Hey Pete - the new version of Small World opens when you are out here

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Just thought you might want to know - here at DL - they are opening the controversial newly remodeled - with characters - version of Small World on February 6, when you guys are out here. We'll be in the parks on either Saturday or Sunday to come see it.

For those not in the loop on this, after they removed the Small World Holiday overlay, they were installing figures done in a similar vein to the one at Hong Kong DL Park. This means there will be a doll or two from the "Disney Story" countries that will be dressed in the costume of a hero/heroine of the Disney story that originates in that country - for instance, in France you will see a doll dress in a Cinderella costume.

They are also installing a United States of America section - like the one in Hong Kong. The rainforest scene is still there in it's complete form - just rearranged a bit to fit in the Polynesian countries room. That was done before the Holiday overlay and looks very nice.

 

[klam_chowder]

How exciting - thx a mint for the heads up!

I was on my first trip to HK in November and IaSW was wonderful! I rode it a few times so I could spot the different characters. Every time I rode it I'd see a few more. I thought it was wonderfully well done with the song sung into perfectly blended harmonies as one rode from one land to another - with Disney tidbits like A Whole New Word weaved in too.

Looking fwd to hearing your impressions after you ride it - pls do post back

cheers,

 

[BRobson]

Would love to see some photos when it opens

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

We'll definitely have to remember to take our camera. I know we're going to love it.

It's been a hot topic on the DL board in the past, so a lot of folks have a "wait and see" attitude. The "Walt's own" and "traditionalism" perspectives are very deep-seated emotions here in California. If it were at WDW, the feelings wouldn't be at strong, but this was Walt's park and the pride in that runs deep for some folks!

 

[klam_chowder]

Would love to see some photos when it opens

Me too. Here's some of the characters from HK Disneyland's version

cheers,

 

[mikelan6]

I know there was a whole hubbub when Disneyland planned to add the Disney characters to IASW, but I think it was done very well and just adds to the whole thing.

 

[disneym2m]

Me too. Here's some of the characters from HK Disneyland's version

cheers,

Oh those pictures looked great. I would love to see Disney character in the Small World attraction. I keep saying that Disney should take the Great Movie Ride at Hollywood Studio and have guest ride through different Disney movie scenes. Perhaps one day my idea will be realized. Can't wait to see the Disneyland pictures.

Nancy- great thread to keep everyone up to speed with what is happening at Disneyland. Thank you.

 

[WLfan]

Wait, did I see the Little Mermaid in Orlando's Small World too? Or am I just remembering seeing it on YouTube?

I'm not sure what I think of this yet. I have to think about it. Small World is my favorite ride. I decorated my baby's room as "Small World." I used scrapbook paper I got from WDW and painted the same Small World figures as a 12 inch border around the top of her walls. My aunt hunted down every Small World doll that was sold through KMart. They are on my daughter's hutch. Before I was even pregnant, I had bought the Small World globe and cookie jar and a throw. They're in there too. Like I said, it's my favorite ride!

 

[DisnyMama]

klam_chowder, thanks for the preview. I like the new additions .

Shannon

 

[klam_chowder]

That's just a sampling - there are over 30 characters in the HKDL version. It was fun to try to spot them all. I like how they mixed them in - for example, in Ariel's shot you can see some of the Nemo cast.

cheers,

 

[aspen37]

Thanks klam chowder for the pictures. The new additions seem to fit in just fine.

 

[lttlmc3]

I don't think its going to take away from the attraction at all. Thanks for the pictures!

 

[alebisi]

this seems cool! it adds a little extra Disney magic to Small world

 

[janjandis]

Nancy,
I'm really looking forward to your updates when this ride opens!!!

 

[relspeak]

Any truth to the rumor that the boats in Small World had to be strenthened since guests are 30+ lbs heavier on average than when the attraction first opened? Just wondering.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

The boats didn't need to be strengthened - they needed to be replaced, as did the entire canal. All of that - boats and structure - was the original from the 1964 World's Fair. They patched the boats with so much fiberglass over the years that they just couldn't patch anymore. The boats themselves were the heavy things. All that fiberglass adds up in weight.

The new boats are a lighter plastic and and are more comfortable, as well as more bouyant. You can feel it float when you sit down. Some have commented that they feel cheaper, but honestly - there is a big difference between 1960's fiberglass and today's boat materials.

They've finally lost their "new boat" smell, too. The first month the ride was reopened, it definitely had that "new ride" smell. The pine and peppermint in the Holiday Overlay really helped mask it!

 

[That_Australian_Kid]

That's just a sampling - there are over 30 characters in the HKDL version. It was fun to try to spot them all. I like how they mixed them in - for example, in Ariel's shot you can see some of the Nemo cast.

cheers,

WHAT??

I was there like 3 weeks ago and saw about.. 6 maybe??

Marie, Ariel, Nemo, Pocohantas, pinnochio...




And Have they always had the "Australia and New Zealand" part at DL?
I know they have it at HK but its been a while since I went to DL because last time SW was closed.

 

[astrodrummergirl]

The boats didn't need to be strengthened - they needed to be replaced, as did the entire canal. All of that - boats and structure - was the original from the 1964 World's Fair. They patched the boats with so much fiberglass over the years that they just couldn't patch anymore. The boats themselves were the heavy things. All that fiberglass adds up in weight.

The new boats are a lighter plastic and and are more comfortable, as well as more bouyant. You can feel it float when you sit down. Some have commented that they feel cheaper, but honestly - there is a big difference between 1960's fiberglass and today's boat materials.

They've finally lost their "new boat" smell, too. The first month the ride was reopened, it definitely had that "new ride" smell. The pine and peppermint in the Holiday Overlay really helped mask it!

Wait, I'm confused, so is It's A Small World open now???
I wanted to go to DL summer 08 instead of WDW, however, when I found out IASW was going to be shut, I instantly reconsidered.

Also, the AC userbar I have is starting to look really familiar in some places...

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

It was closed all year until November 21, 2008, when they opened it up for the Small World Holiday overlay they do every year - where they decorate it for Christmas and mix the track with Jingle Bells throughout and Deck the Halls (in the finale/white room) They then shut it back down on January 4 to complete the character installation. They moved the Rainforest scene before they opened it for Christmas.

It reopens permanently this Friday, 2/6.

PS - my bad - a bunch of us addicts loved your AC bar so much we kind of borrowed it. If you say no, we'll stop using it, but it was such a genius idea..... Well - dang Pete!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

And Have they always had the "Australia and New Zealand" part at DL?
I know they have it at HK but its been a while since I went to DL because last time SW was closed.

Yep - always been there - shares the room with the Polynesian cultures and now, the rainforest....