“The Last Verse” is Coming to “it’s a small world” at Walt Disney World and Disneyland on July 17. Previously announced were the final lyrics that Richard M. Sherman wrote to ‘it’s a small world’ and gave to The Walt Disney World CEO, Robert Iger, as his final gift to Disney, that the song would be updated and coming to Disneyland for the 70th Anniversary of the park, which is on July 17th, 2025. Disney Experiences made a huge announcement this morning, saying that the new lyrics and updated song would also be coming to the Walt Disney World version of the attraction the same day.
When it comes to classic Disney music, it’s hard not to think of the iconic tune from the beloved attraction, “it’s a small world.” This fan-favorite experience has captivated audiences for decades, with its catchy melody first introduced at the New York World’s Fair in 1964 and later at Disneyland in 1966 before enchanting Disney parks around the world.
The late Richard and Robert Sherman wrote the song’s original verses, and before his passing, Richard wrote a new verse as his final gift to Disney. We are honored that the last verse of this beloved song will debut in the finale scene of “it’s a small world” at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort beginning July 17, 2025.
The update to the finale scene is meant to add to the attraction’s legacy and further emphasize the song’s meaning. As Gregg Sherman, son of Richard Sherman, explains, the new verse is intended to “celebrate that there’s more that unites us than divides us, and reinforce the message of that song.”
For those who want to experience the new last verse outside the parks, they can listen to the digital single wherever they listen to music. Fans can also preorder the “It’s A Small World” (70th Anniversary) special edition vinyl today or purchase at Disney Music Emporium starting July 18, 2025.
“Mother Earth unites us in heart and mind
And the love we give makes us humankind
Through our vast wondrous land
When we stand hand in hand
It’s a small world after all.”
“The Last Verse” is Coming to “it’s a small world” at Walt Disney World and Disneyland on July 17
The Last Verse serves as a tribute to the remarkable impact of the Sherman Brothers during their decades-long musical collaboration with Disney, ranging from “It’s a Small World,” to the timeless songs and scores from enduring Disney classics like Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book (1976), Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), and many more.
“It’s a Small World” was written for the attraction of the same name, which was created for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. The attraction was personally overseen by Walt Disney in support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and it was a major success. After two seasons, it was moved to Disneyland Park, where it opened on May 28, 1966. Today, the attraction and the Sherman Brothers’ original song are part of five Disney Parks worldwide, including Disneyland Park, the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World® Resort, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland.
“it’s a small world”
Embark on a whimsical boat ride past a jubilant chorus of children from around the globe.
“The Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed” – Sing along to the classic anthem of world peace during a delightful musical boat tour. Cruise along the Seven Seaways Waterway on a gentle 10-minute journey through all 7 continents. Pass through vivid, fantastical scenes representing the iconic sights and sounds of dozens of nations.
Behold a cast of dancing darlings from nearly every corner of the globe and watch as the Audio-Animatronics figures achieve universal harmony as they sing one song in many languages.
By journey’s end, Walt Disney’s simple message is clear: it truly is a small world after all!
History, After All – “it’s a small world” was created for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. Personally overseen by Walt Disney in support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the attraction was a huge hit. After 2 seasons there, it was shipped to Disneyland park, where it opened on May 28, 1966.
In 1971, “it’s a small world” was recreated to become one of the Opening Day attractions at Walt Disney World Resort. Due to its immense popularity, the attraction has been replicated at many Disney theme parks around the world and is considered a Walt Disney masterpiece.
The Story Behind the Song – “It’s a Small World (After All)” is a timeless classic and one of the most well-known songs of all time. Walt Disney asked the Academy Award®-winning brothers, Richard and Robert Sherman, who were hard at work on Mary Poppins, to create a single song that could be sung by Audio-Animatronics figures in multiple languages.
Mary Blair Flair – With her distinctive use of color, geometric shapes and a simple, child-like art style, Mary Blair was renown for her visual aesthetic. Her colored paper collages give you the impression of sailing through an illustrated children’s book.
Authentic Doll-Sized Costumes – Under the direction of designer Alice Davis, Disney seamstresses sewed over 300 costumes in all. Authentic materials were used for each region’s traditional attire, from silks for the saris of India to fine wool for the Scottish bagpiper.
