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Iconic Disney Ride About To Undergo a Major Change

People stroll along a lively street lined with shops adorned with autumn decorations. In the background, a fairy tale castle stands under a blue sky with fluffy clouds. Families and tourists enjoy the bustling atmosphere.
Credit: kaleb tapp on Unsplash

The Sherman Brothers’ first connection with Walt Disney Studios came in the 1950s when the duo wrote “Tall Paul” for Mouseketter Judy Harriet. The Sherman Brothers’ relationship with Disney continued until Robert died in 2012 and Richard died in May.

Richard and Roger Sherman with Walt Disney

Credit: Disney

Their influence on Disney Parks can still be felt today at Journey Into Imagination with Figment, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, and the iconic Carousel of Progress.

Disney is celebrating the Sherman Brothers’ greatest contribution to the company this week with The Untold Story of Mary Poppins: A Special Edition of 20/20which will air on November 27 and 28 to commemorate the iconic film’s 60th anniversary.

The Sherman Brothers won two Academy Awards for Mary Poppins (1965) , including Best Song for “Chim Chim Chur-ee.” They also wrote the iconic songs “Feed the Birds” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

disney legends richard and robert sherman

Credit: D23

However, buried deep in the special is something completely unexpected that will change one of the few remaining rides that Walt Disney had a hand in creating. The Sherman Brothers’ most iconic song for Disney Parks was “It’s a Small World,” and apparently, it’s about to change.

The special on Mary Poppins contains a new verse of “It’s a Small World,” which Richard M. Sherman wrote before his death in May. It was the final project he worked on for The Walt Disney Company.

A colorful outdoor display featuring an array of animatronic dolls representing varying cultures and costumes, set against ornate white and gold geometric architecture with large clock numbers. The scene, part of a whimsical Disney chaos, adds a touch of festivity to the amusement park attraction.

Credit: Disney

According to ABC News, the new verse of “it’s a small world” will be:

in the spirit of the beloved song, viewers will journey across the globe as the song is passed from person to person and generation to generation, culminating in the reveal of this heartfelt new verse.

Anyone who has traveled to Disneyland or the Walt Disney World Resort knows that “it’s a small world” is a must for any Disney fan, and that iconic song sticks with you long after you’ve left the ride. The possibility of that song changing is somewhat scary, but to know that Sherman had a hand in its creation should make all Disney fans feel better.

ABC’s Mary Poppins special will air on November 27 at 9 and will include interviews with Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews. The three-and-a-half minute “New Version” of “it’s a small world” will air during the special.

About Rick Lye

Rick is an avid Disney fan. He first went to Disney World in 1986 with his parents and has been hooked ever since. Rick is married to another Disney fan and is in the process of turning his two children into fans as well. When he is not creating new Disney adventures, he loves to watch the New York Yankees and hang out with his dog, Buster. In the fall, you will catch him cheering for his beloved NY Giants.

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