Photos: Disneyland’s ‘It’s a Small World’ celebrates 50th anniversary

Fireworks over “It’s a Small World” at Disneyland. After 50 years Disneyland’s “It’s a Small World” continues to be one of the resort’s most popular rides. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Aug. 3, 2014 4:51 PM PT

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‘It’s a Small World’ reaches its 50th anniversary, raising the question “Why is this ride still around?”

The ride has carried 290 million visitors since it was moved to the Anaheim park. The slow boat trip has become one of only a handful of theme park attractions that have gained iconic status in an era when rides are scrapped and replaced every few years to make way for new high-tech attraction. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Can Jiang, 24, of Australia, poses as a friend takes her photo in front of the “It’s a Small World” ride at Disneyland. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

The ride was first conceived for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. After 50 years, it is just as popular as it was when it first opened. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)