February is International Friendship month: a time for people around the world to celebrate the bonds that unite us despite our different nationalities. At Disney parks, the friendships and bonds between nations is celebrated year round, and not just in February.
In Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom, guests riding the “It’s a Small World” attraction are reminded again and again that people all over the world are the same. The attraction, created for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, was created to show how children all over the world share common goals and dreams. Love it or hate it, the ride’s theme song was really meant to be a “prayer for peace”, according to composer Richard Sherman. While the words are simple, the song’s lyrics really promote world friendship:
It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears
It’s a world of hope and a world of fears
There’s so much that we share that it’s time we’re aware
It’s a small world after all.
There is just one moon and one golden sun
And a smile means friendship to everyone.
Though the mountains divide, and the oceans are wide
It’s a small world after all.
It’s a small world after all.
It’s a small world after all.
It’s a small world after all
It’s a small, small world.
The Disneyland website overview of the attraction says it best: “The joyful journey ends with a magical and heart-warming grand finale featuring all the world’s children singing together as one. Say goodbye, Aloha or au revoir to your global friends —you’ll be humming their melody all day long.”
In addition to the “Small World” attraction, Disney celebrates world friendships and cultures daily at Epcot’s World Showcase. Eleven countries are featured side by side, so guests can easily go from one culture to another. In addition to highlighting national history and culture, guests can consume native foods and drinks, and converse with native cast members about their cultures. Kids can have a great time at the Kidcot stations where they can get a “stamp” on their passports, and even have their name or a short message written in the country’s native language. Cast members entertain guests with stories and shows from their home country, and guests have the opportunity to purchase souveniers from those home countries. What better way to celebrate international friendship than with food, drinks, and shopping!
No matter what you do at Disney parks, remember that Disney is not just an American park. It’s a world park – and it’s a small world after all.
