New Verse by Richard Sherman Debuts in “It’s a Small World” Finale for Disneyland and Walt Disney World

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Disney Parks have added a fresh stanza to the finale of the cherished attraction “It’s a Small World.” This new verse, written by the late Richard M. Sherman, made its debut on July 17, 2025, at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. This significant event not only celebrated Disneyland’s 70th anniversary but also aligned with the festivities happening at Magic Kingdom.

Sherman (one-half of the renowned duo Sherman Brothers with his brother Robert) initially created the timeless tune for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The melody and message touched Walt so deeply that he decided to rename the attraction after the song itself. In the end, Richard Sherman penned a poignant third verse as a testament to unity and our shared humanity. Gregg Sherman, his son, explained that this verse emphasizes that we have more in common than what separates us.

The new lyrics are as follows:

The bond between us, as humanity, is deeply rooted in our hearts and minds, nurtured by our shared love for Mother Earth. Across our expansive, breathtaking landscapes, unity flourishes when we join hands. In the grand scheme of things, our world appears small and interconnected.

The chosen words will smoothly blend with the final scene of the ride, harmonizing with the well-known tune.

Celebrating the History

The new addition pays homage to a previous tribute revealed towards the end of 2024. Disney debuted a short movie called “The Last Verse,” which showcased Richard Sherman reciting his final verse in an affecting part of the ABC News documentary “The Untold Story of Mary Poppins.” This film also aired on Disney+ and YouTube, and it honored the Sherman Brothers’ legacy by highlighting how the song influenced people since 1964 at the Fair and throughout their entire career with Disney.

Disney recently unveiled a fresh short movie called “The Last Verse,” which incorporates a new stanza penned by Richard Sherman for the classic tune ‘It’s a Small World.’ Sherman, in a heartfelt gesture to the studio, presented this verse to Bob Iger during the summer of 2023.

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) November 28, 2024

In the month of February 2025, it was verified by Disney Parks that an update for Disneyland would take place on July 17th. Prefacing July, Disney made an announcement that the Magic Kingdom would simultaneously introduce the new feature on the same day, July 17th.

Disney plans to make the updated song accessible beyond their parks, with a standalone digital single now available on various music streaming platforms. Additionally, fans have the option to purchase a special-edition vinyl record titled “It’s a Small World (70th Anniversary)“, which is currently being sold at the Disney Music Emporium.

The event coincides perfectly with Disneyland’s 70th anniversary renovation, featuring a series of celebrations including fresh exhibits at Main Street Cinema. These include the screening of “The Last Verse” short film, as well as displays of artifacts and tributes highlighting the creative achievements of the Sherman Brothers.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’ve been thrilled to see an outpouring of positive reactions from fellow film fans on social media about this recent cinematic gem. Many posts have also expressed optimism that the storyline will be translated into various languages, ensuring its universal accessibility while maintaining the timeless charm that has captivated us all.

The ride evokes a variety of responses among fans. Some appreciate its whimsical charm and the message it conveys, while others find it sluggish and the melody overly catchy, making it hard to forget.

To put it simply, Richard Sherman’s upcoming final verse is a tribute to his own legacy. It aims to reinforce the main theme of unity, inspire optimism for future generations, and offer an everlasting salute to one of Disney’s longest-standing songwriting heritages.

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2025-07-20 16:58