (I could be wrong, my memory is not so great). Thank you for the video, it brings back wonderful memories.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@danielboone3770]

The songs: It's a Small World, It's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow, & One Little Spark - definitely the core message for me too!

[@TheIndyMaestro]

Another wonderful historical Disney video! Thanks so much Alex! RIP Walt, and much more recently Richard Sherman (and Robert a few years ago), Rolly Crump, and Alice Davis!

[@gregoryfaith4303]

Over the 80's & 90's, one could guage the economy outside Disneyland by the number of burnt out light bulbs all around that park and how neglected the interior lighting got inside of It's A Small World ride. My last visit there was 2005 and the entire parks and rides shined of respect and tender loving care. Thanks to Walt's dreams being passed down to cast members after his passing.

[@user-tt4fz3vd9p]

❤ it’s a small world at Disney World ❤️❤️❤️😀

[@disneylandmusician7741]

This is an excellent documentary. Fantastic job!!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you very much!

[@user-cn6de7xe2o]

Thank you, Alex! I still love "Small World"- I ride it every time. I remember singing the song with a children's choir when I was about 9 yr old- before I had ever rode the ride!! Last time we drove to Disneyland, we did all the original rides that still exist, plus the "world's fair" rides like Tiki Room (which has been edited too much...) and Small World. We also rode a lot of the Main Street vehicles and had a great time taking things slow and just riding the "old" rides. - Linda😀

[@AlextheHistorian]

When I was still visiting Disneyland before 2020, many of the rides had very long wait times, and often I chose to just walk the park instead of ride things. But on the busy days I'd still hop aboard the Disneyland Railroad and it's a small world.

[@wookieecantina]

Wonderfully presented. You did forget how Walt went around Roy and didn't let him know that he purchased almost every piece of gold leaf available to cover the accents. Good Ol' Walt. Love your presentation, kinda brings a tear to the eye. My grandfather (RIP) was one of the electricians who designed the clock works for the attraction, as computers and integrated circuitry were not yet invented. Lots of solenoids and relays. He also worked on the Dancing Waters at the old Disneyland Hotel. So many talented people. Richard Sherman was at The Magic Castle quite frequently, having lunch with Milt. He was always so approachable and such a true professional. We'd see them on Friday's during the members lunch buffet. The Sherman Bros door is still at The Castle as is the original Pepper's Ghost model.

[@jeffreycharles5035]

Always happy to see a Disneyland history video from you! Thank you!

[@AlextheHistorian]

My pleasure, I'm glad to see you liked it!

[@m.hreels9822]

This is a really excellent documentary! ❤

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you so much!

[@susanhansen1505]

A lovely tribute, Alex - to both an iconic attraction and to the man and his vision. Thank you. Well done. ❤

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks, I'm really glad you enjoyed it!

[@NorseNerdleMeister]

Thanks Alex, love that you’re still doing Disney content!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks Ken! Yeah this video was a tough one, almost all the old video footage was copyrighted 😅 But I got it uploaded!

[@ScanFan_Ed]

@@AlextheHistorianthank you! I love this video. I know doing Disney videos isn’t your primary interest, but I do appreciate the history ones very much!! Thank you, Alex!

[@jetsons101]

To be honest, "It's A Small World" isn't in my top 5 rides at Disneyland --- it does make the top ten. The way the ride looks is part of the charm, character and feel of the ride, it's not cheap --- it has a look that kids can relate to, bright colors and movement. This and many other Disney rides are great examples of "Doing it right the first time." May the light in the Firehouse always shine BRIGHT....... NOTE: The fifth block of the vid was outstanding..............

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you, thank you! Yes, the last chapter of the video I thought was very important for people to hear.

[@jetsons101]

@@AlextheHistorian All the world leaders should all get together and ride It's A Small World for a day then get to work on learning how to get along. Back to work..............

[@KenRoberts4KenTheRoad]

Beautifully done! Thank you Alex! 🙏

[@AlextheHistorian]

My pleasure!

[@pedenharley6266]

Alex, this was beautiful. Thank you!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@billsauder493]

Thank you for this astute review of a major landmark in themed attractions. I visited Disneyland weeks after "it's a small world opened". I was six years old and the facade and art direction inside was more exciting that words will describe. I became fascinated with the design of attractions: Were they the work of one person? or a corporate team all working closely together? ... the new Tomorrowland opened a year later with huge carry overs from "small world" in the murals and ticket booth architecture compounding the mystery. Decades later I discovered the individual contributions of Rolly Crump and Mary Blair. -- A few months after "small world" opened, Walt died. When it came on the news I remember turning to my mother and asking "Do we have to call him Saint Walter now?"

[@Tryingtohaveityall]

You’ve done it again. A wonderful mini documentary that is informative, thoughtful, nostalgic and touching all at the same time. Chefs kiss

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you so much!

[@waynemartin6065]

Great video! I remember visiting Small World at the world’s fair and enjoying the tower in spite of the creator’s dissatisfaction!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Walt loved it too, so there's that stamp of approval for you! 😅

[@benjaminroberson1924]

Wonderfully made! You did a stellar job covering the history of this attraction and why it's always been so important.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@tinkershell1856]

Absolutely beautiful video! 💙 I’m as old as it’s a small world and it has always been one of my favorite attractions for so many reasons. Thank you for mentioning Arrow Development! The cofounders were employers and friends of ours and they deserve so much credit 💙

[@afluker6757]

Such a heartfelt look back at such an iconic ride. Reminds me of what a big impact this ride had on me since I was very young. Great job!

[@9594Jacob]

IT was a nice video detailing the history. Despite how annoying the song can get over time. It’s still a classic ride and good song. Because of how significant it was an how it represented the children of the world. A good final message left by Walt Disney and another legacy that lives on till this very day.

[@SpaceShot]

Thanks for capturing this history and the images and clips connecting us to the past. Walt was a genius. I can't think of other rides that exist that aren't high thrill rides that permeate the public consciousness the way his family rides have.

[@hereinmyhansonshirt]

Wow. This was such a beautiful documentary. It made me very emotional to watch. Thank you for all of your hard work on this video and everything else you share on your channel. It is so appreciated

[@AlextheHistorian]

My pleasure, glad you liked it!

[@FranciscoGarcia-bf5rp]

Yay! Thank you for the Disney content!

[@AlextheHistorian]

My pleasure!

[@laurielaurie8280]

Love this. I wish I could go back to those days and stay awhile 😊

[@AlextheHistorian]

Me too

[@Markybug-Keira-Cody]

I wasn’t going to watch this as i am not a Disney person, but am i glad I did , great video Alex 🎉

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you, and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@MikeBramm]

Another excellent documentary, Alex. Keep up the good work.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@olddisneylandtickets]

Excellent documentary! I didn't know about the water propulsion system, I love learning new Disneyland things, thank you!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michelleluna4278]

Always enjoy your Disney videos… thought of you as I passed by Golden Horseshoe last week.

[@toshibavoodoo]

How I miss this video? Great Channel, Great information, and great vibes!

[@toshibavoodoo]

FUNNY!! I put the same exact comment on your last Disnaylena video about Pirates.... Keep up the great work.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@tonymac144]

Great work as always with Disney history. We all miss -Alex in the parks.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you, glad you liked the video, Tony!

[@larryadams9935]

This is a beautiful video, Alex. Well done! So much history to reveal about the attraction and Walt's vision come to life. Keep up the great work, brother!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@stacymoffatt]

Love your thorough, entertaining, and beautifully produced work Alex!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Aww thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@jlbarcenas76]

You’re the best Alex great video.. thank you

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@fuzzypuppett]

Beautifully done as always- thank you 🙂👏🏻👏🏻

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks!

[@ScanFan_Ed]

Love this video. Thank you, Alex!

[@AlextheHistorian]

You're welcome!

[@GCBBQ]

i loved the 08 update. its a statement that those characters were not created by disney but they were stories that came from different regions around the world and were part of stories that children through time have heard in those regions .

[@AlextheHistorian]

What does Pinnochio, Aladdin or Alice have to do with world peace?

[@GCBBQ]

@@AlextheHistorian its about embracing other people's culture Pinocchio was from italy, and aladdin was from the Middle Eastern Arabian Nights stories. peace comes through understanding.

[@AlextheHistorian]

I dont think that was Disney's intention. I think they were really just trying to create more synergy.

[@Justintime619]

Great documentary! Well done!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@legoiago]

I felt like it’s a small world was appropriate for the Paris Olympic and the Paralympic Games this summer because the Parade of Nations for both of the Games had a feeling of the ride’s message. The Olympic spirit as well as the Paralympic spirit is very similar. 17:30 is how I see the athletes entering a stadium in an Olympic event during the opening ceremonies and the closing ceremonies.

[@markherron1407]

It's a small world ride SHOULD be at Epcot because it's INTERNATIONAL and they have World Showcase Blessings and HUGS! 👑💜

[@jlsffll]

Love your documentaries

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@RobertSheiffele]

great episode!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks!

[@Night360]

Thanks so much for this video! Very well done. I honestly never knew about the tower of the four winds except when it was mentioned on the Small World soundtrack. Great job and thanks again!

[@AlextheHistorian]

My pleasure!

[@moirad3895]

Gosh I love this ride so much! 😭😭😭❤️

[@johnthompson3480]

Great job! Thank you.

[@AlextheHistorian]

My pleasure!

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Love it ❤going to Disneyland Oct 5th. N I will be back for bday vacation next March #DisneyDiva ❤

[@philrabe910]

WDW came to FL when I was 13. I was captivated by the effects in the Haunted Mansion and Pirates, but I loved all the mechanicals in Small world. All the rotating gizmos on the ceiling to make the magic carpets fly, etc., But I hated the ordinary looking (black) acoustic tiled ceiling.

[@nopenope2601]

Thank you so much!

[@AlextheHistorian]

My pleasure!

[@cliffishii340]

Thanks!

[@disneyvillainrocket1]

Bravo

[@otdstlmo13]

Excellent video, Alex!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@SAOS451316]

For whatever reason a lot of cremated ashes get scattered illicitly in the It's a Small World rides. It's a nice message but one's ghost would probably get very annoyed by the song after a while lol.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Yes I imagine so.

[@jimquinlan2541]

Well done!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@HHHH-sr1on]

thanks for putting up this vid i was at the worlds fair in 64 and 65 got to play at the new york pavilion as many did if you lived in NY but wanted to know do you collect pictures of walt?? i have a few taken 2 months before he passed . he was in kansas city at the art institute where i want to college. let me know

[@ozziemederos]

Awesome video alex ❤well done

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks Ozzie, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@zeroconsequences]

I don't know if Disney planned it this way, but this past year's PixarFest tower at the Disneyland Esplanade looked like it took inspiration from the Tower of the Four Winds.

[@fromoutofthepastpodcast]

Always love your videos! PS, you get a nice shout-out in our Podcast’s Season 2 Ep 7! Hope you’re well …

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you so much! I am doing well, hope you are too!

[@Cutelatinguy2]

It's so META (or ironic) that we are getting a Walt Disney animatronic at Disneyland! But I feel it should go into Tomorrowland in the old Carousel of Progress building or Magic Eye Theater and the show could be built around Walt's visions for the 1964/65 World's Fair, new Tomorrowland 1967and WDW/EPCOT!

[@Rob-k9t]

Okay I am wondering. I heard that Pepsi approached WED, and John Hench told them they were too busy. Joan Crawford who was on the Pepsi Board and approached Walt, who was livid. He told Hench that they would do it.

[@darrenknowles842]

PLEASE DO FANTASMIC!!! :)

[@jamesl1130]

The queue direction was changed in the 90s, not the 80s.

[@Rob-k9t]

As to Walt being anti semetic....His best friend was Sam Goldwynn, who was Jewish. Also his youngest daughter Sharon , dated a Jewish boy in high school. Walt said, as long as he treats her right, he has no qualms about him.

[@paboy2727]

It’s sad that Disney does not do original rides like this anymore

[@5capsfilms152]

What did you think of the new snow white movie trailer I think it's terrible

[@AlextheHistorian]

I haven't seen the trailer. I'm not interested in Disney's live action remakes of their classic cartoon movies...I think the originals are better.

[@5capsfilms152]

@AlextheHistorian the only good remake, in my opinion, was alladin everything else is really bad. You saved yourself by not watching the trailer they used cgi for the dwarves it's jsut really bad

[@rh5563]

Walt would not be happy to see what they are doing to his parks nowadays. He wouldn’t let it happen.

[@brucesorensen]

Walt's only prejudice was for long hair on men in the late 60s. I was turned away at the gate because my hair was over my collar. I had to go mome and have my mom cut my hair. Years later, after several long haired characters such as Tarzan appeared in Disney movies, was that policy changed.😂

[@AlextheHistorian]

Disneyland had a strict dress code. Even into the 2010's their dress code was considered strict, even though it was very relaxed from the 1960s version. I miss the 2010s dress code...now without any enforcement, you get people walking around with their bellys hanging out, their shorts being unable to cover the lower part of their rear, and sometimes, the most ratty beat up clothing anyone could possibly wear. Some people don't care at all to dress nicely for Disneyland and be in the presence of many children.

[@justint8851]

Hey didn't Joan Crawford convince Pepsi to help them fund this ride since she was married to the them CEO of Pepsi at the time? Now I just want you to know I'm not trying to be mean this is a legit question but did you not mention it because you don't want people spamming shit like "NO WIRE HANGERS!" in the comments?

[@AlextheHistorian]

To be honest the story behind how Walt got it's a small world funded is pretty long winded, and some folks can't agree on certain things. And my focus in this video was about the actual construction and meaning of the ride, so instead of explaining it all, I said "Long story short, Walt had relationships with Pepsi-Cola." -Which is true, Disneyland sold Pepsi-Cola products.

[@justint8851]

@@AlextheHistorian yeah are they still in a business relationship with Pepsi today because I hear they lost a lot of their sponsors over the years.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Disney doesn't have any relationship with Pepsi today. For the last 5 decades, Disney has been exclusive to Coca-Cola.

[@justint8851]

@@AlextheHistorian Coca-Cola is better anyway

[@AlextheHistorian]

@justint8851 I agree. Lol

[@davidzagrodny9486]

Not original with me, but perhaps Disneyland should re-designate IASW as part of Tomorrowland, rather than Fantasyland

[@jlbarcenas76]

Thanks!

[@AlextheHistorian]

My pleasure, thank you for the Super Thanks!

[@danbajuk3387]

Thanks!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you Dan! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@danbajuk3387]

@@AlextheHistorian Hi Alex. You are the best! I always love your creations.