Why is "it's a small world" So Creepy?

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it's a small world is one of the most popular Disney attractions ever created. Over the years it has inspired child and adult alike to strive toward a better future for everyone. But not everybody sees a cute, child-friendly ride. Some see terror and anxiety. Horror and fake friendship. Today we'll examine why exactly people think it's a small world is so terrifying.
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Videos Used:
it's a small world Footage, EvanTubeHD, • IT'S A SMALL WORLD (Fu...

[@katterinanangle9604]

The scariest thing about Disney world is your credit card after your trip

[@sofiascupoftae5591]

Katterina Nangle I know right

[@markwilson7942]

OH MY GOD XD

[@starrynights611]

😂

[@Zero-cu1wr]

Dude your credit card will be begging for mercy, before you even leave the damn house

[@randomcontentmaker1287]

Good One

[@Zergei]

What I've noticed throughout this whole video is the lighting. It's mostly red, ominous, and not too cheerful overall. That really makes it weird.

[@blazinggamer1272]

ZergeiTV not just you man. And yes... It is

[@clutterbot7279]

glad someone else finally pointed it out!

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Wow!

[@blazinggamer1272]

Red is bloody or hellish. So it's what makes it creepy...I think

[@BrujadeOzywea]

I was thinking the exact same thing

[@jakelinelopez1107]

what usually makes me uncomfortable about this ride is something that people don’t really think of. I don’t like it because of the way the inside is structured. you have so much going on at a low level and then you look up and there’s so much blank space. i guess it takes me out of the ride and the fact that there’s so much space above me makes me feel weird. i don’t know why.

[@UwU-lm9or]

i know this is late but i agree as well especially when you look up it just kinda feels likethe dolls would just attack you below or you know

[@eringray1160]

Came V late, but I came here to say just this! When I was younger it was one of my favorites, but when I got bigger, I could look up and see the ceiling tiles, or look down and see the office carpet. Which in turn made me realize I was just in this big room with a boat running through it, and this shit singing at me, and nah. Yeah, nah.

[@heavenlything]

EXACTLY THANK YOU

[@r4ls3i7]

I didnt get really scared but i think they had some peter pan or aladdin flying up there

[@send2yam]

@@r4ls3i7 or a suicidal crew member

[@DrHaley-ix6nf]

I think another part of the scare factor is having all this color but a very dark black background. The celling is also black which gave me a nervous feeling. I disliked having to feel like I was in this dark building. I wish they painted it a happy color.

[@KnakuanaRka]

Dr. Haley Yeah, it’s vibrant but really dark, and way too visually busy. Maybe it would be better if it was brighter pastel.

[@diorsxf]

K1naku5ana3R1ka like a bright pastel yellow or blue, and maybe a little more lighter inside the building. If it was like that it wouldn’t be as creepy.

[@diorsxf]

CommieBash It would still be better than the dark background. I’m pretty sure there are other Disney rides that have all their wires and imperfections in the open and they are still happy. They should atleast add more lights I guess.

[@user-ez4ny5kd7x]

Paris is white ceiling tiles

[@kabenno]

Yea. The whole thing is seemingly bright and vibrant but the background looks like it leads into the void. No one knows what’s back there or if anything is even there. No one knows what’s behind the colors.

[@markcrooks2455]

Didn't one of the imagineers say he'd much rather be in the Haunted Mansion alone then It's a Small World...

[@tomatoobasill]

It's a small world is alright Unless when it breaks down

[@Steveobrine_Official]

or when a power outage happens...

[@angeloplays9794]

Steve O’Brine have you been in a power outage before on it’s a small world???

[@livelaughespresso8779]

Same I still enjoy that ride anyways

[@s6otti]

angeloplays i have, it was only for 3 seconds at epcot and i was in the outside part of test track but i heard everyone gasp and i was confused

[@survivorpro129]

It’s a terrifying world

[@SirIkeMedia]

Answer: DOLLS. duh.

[@charlesdeliberis239]

or the song that get stuck in your head

[@jumpymarvin]

or... fnati..

[@trent9192]

The hippo

[@aidanthehigglytownheroesdo2371]

Yeah, I dread the dolls.

[@windmillfortheland3926]

I have a love hate relationship with the dolls. One second they look cute but the next they’re creepy.

[@TwentyPaphonies]

The creepiest thing to me is the doll in the hot air balloon that's holding the "help" sign

[@stitchedweird0179]

Twenty Paphonies I love the doll with the help sign I will do the same thing cause my sis love this

[@Austar7]

Where in the ride is it? The finale?

[@stitchedweird0179]

ya

[@kendrawheeler4416]

Twenty Paphonies dude I just saw your comment on markipliers video, sorry about your friend

[@sunshinesky6926]

I went on the ride two weeks ago and the clown wasn't there.

[@braydenschuelke]

The creepiest part is the dark corners, ceilings and the dark water.😨

[@chrisdisney8201]

Yes, you understand! Lol. Everyone says they find the dolls or music creepy, but I wonder if this is the real reason and they just don't realize it. It's also why Pirate's can be pretty unsettling especially when you realize you're underground :|

[@Itsindy_]

That’s what I said too.

[@whossoul]

Chris Disney I totally get that with Pirates! It was only once I learned that it was all underground. I never want to look up at the ceiling or corners, but always end up doing it anyway! I am so glad to know I am not the only one who feels this way!

[@chrisdisney8201]

whossoul - Lol, you're definitely not alone! I know most people wouldn't understand what we mean but it's along the lines of anyone who has claustrophobia, fear of dark water or spaces etc.

[@CrazyChiks1000]

I think that's why seeing a video of It's a Small World freaks me out so much! The videos always feel so closed off and claustrophobic because we aren't seeing all the space around them. The dark water in any ride freaks me out, I know why it has to be dark, but it's freaky regardless.

[@sophiatalksmusic3588]

Doesn't Disney now sell shirts that say "I survived It's a Small World"? Also, when are they ever gonna fix that green hippo?

[@lillylove1720]

That would be the best shirt

[@tiffanymarlow2399]

Lilly Love they do have those shirts. They say “I Conquered It’s a Small World”

[@Sesshomaru474]

Yea because some kids end up going missing during the ride.

[@VibeDPyro]

It’s fixed now ok

[@vvendettas]

@@Sesshomaru474 I dont think anyone has gone missing during that ride, they are stuck in a boat in water the whole ride.

[@aii5748]

It's probably because it's dark. All of the dark rides imo has a creepy atmosphere about them. If they wanted it to be bright and cheerful, then maybe they should've made it *"bright" and cheerful.* They only got the cheer part right.

[@KnakuanaRka]

ai i Yeah, light it brighter and a bit more pastel.

[@Sigma1876]

Disneyland paris and tokyo have extremly bright

[@DedeAdams]

I think the creepiest thing is the knowledge that they don't shut the ride down after close. It just keeps running. C.R.E.E.P.Y.!

[@Sesshomaru474]

They have to keep it running otherwise the souls of the children would get them to do things it shouldn't.

[@sealy1]

It does not run always that is a myth

[@lunahetfield]

Dede Adams 0_0

[@oheyvinny]

I feel like this statment is not true but i’m to lazy to google it

[@TackyFlamingo]

Everything keeps running...

[@elliotgonzalez4551]

I am one of those weirdo's who actually thinks It's a Small Word is adorable. But I guess one thing that I do find kinda "creepy" is the lighting. it's somehow bright and dark at the same time. So you can't really see much. the colored lights cause everything to sort of blend in and the darkness is creepy because you don't know what is there. You can't really make out much at times because of the sensory overload, which causes people to internally panic and feel claustrophobic. If it were like a bright spring day with happy flowers and trees and you could see everything, I don't think it would be as "creepy". It's more overwhelming than creepy, but it is still kinda cute.

[@VeganStories]

Elliot Gonzalez I think it’s very cute and fun

[@karamellcreme]

I think it’s a good place to bring your kids. Unless you’re afraid of dolls. Then good luck.

[@magicawesomemukbangasmr1615]

Exactly, you perfectly described the effect that the visuals in this ride give one. Somehow weirdly bright and dark simultaneously, which combined with the overload of how visually "busy" it is, makes it difficult to really see what's going on. And not being able to clearly perceive one's surroundings can be very unnerving for some ppl, understandably so since this means one might not be able to detect potential danger. Not to mention that being in this kind of environment can send some people's fearful imaginations into overdrive, since the murky visual input is just enough to be interpreted as a potential threat but not enough to be clearly proven as either threatening or safe.

[@Tiffonique]

They changed the Original ride in 2009. Making the colors darker. It was so much better when the lighting was brighter and the background had more Pastel Colors xoxo

[@KillDevilTheory]

me too.

[@loveeevee396]

In addition to the alarming number of creepy, moving dolls, I find the scenery to be quite eerie. There is too much happening, and the dark backgrounds and red lights don't help. Also, I didn't see it in this video, but there is a smiling sun above a tunnel that I find unnerving. A lot of the decorations are beautifully detailed and charming, but the overall feel is someone attempting to pack a boatload of happiness into a pit of darkness. And honestly, I like the song and find the different variations interesting. I believe the ride would be much creepier without the cheerful music to distract from the incongruities of the ride.

[@summerhunny]

like if there was a distorted version of its a small world playing everyone would be TERRIFIED

[@jasper1431]

You ever heard of Epic Mickey?👀

[@lakotareddeer397]

Oh brother

[@TherealRNOwwfpooh]

@@summerhunny It does get distorted when the ride breaks down.

[@rodrigogomez4288]

Remenber the Clock Tower from Epic Mickey? Yeah thats what scares me most.

[@whiteboardreactions3857]

Holy PTSD

[@viledestroyerx8441]

Rodrigo Gomez as a kid who cried being so scared of its a small world, that whole level just made me feel validated lol

[@jasper1431]

That's on my PTSD

[@rolando90s]

Well at least the music is more scaring i loved

[@stvvrrlightsun]

Yo thats actually freaked my little cousin out LMAO!

[@howardyates4848]

I mean, it could be creepy. Make the song slower and more ominous, make the whole ride darker and use red to light the inside, give the dolls more movements that highlight creepy things, then yes, it could be scarier than the haunted mansion.

[@vanessalux8087]

Just look up "it's a small world creepy" , click on the video titled with "it's a small world zombie....) and there you have it. I'm still horrified but for some reason can't stop watching it. Maybe i'm possesed😱

[@cleanwater3180]

no

[@liv9637]

I agree with you so much ;_;

[@missladystar2699]

I searched its a small world creepy and i saw nothing

[@brokencast2184]

Haunted Mansion is funny, therefore It’s a Small World is already scarier.

[@grantr.4848]

Did you know that in Shrek, they poke and make fun of "It's a Small World"?

[@litbopeep5726]

In willy wonka with johnny depp they do too. Everyone forgets that one.

[@Firedraconian]

And in Lion King.

[@cometboifever2294]

That’s how I recognize it 💀

[@Victoriouz777]

@@litbopeep5726 oh which scene?:O

[@whattheheckamidoinghere4305]

@@Victoriouz777 at the end of the beginning before they went into the factory.

[@johndef5075]

Because they managed to fit every stereotype in one building? My wife and I were cracking up.

[@superstar2446]

more like a bit more exaggerated cultures.... I mean the Kenya one is accurate

[@Chinnychinchin369]

It’s so adorable but when I think of being there by myself at night when the park is closed... terrifying!!!!

[@Mogara5]

The reason why I'm afraid of small world is only because I thought one time...ONE TIME... Of what it would be like if you fell out of the boat and began to drown. Just watching the dolls constantly singing and staring at you.

[@clutterbot7279]

^ the fact that the water is so dark due to lighting choices makes it look and therefore feel deeper.

[@shinysugardrops]

Holy crap If the water wasnt's so shallow,that would be pretty creepy...

[@alyssarouso]

It's creepy due to the lack of Jean LaFitte.

[@scrambled5948]

Alyssa Rousonelos it's actually gene lafeet (according to offhand Disney)

[@gavinirl]

Actually, in the ride, you can see Jean LaFitte dressed as a cowboy. So you are **wrong**

[@alyssarouso]

Galaxy Gavin my fault, I completely overlooked that Easter egg.

[@starryshadows174]

Alyssa Rousonelos yaaaasssss

[@s6otti]

Alyssa Rousonelos *wrong* he’s a cowboy

[@butterflyglasses]

When I was in middle school, I read the Kingdom Keepers books. That was the end of it's a small world for me...

[@s0updeadchannel123]

It’s not creepy *its full of happiness and animatronic children planning to eat your soul*

[@arielruh7773]

No you're thinking five nights at freddys

[@redzrobinz3135]

shut up

[@coolskeleton-ij3zf]

havent you heard that legend where a boy died in the water of the boat ride, and people noticed the robots swapping places and giggling and that clown in the hot air balloon moving its arms

[@kriskater]

coolskeleton 95 no I haven’t heard ! Tell me ... 😶 please

[@Sigma1876]

@@coolskeleton-ij3zf they're screwed to their stage they can't move

[@amandagorrin]

once, i got stuck on small world and was there for 30 minutes. the turned on the lights, and stopped the dolls but *DIDNT TURN THE MUSIC OFF!* GRRRRRRRR 🤦‍♀️😡

[@hotpotato2102]

High Beam they turned the lights on. What do you not understand about that?

[@princesskristan]

I got stuck on Its A Small World once for almost 15 minutes and I had the song stuck in my head for 3 months. I like the ride, but the ride is creepy af. It's the dolls

[@jrex1415]

Had the same thing happen to me once, it was awful. It was my girlfriends first time at Disneyland and she hates Small World now because we had to listen for 15+ minutes lol

[@ThJstrcoWn]

me too

[@princesskristan]

Enzo 1965 aw thank you! The one thing I don't tolerate is unnecessary hostility over something as silly as giving my opinion on a ride. That person has alot of growing up to do

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Lol, same here... I used to live in Ca. went to Disneyland twice a year, got so tired of that song... and those dolls are so creepy!!

[@rosewinter4818]

I got stuck on Pirates of the Carribean once, we were there for like thirty minutes. they even turned the lights on. The stuff under the water of that ride is terrifying, if you fell in you would probably be ripped apart by the gears

[@oceanmango]

I love this ride so much! It’s so nostalgic. The robotic kids are a bit creepy, but the ride is so pure that I just can’t hate it. But i would also never be able to work at that attraction and hear that song for more than an hour lmao

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

I dislike the American version, the Hong Kong version is pretty good.

[@thesgamegirl1239]

what I find creepy is the doll moving and the music is loud!and I remember the scary sun…look I was a little kid that time!I never wanted to go there ever again!EVER!

[@whitneymouse]

It’s the dolls. I hate those damn dolls. Also the fact that they’re lit from underneath! The only things that get lit from underneath are scary things. That was a poor choice xD

[@exyoid]

Whitney Elizabeth Near the end of the ride, I saw a bunch of dolls that were holding balloons, but I saw one that wasn’t even holding a balloon. Both arms were at it’s sides and the balloons were attached to its very neck. This creeped me out so much.

[@aquabluerose7734]

Belliephant MC yikes! I've been on that ride and never seen anything wierd like that before!

[@danielclark653]

Personally I feel like the reason people don't like its a small world is because of how small the seats are it gives the feeling that your unprotected its not a fully noticable thing but the darkness and the tiny boat combines to nake you feel vulnerable. Its the same reason most people have their bed face the door its just a primal instinct that humans possess

[@LauraJayneRobinson]

Daniel Clark OMG I’ve never thought of that, I always sleep in my double bed at the side facing the door. I’ve never put two and two together till you mentioned that

[@summerhunny]

or you know just dont want to be caught watching something👀

[@dinnerroll8704]

I think the low walls/sidings on the boats where you get in and out add to that feeling

[@ChrisRen24]

But i have my bed facing away from the door

[@BottomBunkArt]

The ride creeps me out so much that I've never ridden it. That goddess silhouette in the India scene is positively salacious!

[@jacoblakins6628]

She was always one of the creepiest things about the ride for me, as much as I love it.

[@Sigma1876]

that is thailand

[@p0werpuppy839]

My family and I love it's a small world. I for one like the music and sing to it when I ride. I also have a fear of dolls, specifically old ones. If I'm in a room with one I can't fall asleep. But the small world dolls, though looking old, bring me peace. The sense of happiness is something I believe can happen. I am normally offended by stereotypes, but for example the England and Scotland scene have fun poked at in a kind, tasteful way.

[@picvan]

I like it over all but the thing that creeps me out, and in a weird way is fun. Is the stark contrast between the pitch black darkness in the background and the brightly lit foreground. As a kid I would think of it as another world with black skies.

[@chrisdisney8201]

YES! Omg this is what bothers me about the ride even now as an adult. I find it weird how they never added blue skies or even just a brighter background. The pitch blackness just unnerves the hell out of me :(

[@whossoul]

Yep! It was one of those rides that I rode a lot as a little kid before I noticed those details, then didn't ride it at all once I was in my preteens to adulthood. Once I rode it as an adult I realized that it's all in black rooms. For me, the even weirder thing was seeing the flume as a freestanding, separate piece just sitting in the black room, it's very different from pirates where you just see water or splash mountain where it's connected to the siding a looks like a river. I feel like they could definitely improve the ride by changing the background. If you look at the America room, which was added more recently, they did a lot more in the background, which makes it look much brighter than the other rooms and I really like how it looks!

[@megelizabeth9492]

It is a Dark Ride, so that is kind of the point.

[@memethyst]

the only thing i find creepy is the dolls with the moving mouths specifically, the ones with the painted on mouths are actually adorable, but the way the moving mouth ones' mouths move is just weird. i do thing the song is repetitive but the music is nice and matches the countries music styles. i really love the mary blair backdrops and the gorgeous intricate alice davis costume designs that look very authentic to the countries. also, that ending oh my god. H E R E T U R N S .

[@memethyst]

OH i forgot, that freaking hippo. the one at disney world has glowing eyes, and one of them has been broken for years, so she just kinda winks and slightly starts to close the other one.

[@matthewmegonigal247]

I didn't realize some of their mouths moved 😓 creepy

[@caleb8319]

Every doll is creepy you stupid person

[@kitcatastrophic0w0]

Caleb McComb Thank you for your opinion 10 year old

[@armandoromero9171]

memethyst YESS! I WAS AND STILL SCARED OF THE HIPPO

[@MasterEiji]

I've seen a related vid about Disney urban legends that mentioned this ride... rumors are that the dolls are (supposedly) known to move on their own, change places with other dolls and even disappear altogether...... now THAT is "creepy"

[@jessealvarado7796]

it is like five nights at Freddy's

[@RogosRinted]

When went on the ride "It's a Small World" me and my dad were joking about how he must have been on some serious stuff to think of this

[@rach2909]

That's actually true

[@andie8731]

It's terrifying to me because of the dolls all they do is stare at you imagine if you were a coworker at Disneyland and you had to go there at night time with all the lights are off and these dolls were just staring at you not even a sound was playing that would be terrifying

[@jaredungar6552]

None of that made sense

[@Sesshomaru474]

Wrong because the song will still continue to play

[@justkevin1108]

@@Sesshomaru474 bro the songs get turned off af night

[@daniandjoy]

ƬIЯΣD ‍累 actually the song is played continually! i've heard it would be more expensive (power wise) to turn the ride on and off every day so Disney just leaves it running 24/7.

[@JohnTheBeetle]

Do not forget the clowns hanging from the ceiling

[@Shoulderpads-mcgee]

I don't think they look realistic at all! The creepiest thing is Arabian girl winking at you. Young lady, I am too old for you!

[@troodon1096]

She's technically over 60 now if you think about it...

[@Shoulderpads-mcgee]

Troodon Young lady, I am too young for you!

[@frocklewocka981]

Shoulderpads-mcgee You mean CleoPatra

[@bridgetsylvesterprice7379]

In my opinion the creepiest thing is the clock face they have at Disneyland Paris so glad we don’t have that at WDW

[@fifi_leafy2258]

OH GOD *THE SONG IS STUCK IN MY HEAD*

[@SparkschuItai]

*ME TOO*

[@bendonovan9244]

0:45 😃 *Laughs* That ride is the exact opposite of scary, it's happy and cheerful!

[@Lee-pj7er]

My grandma says if you ever get lost in Disney they'll turn you into one of those dolls...

[@shinysugardrops]

Some Grandma...

[@sashsASMR]

Fake

[@nnadijserrano]

Imagine though,I mean I got lost but I did not get turned to one

[@jessealvarado7796]

i don't want to be a doll

[@danteparisot2841]

I don't think it's the song at all. Think about how much creepier it would be with no music

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

And all you hear is the clicking sounds of the dolls..... Creepy!

[@brookethebook5692]

Dante Parisot dude tru. I would jump off that ride in a hot second!

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Lol, Brooke

[@unsaltedseawater7982]

I remember when I took the ride in Tokyo, I heard " world of misery" in the song.

[@ThunderDashHub]

It makes me wonder what a difference it would be of "It's A Small World" was an outdoor ride. I think the lighting and the fact that the show building is rather large gives off the creepy vibe.

[@jaceyking5015]

When I was a little kid, I wanted to go to Disneyland so bad. SO BAD. I didn't go the first time until I was twelve, when the 50th anniversary was going on (my dad took us on the first anniversary of my mom passing, to cheer us up). But to keep myself satisfied until then, I had a collection of Disney cassette story tapes that I would listen to over and over and over since I was about two, and my absolute favorite one was the It's a Small World story, where a little orphan boy goes and visits Disneyland and as he's riding this particular ride he wonders what culture he came from, because he doesn't know. But then at the end of the ride he realizes that he belongs to every culture, and a part of every culture belongs to him, because "It's a Small World after all!" And I always thought that was so sweet, and I loved that idea, and I grew up loving all sorts of different cultures. So when I went to Disney the first time, the park never really, really felt like I was in Disneyland as I'd always imagined it, until I finally got to ride It's a Small World. Then I really felt Disney magic.

[@nugget938]

My mother and I have sworn to keep away from the effing ride because of previous experiences. One was before I was born and the ride was fairly new. My mom was there on a trip with friends and noticed the new attraction. She rode on it but got stuck in china FOR HALF AN HOUR. No one got her off the ride ad finally the ride moved. The second time, I was 10 and we convinced my mom to go after trauma No.1 and she was pretty chill about it. Of all places to get stuck, WE SPENT A HALF HOUR IN THE END AREA ONE INCH AWAY FROM A CLOWN IN A HOT AIR BALLOON HOLDING A HELP ME SIGN AND IT WAS BOBBING UP AND DOWN AND IT ALMOST HIT MY HEAD AT ONE POINT. Finally the ride started moving except it was speeding to a point where it was scary. Never setting foot on that ride again.

[@pucamisc]

One of the dolls ( I guess he was supposed to be holding a balloon) but there was no balloon and the doll was just going up and down under a string (looked like he had been hung) I’m already not a fan and only went on it for my sis and her boyfriend. That didn’t help

[@send2yam]

@@pucamisc i heard of a similar controversy where there is a picture someone took when the ride broke down and it was what looked like a crew member who hung themselves on the ceiling

[@donnatenaglia5256]

The last time i was thru the ride I happened to look up at the ceiling and some of the tiles were missing, the ceiling is Very high and the missing tiles were really creepy to see. Also when they stop the ride to let's say help someone to get onto the ride, the dolls keep on singing and staring at you, I wouldn't recommend if you have a fear of dolls!

[@jessicakakern4571]

The interior colors of all the red makes me feel like im entering hell with the song on loop compounds it

[@chris_the_goblin6996]

I told my dad about how people are scared of the small world And my dad thought I was joking Sorry not to offend anyone but he really loves that ride...(and I do too)

[@yojinofferedbattlegametoga1921]

Fuck you

[@fatimamelo3615]

Lmao my mom likes that ride also. But to me it's just creepy!

[@shineinstars]

I like it's a small world, but it's honestly gotten more creepy for me as the years go on. also, I see that todoroki profile pic

[@chris_the_goblin6996]

@@yojinofferedbattlegametoga1921 you're the best person ever and I salute you.

[@chris_the_goblin6996]

@@shineinstars I see that bakugou profile

[@garrettdion]

I think any dark ride at Disney is creepy because the rides take you into another world. This world in particular is full of Lil Chucky dolls

[@troodon1096]

I find that these scare me MORE than Chucky.

[@candyelfboii1980]

But it’s OUR world.

[@rachelkennedy5404]

Garrett Dion rt I will never go on any dark ride there

[@nickrustyson8124]

Rachel kennedy Even the Haunted Mansion?

[@rachelkennedy5404]

Nick Rynearson NEVER EVER

[@Gust_The_Man]

the scariest thing is when the dolls face melts

[@ien2023]

The dolls look like the same doll from old Twilight Zone episode "Talkie Tina". On top of the repeated loop catchy song will put you in a state of trance.

[@MaddieeLunn]

For me the creepiest part is that the dolls blink and that you can tell you are in a huge room but can’t see behind the sets

[@KG-gc4sg]

Small World was my favorite ride until I had a creepy experience in 2016. I was enjoying the ride, as usual, and capturing the gleeful moment on my camera. It was at the end of the ride, right before the boat emerged from the inside of the ride. There was a doll on the right, just before the exit of the building. She looked like me, so I was paying attention to her. She was doing her basic programmed movements and everything was fine. I pointed at her and said "Gigi (my grandma) look at her! She looks like me!" (I was sitting with my grandma on the ride). The doll then turned her head to face toward me and she stopped smiling. Keep in mind this was not part of her programmed movements, as I had been watching her since she was in sight and hadn't turned her head nor had a mouth that was able to stop smiling. To my surprise, my grandma turned to me and said "What doll, honey? There's nothing there". I looked to where the doll was, and to my horror, the doll was gone. To this day I refuse to go on Its a Small World or watch the projections on the building during winter time. EDIT: I'm aware this might have just been my eyes playing tricks on me, or that there was a fault in the doll's wires, but I don't believe this is the case.

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Wow, K G Creepy!

[@janedoe8756]

I have a similar situation. My mom took me on the ride for the first time when I was about 10 and I hated it. I told her that one was just staring at me and stopped smiling. Then the ride shut down and the music was still playing and then it stopped and the one doll that was staring at me was gone. We were stuck on the ride for 7 minutes but it was the worst 7 minutes of my life.

[@madisonminney133]

Me too. I had gone to Disney for the first time about 3 weeks ago and my parents took us on this as the first ride so I was super excited. I got to right about the end and there was a doll staring at me. I looked at it and smiled then the doll stopped smiling and just stared at me. I held my eyes closed for about 10 seconds because the ride stopped. I opened them and the doll was gone. I was so spooked that I was kinda in shock the rest of the day.

[@christmastiger]

All three of you are full of shit but I was kind of hoping the other two would at least try to change their stories a bit instead of everyone ripping off each other.

[@BrujadeOzywea]

Well, reading all your stories , to me seems like it's the employees taking the dolls that stop working as quick as possible so people won't see them.

[@s6otti]

I live in orlando and when I was in second grade i went to the Disneyland instead of Disney World (which is less then a hour away from my house) and when i was leaving LA, (i was staying at disneyland hotel) and i saw small world from the outside *COMPLETELY ON* (it was 4 in the morning), ik scary and i was at all star movies last week and when i arrived back to my hotel from disney springs i saw yeti still going on from a distance, *s p o o k y*

[@DwightLivesMatter]

407scotty Wya?

[@iamatheorist2003]

I find the ride creepy because in the Kingdom Keepers book series, the dolls are possessed by Maleficent and attack the main characters in the middle of the night.

[@justarandomgryffindor3901]

@I am a theorist Yes! I never liked it before, but I hate it now *shudders* But I have to ride it because my sister loves it *shudders*

[@BerryUnusual]

As a child I went to the one in California and it literally made me cry and scared the mess out of me. I was like 3 or 4 and I still remember that fear to this day and I'm now 24.

[@hayleyhellbound9513]

Unusually Uneek literally me with the enchanted tiki room

[@ninar9664]

Unusually Uneek yeah because singing animaltronics are creepy

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

OMGS, Dew... yes, when I was little, I wouldn't go by those talking wood tiki guys!! I went over all of the chairs, lol! :)

[@thegreendorito9095]

I think the loud colors and lights are creepy, with the pitch black background.

[@00nick7]

I honestly find the whole dark ride to be creepy. Just imagining myself there, alone, with all the power out and nothing to have but my ingenuity. There is something creepy about this ride.

[@mikey_m114]

why this ride scares me: I’m immediately reminded of that creepy Small World section from Epic Mickey

[@catbeweird]

Am I the only one who actually thinks the ride is cute and not creepy in the slightest? IDK. Seems like most perceive being surrounded by hundreds of tiny dolls differently than me. I normally see dolls as innocent and juvenile. I’d sit there and admire each individual one for hours on end, but everyone else seems to by annoyed by them and that theme song with a passion. ...I ALWAYS go on It’s a Small World, and regret NOTHING!!!

[@a_cowwithlegs]

You make roblox vids right?

[@BClemons06]

catbeweird I agree with you. I love it!

[@thekillersfan6318]

I love it too

[@Shoulderpads-mcgee]

I always hated them being called dolls. That makes them sound creepy! To me they're just cartoony kids. But I do think they're cute. I'd love one of the hula figures

[@OhSoLiliana]

I mean, some dolls are creepy. That's why Chucky is a classic horror movie!

[@jademack458]

It’s the dolls and being surrounded by water. I had a nightmare once as a kid that the ride stopped suddenly and there were crocodiles in the water. I have the same issue with Pirates of the Caribbean except I actually like that ride.

[@slion9914]

Jade Mack I used to have nightmares and awful ideas where I or someone in my family fell into the water and was either electrocuted, grabbed by a hardened robot that wouldn't let you go and would pull you under, or get caught in the tracks and be crushed. paranoia to the max.

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

They all come alive and are coming toward you... I think the same thing.

[@shinysugardrops]

Oh,god,when I was like 9 I had a bad nightmare So basically do you know about the Aladdin part in the ride when we go over the flying carpets,well during the part of the dream the ride stopped,and the dolls just s t a r e d at everyone,then one of yhe carpets fell on me Thats pretty much all i remember.

[@mort985]

i’ve never been to disney world or land but it’s a small world has always creeped me out since i was young. something about the dolls is just weird

[@ellieskitter9595]

If you've ever ready Kingdom Keepers, you'll understand.

[@_28_Toto_]

Oh yeah the dolls following them and biting them. I still think it’s cute

[@mirrorofgaladriel]

I find this ride creepy because the dolls (dolls always have, always will, creep me out) and the clicking noises as they blink **shivers** But I love tiki room so it's probs the dolls that freak me out more

[@ladyzoe5734]

It’s creepy I felt like the dolls were human souls trapped in fake looking animatronics. Idk how to describe it. Bad vibes.

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Yes.... they do look old and creepy

[@applekiwi312]

Thats exactly how I felt! It's like someone was killed there.... I wanted to get out and started having a panic attack cause it made me so scared.

[@eternaldepression5659]

That’s because Disney kills the kids stuck at the park after closing hours and summon satan and then do a blood sacrifice and trap their souls in dolls

[@iamrandomez6187]

I remember when I was 6 I went to Disneyworld (it was my first time ever going to a themepark) we went on the ride. The fact that everywhere else besides where the dolls were was pitch black scared me and not to mention that the dolls only had one expression and just stared. The ride shut down while we were on it, we still have a video.

[@vanessahinson477]

small world gives me panic attacks just THINKING abt being in there w all those dolls! i have a fear of animatronics haha (i can do the realistic ones but the dolls heckkkk nooo Splash mountain is bad for me too)

[@TheClarkChannel]

I love the ride UNTIL it gets to the end with all the clowns floating in the air. Get. Me. OUT.

[@eldritchexploited5462]

HoNk :o)

[@kawaiigurl2.08]

The Clark Channel Wait a minute,they added a clown now?! Oh dear,Disney don't scare the children!

[@jayfox8765]

Sr.Pelo: Do YoU lIkE dE cLoWnS!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

[@garffeels]

Believe it or not, in the 90’s one of the clowns in the balloons held a sign that sign that said “HELP”but they removed it. If you don’t believe me than search up “It’s a small world 1993 family video”

[@pucamisc]

One of the dolls ( I guess he was supposed to be holding a balloon) but there was no balloon and the doll was just going up and down under a string (looked like he had been hung) I’m already not a fan and only went on it for my sis and her boyfriend. That didn’t help

[@britainluver431]

"Duff beer for me. Duff beer for you. I'll have a duff. You'll have one too."

[@karissajoyb]

HAHAHAHA I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING

[@carolinesim7482]

I love this ride until I actually think about it. For me, the tall, dark, exposed ceiling with stage lights is unnerving and feels out of place. I also feel very vulnerable in the boats bc they're low in the dark water with no seatbelt and you're completely surrounded by the dolls. I like dolls, but that is way too many lol, the ones hanging down from above you are the creepiest. I also don't like the dark tunnels you go through between scenes or how dark it is in the entire ride, there is no reason they couldn't have more lights. Another thing that makes me nervous in the ride is the parts where there is little to no singing, it feels ominous like they're watching and waiting lol. I think the final scene is the creepiest part bc there's the big riverboat IN THE WATER WITH YOU and there are a lot of dolls that don't move at all, like the ones on the ferris wheel or the carousel, plus there's that horrible hot air balloon with the clowns that lunges towards you.

[@wariolandgoldpiramid]

I never found it creepy. It's a really cute and fun ride.

[@Lulu-qp6oh]

The repetitive music can cause people to become paranoid. The backdrop behind the backdrop is just...pitch black. Some dolls have very jerky and stiff movements, unnatural movemnets on things that look semi natural can be creepy.

[@susanowen1709]

The movement is definitely a big part of why the ride can be so....uncomfortable. So many of them are just a little bit off. For example, there are dolls playing drums, yet their hands (or hooves in the case of the zebras) never actually touch the drums. The cowboy twirls a lariat and swivels back and forth, but no part of his actual body moves at all. The Irish dancers leap and kick their feet - but they don't ever touch the ground, and their feet never stop kicking. Add to that the "uncanny valley" (perfect description there, I actually said, "THAT'S IT!" out loud when he said it) appearance of their faces, and it all adds up to a whole lotta nope.

[@goobthedestroya]

First time I saw It's A Small world, I remember being so enamored with it. I was small, probably only five at the time, so I was amazed and just starstruck. I had asked for years to go back again to see it, and when the time finally came, I was a bit disappointed. I remember thinking that it was a lot less.. Uh... 'Magical' than I had perceived it to be a little kid, and thinking that it was actually kind of creepy. I think that it just originates from the filter of magic that you always see Disney through as a kiddo and the disappointment whenever that filter is removed. "That's not what I remember it like!" Then again, it could just be that everyone is different.

[@plynyl6176]

It's actually the same thing for me : when I was 6, I did it 5 times, and I loved the attraction. Three years later, I wasn't really enjoying to go back to the ride again. But my parents insisted and I spent the whole ride by being afraid of everything. It looked creepy, the most scary thing was the doll with the "help me" balloon.

[@deletedyoutuber7089]

I remember when I was a lot younger seeing the pirates as a huge endless ocean, now days I see walls, exit signs, work lights, etc.

[@Bb-jm2xl]

It’s a Thailand scene not India 🤦‍♂️

[@timetraveler9272]

yea

[@p0werpuppy839]

My reaction when I read the title, it's not. I love the ride, and I am scared of dolls with pale-white faces, which there are in the ride! Anyway, keep making great videos!

[@dinocas420]

Wow, this perfectly sums up why this ride gives me panic attacks haha. Additionally, it's the length. It feels never ending and inescapable, especially in Florida. And of course the boats always back up, leaving the ride length to be a bit unpredictable. Also? That Duff Gardens episode of The Simpsons has the best visual representation of how overwhelming the experience can be. Even if you don't drink the water.

[@mexa_t6534]

Cassy Black yeah the fact that it’s so unexpectedly long does make it kind of overwhelming and slightly disturbing.

[@clffliese26]

The only problem I have is, I go on it once and I've got that damn song stuck in my head for hours. It's there, now, just from watching this video. DAMN YOU, OFFHAND DISNEY!!!!😉

[@killid1764]

“Just because the dolls aren’t looking at you doesn’t mean they can’t SEE you.” wow. thanks. i feel SO safe now.

[@ChristopherTheGamerOfficial]

Small world was my favorite ride when I was 3-5 yrs old.

[@chloelarson2085]

Its the lighting!!!

[@Samuel-b]

chloe larson Thank you! It's creepy enough that there are hundreds of animatronic dolls singing an overly happy song on repeat for the entire ride, but the lighting multiplies the creep factor by at least 10! With that being said, small world is still one of my favorite Disney rides of all time and i actually think it's both very creepy and very charming at the same time.

[@chloelarson2085]

Samuel Black Right!

[@clutterbot7279]

yes !! like no one else is mentioning the overly saturated, ominous, bright red lighting that shows up way too often! and how the dolls are lit from underneath

[@chloelarson2085]

Lara Dixon Omg I dont understand why! Its a kids ride!

[@elfthreefiveseven1297]

Now I have "Just because the dolls are not looking at you, doesn't mean they can't see you" thought stuck in my head. Are the dolls on the ride and mannequins in stores ALIVE and watching us?????? Argh, nightmare fuel. Remember, just because you are paranoid does not mean they are NOT after you. (insert evil laugh)

[@elfthreefiveseven1297]

P.S. I know there is a Twilight Zone episode about mannequins coming alive. And yes, that did scare me as a kid.

[@cobraglatiator]

in that case you must LOVE the weeping angels from Dr Who. *maniacal laughter*

[@MysticMae21]

cobraglatiator don't blink. Blink and your dead. They are fast. Faster then you can believe. Don't close your eyes, don't look away, and Don't Blink. Good luck.

[@cobraglatiator]

yeeeuup.

[@jessealvarado7796]

wh-why are you laughing

[@experiment626eventing]

People say they're afraid of the dolls but what feeling you really get is that you're being forced int happiness and being forced to smile in this perfect small world....

[@finnbush361]

I'm scared because of a book series called Kingdom Keepers

[@Tryingtohaveityall]

I like the song for one verse. After that it becomes the stuff of nightmares. I swear you could break terrorists faster with that song than any other means of torture.

[@whossoul]

I like to listen for the different elements they bring into the different countries to keep the song from sounding repetitive. In the polynesian room there are drums beating to the toon, horns in the middle east room, little ice pick sounds banging out the melody in the winter room. There's a unique element in every room that I like to listen for to keep it from getting boring!

[@DisneyMagicDreamer85]

Funny you should say that. There happens to be a method of torture that involves playing one looping song for hours on end until the victim cracks. It wouldn't surprise me if they used this song for that purpose. Now that's creepy!

[@LaurinGarcia]

It reminds me of the time I visited my Mom in FL. She had a friend who is a mariachi singer (in fact, a cousin of the famous mariachi singer, Vicente Fernández). Unfortunately, my Mom made me go with them to every performance her mariachi singer friend went to that week. I think I heard him sing "El Rey" over 23 times. That happened in 1998. Till this day I can't hear the song without cringing and having flashbacks. It drives me nuts. LOL! It's still not as bad as "It's A Small World". The "It's A Small World" song stays stuck in your head for days and makes you hum it when you least expect it. It's like mind control. EVIL! LOL!!! >_< ;)

[@LaurinGarcia]

Why is "It's A Small World" so creepy? Because from the moment you hear it you can't stop hearing the song in your head and humming the tune for SEVERAL DAYS. It just won't stop! It's like mind control! As soon as I finished watching this video I went to my kitchen to do some chores and I kept catching myself humming the evil song. Please, make it go away! LOL! {wink} ;)

[@solomontsai8589]

double standard i believe. will you say its mind control when you sing your celebrity crush’s song for weeks on end

[@sarabjitgidda1294]

days? you mean years.. it’s been six. smh

[@DwightLivesMatter]

Solomon Tsai YES 😍🤣

[@denisowiczak3499]

Well a worker once came back from Disney land, and when he was in his home he noticed one of the dolls from its a small world. He just ignored it, and started to have depression. He was so depresiiv he hanged himself in its a small world near the clown

[@any123-og]

This arcade game has music similar to "it's a small world" but is hopefully less annoying kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYnHfamVf8uipas

[@toomanyfandomskiddo8932]

fun fact. in the first book of the Kingdom Keepers series (Disney mystery books) the main characters had to go thru the Small World ride at night. the ride broke down and the dolls came to life and well...started biting them and attack the boat.

[@alexandriascott4656]

I noticed a negative heavy energy from seeing this attraction and when riding it. It was really weird and creepy.

[@Ningy909]

WHAT ABOUT THE CLOWN WITH THE "HELP" SIGN

[@WitheredFreddo]

its the fact that one time i saw a dol''s eyes go pitch black and then i saw the help me clown up above and a missing arm.

[@valerieflores3165]

Withered Toy Freddy 1991 that sounds creepy...

[@elisophan1]

Nice

[@twiggyleaff]

Sure lol

[@ellis3854]

Wait..A missing arm!?

[@WitheredFreddo]

Yep one of the doll's arms fell off

[@angieidk2057]

The fact that it’s a small world is such a long ride and you just hear the same song repeatedly...i feel like that can actually make you go insane

[@janiznick]

a family went on this ride and never came out. It's some kind of vortex that keeps you on the ride for all eternity. The reason most people find it creepy because it is. You can feel something is off, not right.

[@minisculemars]

I'm the type of person to listen to the 13 minute soundtrack for this ride and not get annoyed. I really love small world

[@ivymolina642]

Miniscule-Mars Same. I've listened to it for 2 months, my dude

[@brookelaporte4786]

Miniscule-Mars same

[@megelizabeth9492]

Mary Blair and Sherman Brothers for the win!

[@Akumarupup]

Late to the party, but have you found the playlist on here that has the unique track from every country? It's very interesting, especially listening for the first time and trying to guess the country before reading the title! : )

[@megelizabeth9492]

My friend and I watched a video from the small world promo from the 1964 word's Fair way too many times yesterday. Trying to work out the different styles for each country.

[@roseludenberg881]

In my opinion, I find the ride adorable and I could listen to it’s forever looping song for hours on end. It’s always been one of my favorite rides just because of all the colors and the wonderful, yet cheesy, depiction of unity. Of course, as you said, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but this is what I immediately think of when someone pulls up “It’s a Small World”.

[@mobiusenthusiast]

When I went on this ride in France I had one of those “oh no I’m gonna be murdered” moments

[@kartoffelbauerr6322]

The creepiest thing to me when I experienced this ride was actually the smell of it. It smelled really old and almost like death.

[@jaredungar6552]

Ballistic Feces you're crazy it smells great!

[@kartoffelbauerr6322]

Nah bro

[@jaredungar6552]

Ballistic Feces it's chlorine

[@kartoffelbauerr6322]

It smells like an old person’s house or something to me.

[@jaredungar6552]

Ballistic Feces like haunted mansion?

[@lilahgene6008]

I have never found it creepy. I personally enjoy it. If i want a little break from riding all the rides and walking around, Its A Small World is my go to and also I can still have fun 😁 lovely video!!

[@Kayyleeeeee]

Makenzie Turner it's one of my favorites

[@samtocke8794]

Makenzie Turner I like your profile pic

[@lilahgene6008]

Sam Talk oh, thanks!

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

I liked it... but the song sure got stuck in my head, lol. :)

[@caseyhartigan]

It’s A Small World Is The Best!!!! But when some are broken... THATS WHEN IT GETS CREEPY!!!

[@kaiti3289]

when i was 5 i made my parents take me on this several times when we went idk why i liked it so much it’s kinda terrifying now

[@Crazyasianman286]

I’m that chaotic Evil friend that convinces his pals with varying degrees of Automatonophobia that the ride is harmless then cackles at their discomfort