New 'it's a small world' Finale Debuts at Magic Kingdom with Richard Sherman's Last Verse

A meaningful new chapter begins today for one of Disney's most iconic attractions. On July 17, 2025, "it's a small world" at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort unveiled an updated finale scene featuring a new verse written by the late Richard M. Sherman, his final lyrical contribution to The Walt Disney Company.

The Sherman Brothers and Walt Disney

The verse plays during the attraction's closing scene and adds a heartfelt new message to the globally recognized song:

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.

A Tribute to Unity and Richard Sherman

Richard Sherman, who passed away in 2024, co-wrote the original "it's a small world (after all)" song with his brother Robert in 1963 for the UNICEF pavilion at the 1964–65 New York World's Fair. The tune quickly became a signature of Walt Disney's message of global harmony.

In the decades since, the song has become one of the most played and recognized pieces of music in the world, appearing not only in Disney parks but in pop culture, educational materials, and public events promoting peace.

Richard penned this newly added verse in his final years as a personal gift to Disney. His son, Gregg Sherman, shared that his father's intent was to "celebrate that there's more that unites us than divides us, and reinforce the message of that song." The update is designed to enhance the emotional resonance of the finale scene and strengthen the original theme of human connection.

Watch the New Finale Scene

We captured the first day of the new finale in action. Watch and listen to the updated scene here:

The new verse is perfectly integrated into the familiar melody, with a chorus of childlike voices joining in harmony.

A Legacy 60+ Years in the Making

"it's a small world" has gone through some changes since its debut at the World's Fair and eventual installation in California (1966) and Florida (1971). Today's change marks the most significant musical update to the attraction since its original creation.

The new finale debuts on a symbolic date, July 17, commemorating the 70th anniversary of Disneyland's opening day in 1955.

Photo: WDWMAGICit's a small world 2025

New Recordings Available

Alongside the in-park debut, the updated version of the song is now available as a digital single on major streaming platforms. A special "it's a small world" 70th Anniversary Edition vinyl featuring the full ride soundtrack—including the new finale—is available for preorder now and will be on sale at Disney Music Emporium starting July 18, 2025.

A Lasting Message

This new addition doesn't change what "it's a small world" has always been. Instead, it adds a final message from the man who gave the attraction its voice, a message as relevant today as it was in 1964.

"And the love we give makes us humankind…"

It's still a small world, after all.