Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
land Park. In 2009 Disney inserted more than 20 new figures of Disney and Pixar char-
acters into the classic attraction, over the vocal objections of some serious Disney fans.
Tastefully crafted in the style of original artist Mary Blair, the additions don't detract from
the ride, except in the tacky U.S.A. tribute tacked onto the end. In any event, a woman
from Holbrook, New York, wrote with this devilish suggestion for improvement:
SmallWorldwouldbemuchbetterifeachpersongotafewsoftballsontheway
in!
A mom from Castleton, Vermont, added this:
It'saSmall WorldatFantasyland waslike apit stopinthe Twilight Zone.They
were very slow unloading the boats, and we were stuck in a line of about six
boats waiting to get out while the endless chanting of that song grated on my
nerves.ItoldmyhusbandthatIwasgoingtoswimforitjusttoescapeonemore
chorus.
From November through New Year's, the attraction receives an annual holiday over-
lay inside the attraction as well as outside, featuring “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls”
instead of the usual earworm soundtrack. We particularly enjoy the light show and projec-
tion effects outside the attraction that happen every 15 minutes.
TOURING TIPS
Totally renovated and upgraded in 2009 with a deeper flue to accommodate
today's heavier guests, It's a Small World is a fast-loading ride that's usually a good bet
during the busier times of the day. The boats are moved along by water pressure, which
increases as boats are added. Thus, the more boats in service when you ride (up to a max-
imum total of 60), the shorter the duration of the ride (and wait). Small World is taken off-
line in mid-October and reopened in November with a special Christmas holiday theme.
Removal of the overlay also keeps the ride closed for several weeks after the holiday sea-
son. Two notes: While the loading can be very quick when there are many boats running,
the unloading can be very slow. Second, the attraction has two loading zones, one that has
wheelchair access and one without. Unless you need wheelchair access, we recommend
using the loading zone on the far side of the entrance by choosing the right side of the
queue when it splits.
King Arthur Carrousel
What it is
Merry-go-round.
Scope and scale
Minor attraction.
When to go
Before 11:30 a.m.
or after 5 p.m.
Special comments
A showpiece carousel; adults enjoy the beauty and nostal-
gia of this ride.
Duration of ride
A little more than 2 minutes.
Average wait in line per 100
people ahead of you
8 minutes.
Assumes
Normal staffing.
Loading speed
Slow.
