Changing a Small World

There have been rumblings about it for some months, but Disney has now confirmed that it will be making changes to Disneyland’s “It’s a Small World” ride.

So what, some would ask. After all, it’s a slow boat ride past treacly animatronics chanting over and over again one of the insidiously brain-addictive Disney songs of all time. Why shouldn’t visitors welcome change?

The specific changes mentioned are:

1. Inclusion of Disney characters into some of the scenes, as deemed appropriate. E.g., Alice (in Wonderland) showing up in the UK.
2. Removal or reduction of the New Guinea rain forest scene with an “American” tribute.

Fie! say some Disney loyalists (and, all things considered, I probably number myself among them here). 

1. The attraction has existed as-is (with maintenance) since the 1964 World’s Fair. As such, it deserves some respect, as well as respect to the memories of those who have enjoyed it, as well as to Mary Blair, who did the primary design work for this and so much other Disney and Disneyland art.
2. The Blair family has protested the planned changes.
3. It’s actually nice having one corner of the park left that isn’t a constant marketing pitch for Disney’s licensed characters.
4. It’s inappropriate to turn a ride that’s designed around world peace and friendship into one that pushes commercial properties and includes a special nationalistic section for Americans.
5. The ride’s been plenty popular. “Plussing it up” isn’t needed. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

To be fair:

1. The Disney character inclusion may actually be done somewhat tastefully. Disney asserts that it won’t be as full-blown a change as what was done in building the ride’s cousin in Hong Kong (which incorporated 30-odd characters). And in the one example shown (Alice in Wonderland), the figure would be based on some of Mary Blair’s design work for the character, so it might be a bit more tasteful than otherwise dreaded.
2. While the LA Times article below confirms the use of (some) licensed characters, no confirmation was made I could find of the (oh so ironic) ripping out of the rain forest in exchange for an “American” section.

But I really have to ask a simple question, in keeping with the maxim that not having a good reason to do something is a reason not to do it: why? Have people been complaining about the ride? Have people been wondering why Simba isn’t in the African forest, or Mulan in China? Have too many patriots been offended by the lack of a distinct “USA” zone?

Small World is a throwback to a kinder, simpler time, as a nation and as Disney. Tweaking it should be done with great caution, and only for a strong  reason. No such reason has been forthcoming.

Any change at the park is going to bring howls of protest. Changes that are too blatantly commercial are not only a bad idea per se, but are going to alienate (and create bad press from) some of the most vocal Disney loyalists. There might have been ways to effect some of these changes — leaving out the geopolitical rebalancing of the USA Zone — through a careful, very quiet, very gradual slipstreaming of “new character” Easter Eggs into the ride (”Just spotted — Alice in UKland!”). Instead, by trying to do it under stealth of some other needed maintenance, and then trying to color it as a tribute and “respectful” enhancement, Disney’s managed to make a mediocre idea even worse.

But, one might argue, isn’t this just protesting by nostalgic adults? Aren’t the kids going to want to see Disney characters in ever nook and cranny? Isn’t that why they’re there? It’s an arguable point — but, then, aren’t the Small World characters also “lovable” by kids? Disneyland started — and still continues — with lots of areas not specifically branded, except by vague association and by costumed folks giving out autographs. I’d argue that kids aren’t just there to see Mickey Mouse everywhere, but for the overall fun, pleasant, even nurturing experience overall. Tweaking Small World doesn’t improve that.

All it does is — maybe — sell more toys and movies. Which may be a good enough reason for the Disney suits, but not for the attending public.

it’s a changed world
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Disneyland to add ‘Alice’ to Small World ride - Travel - LATimes.com
The Disney Blog: Disneyland to add Disney Characters to Its A Small World - confirmed
Save Small World, ride creator’s family begs Disneyland - Travel - LATimes.com
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