(I paid a modest fee to attend the 2014 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, which included a room at the Disneyland Hotel, park tickets and extraordinary events, parties, and perks. There was no requirement to blog about Disney, the conference or the events. All opinions are my own. I was also given special access as It’s a Small World Celebrates 50 years.)

From the time I was a little girl, there was one ride that I loved more than others at Disneyland. I’m not the only one. The “It’s a Small World” attraction garners fans, both young and old, with it’s charming dolls based on various regions of the world, air-conditioned ride (a must in summer), and music. Yes…..the music.

Disneyland’s “It’s a Small World” celebrated being 50 years old while I was attending the Disney Social Media Moms Conference in April.

And while I will never turn down a ride in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, I have to say that the original attraction in Disneyland is still the best. I’m a bit biased I know since I grew up going to Disneyland and never once step foot onto Walt Disney World soil until an adult.

But……hear me out. If you have never experienced “It’s a Small World” at Disneyland, put it on your Disney bucket list.

Here are just a few reasons why:

• An Amazing Outdoor Entrance/Loading Area – “It’s a Small World” in Disneyland one of the most beautiful buildings in the Disney Parks. It’s decorated for the holidays.

• Hidden Disney Characters – In addition to the wonderful world dolls, you’ll find Pinocchio in Italy, Lilo and Stitch in Hawaii, etc. It’s such a fun experience for both children and adults alike to have this added element (it wasn’t always a part of the attraction). You will not find this in Orlando.

• Surprising Clock Tower Parade – The attraction has an incredible clock outside that keeps time and will surprise you with a sneak peek or show involving many of the dolls from around the world. Whether you ride the attraction or not, this is a must-see! It happens every 15 minutes like clock-work.

As part of the 50th Anniversary celebration, I was one of only a handful of bloggers (around maybe 10 of us) who covered a special Sing-Along on Main Street to celebrate.

I took up a spot right in the center of Main Street and had the best seat in the house! Oh, if I could garner that spot for every parade, now THAT would be something. 🙂

To make the Sing-Along extra special, leading it off was the legendary Richard Sherman and the Disneyland Band.

And even if you don’t recognize his name, or the name of his late brother and partner Robert Sherman, you will recognize his songs. He and his brother wrote songs for Disney’s “Mary Poppins”, “Jungle Book”, and even “Winnie the Pooh”.

(Just ignore how I turned my phone sideways half-way through) – Sorry!

Disney even encouraged everyone to get into the “It’s a Small World” fun which benefitted UNICEF, the United Nation’s Children’s Fund. Disney donated $1 (to up to $100,000) for every video and doll created on a special website!

But it was the thrills that came from within the Disneyland Hotel itself that had bloggers’ kids smiling! We were surprised when we came back to our room after a full day of fun to this, which included a special doll and CD from the 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Featuring so many of the dolls from the much-loved attraction, let me introduce you to the dolls of the “It’s a Small World” Collection.

SHOP: The dolls of the “It’s a Small World” Collection are just $20 at Disney Store!

And you’ll want to check out the It’s a Small World Children’s Books – everything from kids cookbooks to celebrating the holidays around the world! I like the sticker and activity book – perfect for an upcoming vacation to Disney!

How about you?

Is “It’s a Small World” a favorite attraction? Do you prefer Disneyland to Disney World’s version?

YOU WILL ALSO LOVE:

If you like this post, you’ll love these that I’ve picked out just for you!