Every time I hop aboard Disneyland's classic “it’s a small world” attraction, I'm instantly transported into a celebration of cultures from all over the world.
Have you ever wondered exactly which countries are featured in this iconic ride?
I thought it’d be fun to break it all down for you so you know exactly what to expect when you float through this colorful journey.
The ride features over 50 countries and regions, but they aren’t all explicitly listed because many scenes combine multiple countries into broader cultural regions rather than giving each country its own dedicated representation.
Imagineers designed “it's a small world” to capture the essence of different cultures, often blending elements from neighboring countries to create a unified visual that represents a larger area or regional culture.
This approach helps maintain the whimsical flow of the ride while still celebrating global diversity, even if not every country is clearly defined or individually highlighted.

List of “it's a small world” Countries
Below, I've put together a complete list of the countries featured in Disneyland's “it's a small world”. Each part of the ride brings us through different continents and countries, with each decorated with such elaborate sets and details.
Let's dive in:
1. Europe
- England: Featuring classic landmarks and charming costumes.
- France: Look for the Eiffel Tower and those adorable little cafes.
- Italy: Gondolas and Venetian masks are key elements here.
- Spain: Colorful flamenco dancers definitely stand out.
- Scandinavia: Representing Norway, Sweden, and Denmark with icy landscapes.
2. Asia
- India: Look for the bright elephants and beautifully dressed dancers.
- China: The pandas and dragons are always a crowd favorite.
- Japan: You’ll see stunning cherry blossoms and traditional kimonos.
- Middle East: This section features Arabian architecture and cultural details from a mix of countries.
3. Africa
- Egypt: Keep an eye out for the pyramids and the sphinx.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Represented with wildlife and vibrant traditional clothing.
4. The Americas
- United States: Featuring cowboys and iconic American symbols.
- Mexico: Full of colorful fiestas and mariachi music.
- South America: Representing Brazil, Argentina, and other countries, with rainforest animals and festive dancers.
5. Oceania
- Australia: Watch for kangaroos and a cheerful beachside setting.
- Pacific Islands: Representations of Polynesian culture, including hula dancers and outrigger canoes.
6. Antarctica
- Penguins and Icy Scenes: Okay, not a country, but Antarctica still gets a nod with its cute penguins!
And if you’re visiting Disneyland during the holidays, you’re in for a treat—the ride gets a festive holiday makeover! I recommend checking out my Disneyland Christmas Guide if you want to know more about the seasonal magic.
Other Fun Details
The ride isn’t just about countries—it’s also about those little details that bring the world together.

Disney’s Imagineers really went all out in crafting the cultural elements, from the musical instruments to the architecture. Plus, try to spot some of the hidden Disney characters that were added during the 2008 refurbishment!
If you're interested in checking out other attractions near “it's a small world”, you might enjoy Autopia or want to explore Princess Experiences at Disneyland, to make the most of your day.
What is “it's a small world”?
“It’s a small world” is located in Fantasyland. It’s close to the Matterhorn Bobsleds, so if you're visiting with little ones, it’s a great ride to enjoy after the excitement of Autopia.

“It’s a small world” is one of Disneyland's most beloved and timeless attractions, created by Disney’s Imagineers for the 1964-65 New York World's Fair.
The ride takes us on a gentle boat journey through whimsical representations of countries across the globe. You’ll see animatronic children dressed in traditional attire, singing the iconic “It’s a Small World (After All)” tune. It's colorful, catchy, and truly heartwarming—a beautiful celebration of worldwide unity.
For anyone planning a trip to Disneyland, this ride is an absolute must for all ages. If you're in the planning phase, you might want to check out my Disneyland Planning Guide for more details to make the most of your visit.
Are all countries represented in the ride?
Not all countries are represented in “it's a small world”, but Disney's Imagineers did an incredible job in selecting a diverse range of regions to provide a truly global experience.
The ride focuses on capturing the essence of different cultures from all corners of the world, rather than trying to feature every individual country.
For example, countries like Egypt, India, England, and Mexico have distinct and memorable scenes that beautifully showcase their unique traditions, costumes, and landmarks. In some sections, multiple countries are grouped together to represent a broader regional theme—like the Middle East or Scandinavia—highlighting shared cultural elements in a way that still feels inclusive.
Although it’s impossible to represent every country on a single ride, the thoughtful design creates a journey that feels both expansive and unified, giving us a sense of how interconnected the world truly is.