Its a Small World

[OUShrek]

I heard this today while I was at Downtown Disney pin trading and I heard from a cast member that this will be the last year for It's a Small world because of "Americans getting to fat" basically that they cant put as many people in the boat as they need to and it would cost to much to do the complete over hull that would be needed. I was wondering if anyone else had heard this or anything like this?

[Eeyoreloverforever]

since it was just redone a few years ago and the one in Disneyland Califrornia is being refurbed right now.

[OrlandoMike]

The rumor you are refering to is the Small World ride in Anaheim. It's currently down for an extensive rehab.

[Xanthe]

Ok, I almost started to cry! This is my Mums favourite ride and so sentimental for me!!

Please keep us updated if anyone hears of any other rumours.

thanks
Xanthe

[Jessfrogger88]

Out of all the rumors I have heard lately.. I would put the least amount of stock in this one...

I just don't see this happening.... I expect IASW to be there 30 years from now. The ride has a huge capacity and it's a favorite of many. In fantasyland it's by far the highest capacity ride. If they got rid of it the other lines.. Peter Pan, Pooh, and Snow White will grow exponentially.

[Another Voice]

It actually is the end for ‘It’s a Small World’ at Disneyland.

After the “make over” the attraction will be nothing but a “brand experience” boat ride to hock various Disney & Pixar franchises. Mary Blair’s artistic masterpiece will be lost behind surfing Stitch’s, flying Aladdins and bubbling Nemo’s.

I’m sure the Dole Whip crowd will go ga-ga over it.

[dwaters]

It actually is the end for ‘It’s a Small World’ at Disneyland.

After the “make over” the attraction will be nothing but a “brand experience” boat ride to hock various Disney & Pixar franchises. Mary Blair’s artistic masterpiece will be lost behind surfing Stitch’s, flying Aladdins and bubbling Nemo’s.

I’m sure the Dole Whip crowd will go ga-ga over it.

That's the ray of sunshine and happiness we all know and love!

Do you walk around grumpy and negative or just save it for the DISboards?

[OUShrek]

I was looking around and found this as well!



http://blog.wired.com/cars/2007/11/its-a-fat-world.html

[CanadianGuy]

I was looking around and found this as well!



http://blog.wired.com/cars/2007/11/its-a-fat-world.html

Yup - again referencing the rehab currently on going at Disneyland in California.

:)

Knox

[rocketriter]

The rumor was started by cast members who lost their minds listening to the music theme over and over and over...

[bytheblood]

That's the ray of sunshine and happiness we all know and love!

Do you walk around grumpy and negative or just save it for the DISboards?


:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:


But I have to admit, the Dole Whip comment was pretty funny...your was just funnier dwaters.

[mickeymark34]

I had read somewhere that the reason that they were doing a refirb to it's a small world, is because the average weight in America has gotten heavier since the ride opened and that they had to make the depth that the boats travel deeper because the boats were scraping the bottom.

[PIERCEDRN]

I had read somewhere that the reason that they were doing a refirb to it's a small world, is because the average weight in America has gotten heavier since the ride opened and that they had to make the depth that the boats travel deeper because the boats were scraping the bottom.
This rumor was partially debunked by an imagineer who claimed it was not the heavier people causing the problem, but instead the numerous layers of fiberglass repairs to the bottom of the boats eventually "building up" till they extended too deep and began to scrape more. Im sure my big butt doesn't help either.

[mitros]

That's the ray of sunshine and happiness we all know and love!

Do you walk around grumpy and negative or just save it for the DISboards?

Wow...heavy, I for one appreciate AVs outlook on the whole Disney thing.

[dwaters]

Wow...heavy, I for one appreciate AVs outlook on the whole Disney thing.

Sorry.
I was kind of grumpy when I typed that.

It's just that I go away from the rumors board for weeks and sometimes months and it's alway the same thing when I come back. The same poster with the same complaints "Disney is bad" "Disney is greedy" "The quality isn't there. Blah, blah. blah" "They sell crappy merchandise and charge too much"

Not that some points aren't valid, but I like a little balance with my gloom and doom.

[Another Voice]

Not that some points aren't valid, but I like a little balance with my gloom and doom.
Okay, so every kid has to make the soccer team.

Tokyo Disney Resort is stunning. There is not a single major aspect where I think they have strayed, where they are not trying to live up to the very highest level of Disney standards. Tokyo DisneySea is a brilliantly designed park, a place that shows everything that's been learned in the fifty years since Disneyland, a place that might have actually impressed Walt himself.

The problem with today's Disney comes from a management that is driving poor decisions. They do not like the parks as a business, and personally, they just got get the appeal. How can you run a business well if you don't have any interest in it and where they mock their own customers? But things are now to a point where they can't even listen to their own customers - they're closing Pleasure Island because "quests tell us they want more branded shopping and dining"?

We're not that stupid, but Disney thinks we are.

[mitros]

Sorry.
I was kind of grumpy when I typed that.

It's just that I go away from the rumors board for weeks and sometimes months and it's alway the same thing when I come back. The same poster with the same complaints "Disney is bad" "Disney is greedy" "The quality isn't there. Blah, blah. blah" "They sell crappy merchandise and charge too much"

Not that some points aren't valid, but I like a little balance with my gloom and doom.

That's understandable. But that's the kind of thing that goes on here on the rumors and news board. If a person does not care to hear about it, it is a pretty good idea to go to one of the, I guess you can call them "happier" areas of the boards such as the Resorts or the Food and restaurant areas.;)

[CTJKLAB]

I just spoke with my in-laws who are both cast members and work on the Small World Ride in Orlando. They have not heard that rumor at all. I think this is exactly that...a rumor. :banana:

[Another Voice]

The "It's A Small World - Buy the Plush" version is already open at Hong Kong Disneyland. It was done there under the pretext of "introducing" Disney characters to a Chinese audience. Because of years of postponed maintenance at Disneyland in Anaheim (which is the same show sets and ride system that were used for the 1964 World's Fair) required some significant work. To help fund it, and at a corporate directive, a second run of the figures for Hong Kong were made (it's always cheaper to make multiple copies than one-off rides). They are being installed and the soundtrack changed as part of the overall "Disney Parks" branding concept. Disney does not think you just want to see 'It's A Small World'. They think you want to see Areil, Nemo, Buzz and Woody...all those dolls of color just make The Franchises more marketable.

There have been prior postings even on these boards about the plans. Disney has been publically defending them through press releases. You can hunt down video of the Hong Kong version now on the Internet. I really like the way 'A Whole New World' drowns out 'It's a Small World' in the Arabia section when Aladdin and Jasmine are shoved in your face. I'm usually not one for Hollywood irony, but in this case it fits.

[SolisGazer]

my grandmother would be gutted if it were true. this is her favourite ride.

[OrlandoMike]

I just spoke with my in-laws who are both cast members and work on the Small World Ride in Orlando. They have not heard that rumor at all. I think this is exactly that...a rumor. :banana:

Why would your in-laws who work on a ride in Orlando have any information on a refurb at a ride in California?:confused3

[dwaters]

But things are now to a point where they can't even listen to their own customers - they're closing Pleasure Island because "quests tell us they want more branded shopping and dining"?




Okay. That is a point I will give you.
I've never been to the Pleasure Island clubs, but were glad they were there and know that many people enjoyed them. The Adventurer's Club seems to have the most loyal following.

I like Downtown Disney, but I can't even imagine anyone going there to the Marketplace and saying "You know what? It's nice but I just wish there were MORE places to shop and eat" (I'm not even counting West Side).

[Another Voice]

And all that's kind of the point to my rantings.

How come no one in Disney actually sees any of this? I know there are tremendous pressures on WDW right now, but doesn't any stop back at look at the big picture?

What makes a resort a resort is a variety of things to do. Some people like the open air places like The Maketplace, some people liked the clubs of Pleasure Island, some people like the dinner shows at the resorts, some people just want to go back to their hotels, and even some people like extended hours at the parks. It seems like our choices are being constantly whittled down.

Even inside the parks, the focus is being painfully narrowed. Why does ever ride have to be character and franchise based now? Aren't there any original story ideas out there. Seems that Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Center all did fantastic for decades based mostly on original shows and attractions. The parks used to contain adventures from pirates to cowboys to rocket ships to the moon. Now the parks look like nothing but the Pixar aisle at Blockbuster...seen that, seen that, seen that, seen that.

There is simply no reason to add Disney characters to 'It's a Small World'. The show is enjoyable as it is - it's probably the most seen "presentation" in the world. People like it. So why turn it into a giant 'Find Stitch' game? The charm and the joy of the show is being replaced with a hunt for product placements. That's not why people go to the Disney parks.

Why can't anyone at Disney understand?

[racefanof88]

And all that's kind of the point to my rantings.

How come no one in Disney actually sees any of this? I know there are tremendous pressures on WDW right now, but doesn't any stop back at look at the big picture?

What makes a resort a resort is a variety of things to do. Some people like the open air places like The Maketplace, some people liked the clubs of Pleasure Island, some people like the dinner shows at the resorts, some people just want to go back to their hotels, and even some people like extended hours at the parks. It seems like our choices are being constantly whittled down.

Even inside the parks, the focus is being painfully narrowed. Why does ever ride have to be character and franchise based now? Aren't there any original story ideas out there. Seems that Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Center all did fantastic for decades based mostly on original shows and attractions. The parks used to contain adventures from pirates to cowboys to rocket ships to the moon. Now the parks look like nothing but the Pixar aisle at Blockbuster...seen that, seen that, seen that, seen that.

There is simply no reason to add Disney characters to 'It's a Small World'. The show is enjoyable as it is - it's probably the most seen "presentation" in the world. People like it. So why turn it into a giant 'Find Stitch' game? The charm and the joy of the show is being replaced with a hunt for product placements. That's not why people go to the Disney parks.

Why can't anyone at Disney understand?

I have to agree. Most rides at the parks have some character tied to it. Pirates(Capt. Jack) Peter Pan, Snow White, Pooh Bear etc, etc, etc. There are only a few that I can think of that do not have a specific character, Space Mt., BTM, the race cars and of course It's a Small World. I may have missed someone...........:confused: But, I think Small World is fine jus the way it is. Just my .02.

[mitros]

And all that's kind of the point to my rantings.

How come no one in Disney actually sees any of this? I know there are tremendous pressures on WDW right now, but doesn't any stop back at look at the big picture?

What makes a resort a resort is a variety of things to do. Some people like the open air places like The Maketplace, some people liked the clubs of Pleasure Island, some people like the dinner shows at the resorts, some people just want to go back to their hotels, and even some people like extended hours at the parks. It seems like our choices are being constantly whittled down.

Even inside the parks, the focus is being painfully narrowed. Why does ever ride have to be character and franchise based now? Aren't there any original story ideas out there. Seems that Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Center all did fantastic for decades based mostly on original shows and attractions. The parks used to contain adventures from pirates to cowboys to rocket ships to the moon. Now the parks look like nothing but the Pixar aisle at Blockbuster...seen that, seen that, seen that, seen that.

There is simply no reason to add Disney characters to 'It's a Small World'. The show is enjoyable as it is - it's probably the most seen "presentation" in the world. People like it. So why turn it into a giant 'Find Stitch' game? The charm and the joy of the show is being replaced with a hunt for product placements. That's not why people go to the Disney parks.

Why can't anyone at Disney understand?

Could it be as simple as Walts gone, and nobody "gets" it anymore?

[ThurlFan]

I have to agree. Most rides at the parks have some character tied to it. Pirates(Capt. Jack) Peter Pan, Snow White, Pooh Bear etc, etc, etc. There are only a few that I can think of that do not have a specific character, Space Mt., BTM, the race cars and of course It's a Small World. I may have missed someone...........:confused: But, I think Small World is fine jus the way it is. Just my .02.

Not so many years ago, the character tie-ins were largely confined to Fantasyland. Adventureland contained Pirates (pre-Depp), Jungle Cruise, and the Tiki Room (pre-Iago). The Swiss Family Treehouse was the lone nod to a movie (the Aladdin themed Dumbo clone hadn't been built yet). In Tomorrowland there was Space Mountain, TTA, Rocket to the Moon/Mars/Alien Encounter, Astro Orbiters, Skyway and the Speedway. Frontierland had the Country Bears, Tom Sawyer Island. Liberty Square has Haunted Mansion (pre-Eddie Murphy), Hall of Presidents, and the Steamboat. There are of course a number of extinct attractions I'm forgetting but you get the idea.

The point is Disney parks used to be a show unto themselves, unique and entertaining with a variety of stories to tell. What some of us find disheartening is the notion held by the current management that the parks will only work as a vehicle to re-experience familiar stories and characters.

Yes, I'm well aware that Walt used the park to promote his movies, and incorporated his movies into the park. But the park was expected to stand on its own merits as well, with attractions such as Pirates and the Haunted Mansion drawing crowds in their own right.

Maybe people have changed. Maybe people really are as dim and unimaginative as management seems to believe. Maybe all that is just a symptom of our media-saturated culture. But that doesn't mean that Disney parks can't or shouldn't strive to create something truly new once in a while. Tap into some creative minds and give us more Expedition Everest and less Stitch's Great Escape.

[Another Voice]

Yes, I'm well aware that Walt used the park to promote his movies, and incorporated his movies into the park.
Also remember this was all in the pre-home video days. The public only ever saw these movies once every seven years when the Studio released them again in theaters. For most people, most of the time - Disneyland and WDW attractions were the only way to see these stories.

Now, of course, I watch any Disney movie anytime I choose. There's no reason to have a theme park attraction "remind" me of the story. Hell, you can probably watch Snow White on your iPod while waiting in line for 'Snow White'.

[Misty89]

I hope this is not true:headache:
we have not been able to ride "Small world" since 2003( it was down for refurb in nov 2004) and we are lookiong forward to finally riding the " new" ride.- 5 years later LOL

[BryantL]

My wife loves that ride. It is her favorite.

[*NikkiBell*]

You can't possible believe an ounce of this. Are they going to rid POC, too? While the sizes of the boats may have to change, I'd eat my hat if Small World was gone altogether.

[Mikelly1221]

I just watched video of the Hong Kong IASW on Youtube. I didn't like the Cinderella music going over the IASW music, and the inserted Disney characters looked like caricatures. All in all, it wasn't horrible, but I didn't feel it was necessary to add them in. Just my 2 cents...

Also, I really don't think that a whole under the sea scene needed to be added to show Ariel! Just my 4 cents...