Souvenirs of the World: Spotlight on the 1965 “It’s a Small World” Dolls from the NY World’s Fair5/25/2026
As It’s a Small World prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary, we’re turning the spotlight on some of the rarest—and most charming—Disney collectibles ever released: the 1965 Pressman dolls created for the UNICEF Pavilion at the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair. These petite figures captured the ride’s joyful global spirit and gave guests something truly magical to take home. Today, they stand as precious Disneyana artifacts—and a window into Walt Disney’s most peace-driven creative project.  A Piece of the World You Could Hold During the second season of the World’s Fair (1965), Walt Disney’s “It’s a Small World” exhibit welcomed millions more guests aboard its whimsical boat ride. While most visitors took home memories, a lucky few left with something more tangible—an 8-inch vinyl doll inspired by the ride’s international children. Produced by Pressman-Lipson Corp and licensed by Walt Disney Productions, these collectible dolls were sold exclusively at the Small World attraction’s exit area in the UNICEF / Pepsi-Cola Pavilion. Each doll wore a costume representing a different country, echoing the ride’s Mary Blair-inspired global design. Authenticity Details: What Makes Them Real Both dolls shown here were photographed from active listings on eBay and verified by their backstamps: Stamped: © Disney 1965 (on the back of the neck) Manufacturer: Pressman-Lipson Corp. Sold only in 1965, aligning with the second year of the attraction at the World’s Fair The 1965 stamp is important. While the ride debuted in 1964, these dolls were introduced during the following season—after Small World’s popularity had skyrocketed.   Design Highlights 🌍 Dutch-Inspired Boy Doll Bright blue beret with shaggy blonde hair Embroidered cream shirt with red stitching Orange felt vest with silver braid trim Gold trousers and blue painted shoes White braided sash with pom detail Stamped: © Disney 1965 🌎 Spanish-Inspired Girl Doll Soft black curls in long braids Goldenrod skirt with cream apron Rainbow-trimmed velvet vest Painted black shoes Pale cream blouse with lace detail Stamped: © Disney 1965 Each design is a delightful miniature version of the attraction’s stylized children—capturing the innocence, color, and friendliness that defined It’s a Small World.  Why They Matter These dolls are more than adorable toys—they’re miniature ambassadors of Disney history. They embody: Walt’s vision of international harmony Mary Blair’s mid-century design aesthetic The UNICEF partnership and charitable mission of the original attraction The unique World’s Fair moment before the ride found its permanent home at Disneyland in 1966. As the 60th anniversary approaches, these dolls serve as a reminder of the ride’s enduring message: “There’s so much that we share, that it’s time we’re aware…” Display Ideas for Collectors Even if you don’t own one, these dolls are a perfect addition to: A digital scrapbook or Pinterest board celebrating It’s a Small World A 60th anniversary memory shelf, paired with attraction tickets or park maps A printable archival card or shadowbox display for Technicolor Memories patrons Want to make your own version? Consider scanning the doll photos into a vintage-style card or creating a flat-mail papercraft replica. A Note for Fellow Nostalgia Keepers At Technicolor Memories, we honor the objects that carry Walt’s legacy forward—especially those made for children. These 1965 dolls, born from one of his most hopeful creations, still speak volumes today. They may be small. But their story is anything but.     Did you know that famed actress Joan Crawford had a hand in the creation of ‘It’s a Small World’ ? Joan Crawford had been married to Pepsi Cola president Alfred Steele and when he died of a heart attack in 1959, Crawford inherited a seat on the company board. Crawford was heavily involved in charities and trying to boost the Pepsi brand. She knew about Walt’s fame and figured a Disney attraction with the Pepsi brand would be terrific publicity for the company. When Crawford heard Fowler’s refusal to create an attraction for Pepsi, she wasn’t happy. And as anyone in Hollywood knew, Joan Crawford’s temper was legendary. So she went to Walt to lay it out, and Walt was likewise incensed at Fowler making this decision without even telling him first. That drove him to agree to create a ride for Pepsi. Walt came up with the idea for a boat ride involving international children, and after she and Fowler made peace, Crawford pushed the board into agreeing to the Disney proposal.      The gold you see on the exterior of It's a Small World is actually real 22 karat gold leaf! Believe it or not, this was actually a cheaper option in the long run than long term maintenance in something like gold paint.        Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is also adorned with real gold leaf, Dumbo and King Arthur’s Carousel has 14 karat gold leaf accents.     |
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