Disney Parks just introduced a new verse in the finale of the beloved attraction “It’s a Small World.” The verse, penned by the late Richard M. Sherman, debuted at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World on July 17, 2025—marking Disneyland’s 70th anniversary and coinciding with celebratory events at Magic Kingdom.
The “It’s a Small World” attraction at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World – YouTube, DLP Welcome
Sherman, one half of the famed Sherman Brothers alongside his brother Robert, originally composed the classic song for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The melody and message so moved Walt that he renamed the attraction after the song. Richard Sherman’s final contribution was a heartfelt third verse, intended to reinforce themes of unity and shared humanity. His son, Gregg Sherman, explained that the verse “celebrates that there’s more that unites us than divides us.”
The new lyrics are as follows:
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.
These words will be seamlessly woven into the ride’s closing scene, complementing the familiar melody.
Celebrating the History
The addition builds on a tribute first unveiled in late 2024. Disney premiered a short film titled “The Last Verse.” It featured Richard Sherman reciting his final verse in an emotional segment of the ABC News documentary “The Untold Story of Mary Poppins,” as well as on Disney+ and YouTube. That film celebrated the Sherman Brothers’ legacy, tracing the song’s impact since the 1964 Fair and the duo’s entire career at Disney.
Disney shared a new short film titled “The Last Verse” that features a new verse to ‘It’s a Small World’ written by Richard Sherman. Sherman shared the verse with Bob Iger in the summer 2023 as his final gift to the studio. pic.twitter.com/ZliubwixgD
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) November 28, 2024
In February 2025, Disney Parks confirmed that Disneyland would receive the update on July 17th. By early July, Disney announced that Magic Kingdom would also debut the verse on the same date.
Disney will also release the song update outside the parks. A digital single featuring the new verse is now available on music streaming services starting. Fans can also order a special-edition vinyl pressing titled It’s a Small World (70th Anniversary), which is being sold at the Disney Music Emporium.
The Sherman Brothers and Walt Disney – YouTube, Good morning America
The timing aligns with Disneyland’s transformation during its 70th anniversary. The celebration includes new exhibits at Main Street Cinema—such as the “The Last Verse” short film—along with artifacts and retrospectives showcasing the Sherman Brothers’ creative work.
Fans and commentators have reacted positively on social media. Many posts also expressed hope that the verse will be recorded in multiple languages and integrated in a way that preserves the ride’s timeless appeal.
The “It’s a Small World” attraction at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World – YouTube, DLP Welcome
The ride itself has mixed reactions from fans. Many adore the whimsical nature of the ride and its message. Still, others find the ride too slow and the tune an annoying earworm.
The Sherman Brothers – YouTube, Good morning America
In summary, the forthcoming finale verse written by Richard Sherman commemorates its writer’s legacy. It aims to reaffirm the attraction’s core message of unity, embrace hope for future generations, and pay lasting tribute to one of Disney’s most enduring songwriting legacies.
What do you think of this new verse to “It’s a Small World?” Let us know in the comments below!
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The Greek deities are not worthy of worship, and titans like Mother Earth are far less so.