It's A Small, Small World!

 Guess where I was this morning???

  At the 'It's A Small World' attraction at Disneyland!
( 3:30 AM PDT report time! )

Disney Cast Members, characters, and special guests 
gathered at Disney Parks around the world 
to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 'It's A Small World' attraction 
with a live sing-a-long of the sweet theme song on a live Good Morning America broadcast.
( well, live on the east coast and time-delayed for the central and western states.....)

 

I was one of one hundred cast members riding on the Disneyland Railroad train,

waving and smiling as it pulled into view in front of the Small World attraction.
I was in the back row of Car 2.

Car 1 had some VERY famous passengers: Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, and Daisy!
Minnie, Pooh, Tigger, and Chip & Dale were in Car 4.

 You can watch the Good Morning America segment here !

I just can't even BEGIN to tell you how MUCH being there for this means to me... 

I became an official Disney Cast Member just over a month ago, 

after waiting all of my life to do so....

The timing of this celebration couldn't be more perfect for me and my life story!

My grandfather was an electrician who helped to install the Small World attraction at Disneyland, 

and I could not be happier to be able to participate in honoring him 

and his part in the history of this attraction today.

  ( he was there with me - I had his picture pinned to my shirt, next to my heart! )

I will never forget my first ride on Small World when I was a little Debby of only five, 

with him next to me in the little boat, holding my hand and smiling at me as he whispered
" I built this for you, pumpkin "

Thank you, Grandpa Ward, for this gift 

that has touched every generation of our family...

I am a proud part of the Magic now, and I know you are smiling at me!

"It's a world of laughter, a world of tears.
It's a world of hopes and a world of fears.
There's so much that we share,
That it's time we're aware
It's a small world after all.

It's a small world after all.
It's a small world after all.
It's a small world after all.
It's a small, small world.

There is just one moon and one golden sun.
And a smile means friendship to everyone.
Though the mountains divide,
And the oceans are wide
It's a small world after all.

It's a small world after all.
It's a small world after all.
It's a small world after all.
It's a small, small world!"