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In recent months, Magic Kingdom’s iconic attraction “it’s a small world” has seen an unsettling trend of guest misbehavior that has sparked discussions about the necessity of increased safety measures.
Several incidents of Disney Park guests jumping off the ride into the water have raised alarms about the potential risks and the integrity of the ride’s experience. These actions, while seemingly harmless to the perpetrators, could have severe implications for both their safety and the operational integrity of the ride.
Credit: Flickr/Michael Gray
The frequency of these incidents has led to rumors that Disney might have to implement stricter safety measures, such as adding lap bars to the ride vehicles.
This potential change is a significant departure from the original design and intent of the attraction, which was meant to provide a gentle and immersive experience that celebrates global harmony and unity. Lap bars, while enhancing safety, could detract from the ride’s nostalgic charm and affect the ease with which guests can board and disembark.
One of the most recent issues highlighting the need for potential changes involved a guest posting a photo of the dangling monkeys in “it’s a small world.”
They pinned up the Monkeys tail 😭😭😭
byu/Fally11204 inWaltDisneyWorld
Traditionally, the bottom monkey’s tail has always dangled into the water, creating a whimsical and interactive element for guests as they pass by.
However, this particular monkey’s tail is now pinned up, leading many to believe this alteration is a preventative measure against potential damage caused by guests. The dangling tail has likely been subjected to frequent tugging or mishandling, necessitating Disney to make changes to preserve the ride’s elements.
These incidents are not isolated and reflect a growing concern about guest behavior in theme parks.
Credit: Edited by Inside the Magic
For instance, in 2023, a family was caught on video disembarking from their boat in the Polynesian section of “it’s a small world” at Magic Kingdom, with children wading in the water and a parent following suit without Cast Member supervision. This incident, shared on social media, highlights the risks of unauthorized actions on rides.
Another notable incident occurred in November 2023 at Disneyland, where a streaker disrupted the “it’s a small world” ride, causing shock and discomfort among other guests. Such behavior not only poses safety risks but also disrupts the enjoyment and experience for everyone involved.
These disruptions underscore the need for guests to follow park rules to ensure their safety and that of others. The attraction, designed to offer a serene and family-friendly journey through various cultural vignettes, is disrupted when guests act irresponsibly. This not only affects their experience but also the enjoyment of other guests and the operational efficiency of the ride.
Credit: Disney
The attraction, which is designed to offer a serene and family-friendly journey through various cultural vignettes, is disrupted when guests act irresponsibly. This not only affects their experience but also the enjoyment of other guests and the operational efficiency of the ride.
The origins of “it’s a small world” can be traced back to the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, where it debuted as a UNICEF benefit attraction.
Designed by Walt Disney and his team of Imagineers, including the iconic Mary Blair, the ride was created to convey a message of peace and unity through its colorful and cheerful depictions of children from around the world. The ride’s memorable soundtrack, written by the Sherman Brothers, reinforces this theme with its simple yet powerful lyrics, “It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears. It’s a world of hopes, and a world of fears.”
The ride’s design is an exemplary showcase of Disney’s commitment to storytelling and creativity. Each scene within “it’s a small world” is meticulously crafted to represent different countries and cultures, using bright colors, playful characters, and engaging details that captivate guests of all ages.
The ride vehicles gently float through various scenes, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the whimsical and heartwarming displays.
Maintaining the integrity of such a beloved attraction is crucial, not just for the preservation of Disney’s heritage but also for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Credit: Inside the Magic
The potential addition of lap bars and other safety measures would need to balance the ride’s original intent with contemporary safety standards. Disney World has always been at the forefront of innovation and guest safety, and any changes would likely be implemented with careful consideration to maintain the ride’s charm.
The recent adjustments to the monkey figures and the discussions surrounding increased safety measures highlight the ongoing challenge theme parks face in preserving the magic while ensuring safety. “it’s a small world” remains a timeless classic that embodies the spirit of Disney’s creativity and dedication to storytelling.
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Guests getting off the boats do not wade in water. The boats travel in a narrow flume with less than 2 feet of water. If they get out of the boats they’ll be walking on the open floor the flume sits on.