It’s a Small World

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It’s long been recognized that theme parks, particularly Disney Parks, are constantly evolving. However, the pace of change at Walt Disney World currently is unprecedented. With so much new content being introduced, it can be challenging to keep up. Yesterday, Magic Kingdom said goodbye to the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, marking a major transformation as the original theme park land prepares for its most substantial change in over half a century.

Moreover, here’s another twist: Just a day following the closure of Rivers of America, Disney World unveiled a significant modification for an opening day landmark. On July 17th, the timeless tune “It’s a Small World” will undergo an update on its namesake attraction. The third verse penned by Richard Sherman prior to his demise as an iconic songwriter will be added to the song.

It’s A Small World’s New Third Verse Is Coming To Magic Kingdom

Previously, it was announced that on July 17, marking the 70th anniversary of Disneyland’s opening day, an update would be made to “It’s a Small World” by including an additional verse penned by Richard Sherman to the song he and his brother Robert had originally composed for the 1964 World’s Fair. Today, Disney Parks have confirmed this change will indeed take place on that same day, at the Disney World version of the attraction. Here’s how the new verse goes…

In essence, we’re all connected deeply at heart and intellect by our shared planet, Earth. The affection we share is what truly defines us as humanity. As we join together across our expansive, marvelous lands, it becomes clear that the world isn’t so big when we stand side by side – it’s quite small indeed.

Regardless of your thoughts on “It’s a Small World” as a catchy tune that lingers in your mind, its underlying message is truly heartwarming. This song carries a unique theme: the people of our world share more similarities than differences, and an additional verse penned by Sherman before his passing only serves to reinforce this idea.

It’s hard to picture any die-hard Disney World traditionalist objecting to this alteration, since the core of the classic ride remains intact and the modification originates from the same source as the original tune. This is significantly different from the significant transformation that’s currently in progress.

Work On The New Piston Peak Land Has Already Started On Tom Sawyer Island

Yesterday marked the final operational days for both Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America at Disney World. As of this morning, access to the island via raft and the Liberty Belle Riverboat have been halted. Workers are already visible on the island, signaling that Disney World is swiftly initiating the metamorphosis of the area into Piston Peak – a new section themed around Pixar’s Cars franchise.

Additionally, a fresh territory, specifically designed for Disney Villains, is planned to be constructed next to Frontierland and Liberty Square. At this point, specifics about this land are scarce, and it’s yet unknown when construction will commence. However, it’s anticipated that the work might start either during or shortly following the completion of the Piston Perak project.

It appears that significant parts of Frontierland, Dinoland U.S.A at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the Muppet Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are currently closed. These closures indicate a wave of changes coming to Walt Disney World in the near future. Given this rapid transformation, it’s safe to say that Disney World will have a significantly different look within a short span of time. Not everyone may warm up to every change, but this is certainly expected with such extensive renovations taking place.

Given that the change is inevitable at Walt Disney World, I prefer to focus on the excitement of the future, acknowledging that a piece of me feels disappointed about the departing aspects.

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2025-07-08 02:07