Hungry Hungry Pygmies

Containing more than 300 animatronic puppets, It's a Small World has been a location of myths and urban legends since it's opening in October 1971. While many stories are true - like the story that the dolls all get haircuts - more are simply written off as crazy stories from overworked cast members who have listened to the song about 10 times too many. One however stands out above the others. The story that the Pygmies have been alive since 1971 and that they consume human flesh.

Summary

It is said that before Walt Disney passed away, he used his magic of happiness and imagination to give life to the Pygmies of It's a Small World. Either through an incantation said during the pouring of the world's waters into a single stream or just through his own sheer will, the Pygmies came to life and happily sing and dance while visitors are on the ride. However, once the ride is closed up, sounds can be heard of the pygmies still singing and some castmembers have even said they could smell a wood fire burning. One day an adventurous group of castmembers decided to explore the ride after hours. They went in and never came out. It's been rumored that the park executives covered up the fact that their bones and remains were found near a fire pit in the darkest depths of the ride. A couple of castmembers have said that they feel like their being watched when the are going through their closing checklist of the ride.

Historical Basis

The basis of the story comes from the numerous explorations into the ride itself in which a group that went deeper than anyone ever dared was never heard from again. No remains have ever been found and the general consensus is that the group merely snuck out of the ride and the whole thing is a hoax like the Blair Witch Project.

Variations & Mutation

Some tell the story that gnawed human bones were found at the bottom of the river. Others say they have smelt human flesh cooking over a wood fire.

Cultural Reception

Generally laughed off as nothing more than overworked castmembers who have gone a little loopy from the music of the ride, the myth is fun to talk about but very few believe it.

Date of First Recording

December 1971

Date of Setting

October 1971

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