Disneyland added new characters to its iconic “It’s a Small World” attraction. On the first day of the park’s Christmas season, two new dolls in wheelchairs were unveiled. They will remain a permanent part of the ride after the holiday season décor is taken down in January.
“The dolls are participating inclusively alongside their non-disabled peers, which is something we want to see more of, instead of being depicted as limited or incapable because of a disability,” Jill Houghton, CEO of the disability inclusion nonprofit Disability:IN, told CNN. “We need to see more of this in pop culture, theme parks, and entertainment if we want to be truly representative of the largest minority group in the world.”
It’s A Small World
“It’s A Small World” was created for the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair. It was personally overseen by Walt Disney in support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). It was a huge hit for two seasons at the fair and was shipped back to Disneyland Park, where it opened on May 28, 1966. It has since been replicated around the world and is considered a Walt Disney classic.
It’s A Small World Dolls
The attraction features some 300 costumed dolls representing singing children from many different nations. The two new characters appear in the Latin American section of the boat ride and in the finale. This is the first time Disneyland has included characters in wheelchairs.
Each year, the park adds special holiday décor and Christmas carols to the ride.
“It’s a Small World” rides at Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in Paris will add similar dolls in 2023.
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