It's a Small World

As with the similar attraction at Walt Disney World and Disneyland in California, there are almost 300 Audio-Animatronic^(tm) figures within the It's a Small World attraction, which was originally built for New York's 1964-1965 World's Fair , children from more than 100 different nations which sing, dance, and entertain guests to a haunting melodic tune, alongside seals, polar bears, and various other animals.

It's a Small World is a slow boat ride, which would almost be relaxing if it weren't for the tune, which once you've heard will be virtually impossible to get out of your head, and will quite probably haunt you for the rest of your natural life.  The boats glide through areas representing different cultures,

Through the topiary gardens and past the towering columns of the world, the Small World boats drift silently with the tide into "The Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed."   Children of all nations greet the passing guests with songs, and animated actions, all choreographed into the familiar soundtrack.

The Small World cruise starts at London Bridge, and gradually heads through the five continents, past small dolls lavishly dressed in national costumes.

After disembarking from the small world boats, guests can then walk around a small village of model houses, inside which (though the windows) the various uses of the telephone in a modern society are depicted, in a blatant plug for the rides sponsor, France Telecom.

And just in case you were wondering about the lyrics to the Small World theme ?