When we think of Disney classic music and songs, it’s hard to think of a more iconic tune than from the attraction “it’s a small world.” The guest-favorite attraction has delighted audiences for decades, and its catchy accompanying tune was first introduced at the New York World’s Fair in 1964 and two years later at Disneyland in 1966, before branching out to 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. Beginning on July 17, 2025, the last verse of this beloved song will debut in the finale scene of “it’s a small world” at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland.
“It’s a small world” Finale Scene Lyrics
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.
Updating the finale scene is intended to add to the legacy of the attraction and further emphasize the song’s meaning. Gregg Sherman, son of Richard Sherman, explained that the new verse is intended to “celebrate that there’s more that unites us than divides us, and reinforcing the message of that iconic song.
The last verse will also be available outside the park for those who want to listen to it. It will be available wherever you listen to music. Fans can also preorder the “it’s a Small World” (70th Anniversary) special edition vinyl today or purchase at
Those who want to experience the new last verse outside the parks 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.
More “it’s a small world” History
Since its inception, the beloved attraction has become a symbol of unity and embodies hope for a world where all people are celebrated through the connections that make us all human – a message that remains important to this day.
To bring this vision to life, Walt Disney asked Richard Sherman and Robert Sherman, who wrote music for many Disney classics, including “The Jungle Book,” “Sword in the Stone,” and “Mary Poppins,” to write an unforgettable theme song that could be sung repeatedly and in different languages. The resulting song became one of the best-known Disney tunes of all time, “It’s a Small World (After All).”
The song pairs masterfully with the art style of Disney Legend Mary Blair, a celebrated Disney artist who played a key role in shaping the visual style for which the attraction is known. To this day, the ride remains one of the most recognizable around the world.
Are you looking forward to seeing the Finale Scene of “it’s a Small World when it debuts on July 17?