Disney World is home to some of the most iconic rides, shows, and theme park food. But it’s also home to some of the most iconic sayings.
If you’re like most Disney adults, then these iconic Disney World sayings are already a part of your lexicon.
So without further adieu, let’s cover the most joyful, magical sayings you’ll hear when visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth:
To All Who Come to This Happy Place…
For our friends on the West Coast, you may recognize this line as part of the speech that Walt Disney gave on the opening day of Disneyland on July 17, 1955:
“To all who come to this happy place: welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here, age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”
However, parts of that speech were also included in the speech that Roy Disney – Walt’s brother – gave on the opening day of Magic Kingdom in Disney World on October 1, 1971:
“Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney…and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney’s dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place…a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn – together.”
With the recent announcement that Disney’s Enchantment is returning in 2024 for Disney’s After Hours event, there is a clip of Roy’s dedication, which features the line “To all who come to this happy place.”
There’s an instant connection made between Disney and this line, making it one of the most iconic sayings not just in Disney World and Disneyland, but the Disney company as a whole.
Read more: Best Magic Kingdom Firework Viewing Locations
The Backside of Water!
There are a lot of iconic phrases you’ll hear on the Jungle Cruise, but nothing beats the skipper saying, “There it is, ladies and gentlemen, the backside of water!”
The Jungle Cruise is a water ride located in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom that takes you through dense jungle and gets you close to wild animals as your Skipper guides you through the Amazon rainforest, the Congo River, the Nile River, and the Mekong River.
Before you enter the Mekong River, you’ll have to pass underneath Schweitzer Falls, aptly named after famed adventurer Dr. Albert Falls of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers fame. As your boat travels behind the 8th Wonder of the World, your skipper will shout out that you’re passing “the backside of water!”
Read more: The Ten Best Jungle Cruise Jokes and More
It’s one of the most iconic ride sayings in all of Disney World, and it’s automatically connected to the Jungle Cruise ride in Magic Kingdom!
The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness
Did you also just say this in your best Western accent? Because me too! It’s because this line is so iconic that it’s impossible not to say it with the accent that accompanies it.
This Disney World saying is the tagline of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a haunted mine train roller coaster located in Frontierland in Magic Kingdom.
It’s a Small World After All
As one of the most iconic Disney World sayings of all time, “It’s a small world after all” plays on a loop in the “it’s a small world” ride in Fantasyland.
First seen at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, “it’s a small world” was designed in support of UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund).
Decades later, the original message of “it’s a small world” still rings true, with this line serving as a reminder that though we may have different cultural backgrounds and zip codes, we’re really not that different from one another…after all.
Read more: All About “it’s a small world” in Disney World
The Most Magical Place on Earth
“The Most Magical Place on Earth” is Disney World’s official slogan, representing all the ways that the Cast Members and the parks as a whole create magical moments for both the young and young at heart.
You’ll see this tagline on the welcome gate to Walt Disney World.
Where Dreams Come True
Before the entry gates to Walt Disney World were updated in 2021, they used to feature the tagline “Where Dreams Come True.” Ask any Disney fan and they’ll agree that this iconic Disney World saying is much more than a phrase, but how we view the place that has brought us so much magic over the years.
Disney still uses this iconic saying since it was first introduced in 2006 in promotional materials, including their website.
Paging Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow
Next time you’re onboard the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover in Tomorrowland, watch out for the iconic Disney World line, “Paging Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow,” as you approach Space Mountain.
This famous line is in reference to Tom Morrow (later renamed Mr. Johnson) who was voiced by Gunsmoke actor, George Walsh. Tom Morrow served as the fictional operations director for Flight to the Moon, which was an opening day attraction on October 1, 1971.
Have a Magical Day!
When you hang up the phone with a Cast Member, wrap up payment at a cash register, or finish a conversation with them at your hotel, you’ll be told to have a magical day.
This iconic Disney World saying helps guests remember to embrace the magic surrounding them on their Disney vacation. And you can bet that it brings a giant smile to my face every time I hear it!
Please Stand Clear of the Doors
If you can recite this iconic Disney World saying in both English AND Spanish, you’re a true Disney fan!
Please stand clear of the door. Por favor, mantengase alejado de las puertas.
This safety announcement plays every time you get on the Monorail. The Disney World saying has become so popular that there are a ton of handmade products featuring it, including t-shirts and doormats.
Read more: Disney Monorail Crawl Date Night
Reach Out and Find Your Happily Ever After
Like the safety speech given on the Monorail, “Reach out and find your happily ever after” has also gained a pretty big cult following in recent years thanks to Magic Kingdom’s nightly firework show, Happily Ever After.
On its own, the term happily ever after ignites the imagination. It tells us that there is a reward at the end of the struggle, which is exactly what Happily Ever After highlights. The projections on the castle highlight everything life is about: triumph, loss, falling in love, and picking yourself back up. It’s a message that resonates with all of us, so no wonder it’s become one of the most iconic and well-beloved sayings in all of Disney World.
Ready to begin…
It All Started With a Mouse
Out of all the Disney World sayings, this is one of the most popular because, well, it’s true! We’re only Disney fans because Walt’s dream and his future plans began with a mouse – Mickey Mouse that is!
Paying homage to Mickey Mouse, this iconic Disney World saying reminds us of the Walt Disney Company’s humble beginnings and the inspiration he drew from a small little mouse who made Walt realize he had the biggest of dreams. Thank you, Walt. And thank you, Mickey!
Read more: Best Places to Eat With Mickey Mouse
Yo, Ho, Yo, Ho…A Pirate’s Life for Me
Arghhhh. Avast ye hearties, this Disney World saying is so iconic that even Captain Jack Sparrow can’t help himself from saying it in between asking why all the rum is gone.
First introduced in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, you’ll not only hear it on the ride itself while the animatronic pirates pillage and plunder the local seaport town but instrumentally as you wander around Adventureland with all those other scallywags.
I’m sure it’s been scientifically proven to get stuck in your head once you hear it. “It’s a small world” who??
When You Wish Upon a Star
When You Wish Upon a Star from Disney’s Pinocchio is the unofficial theme song of Disney World.
Sung beautifully by Jiminy Cricket, When You Wish Upon a Star is about having hope that all your wishes will come true. It’s a beautiful sentiment and one that is clearly at work when you take that first step onto Main Street, U.S.A., and turn the corner to see Cinderella Castle for the first time.
All you can think is “Wow. I’m here. Wishes do come true.”
The Disney Difference
Though this isn’t a formal phrase you’ll hear around Disney, it’s been referenced by those who talk highly about Disney World, especially regarding how it compares to other theme parks around the world.
The Disney Difference refers to the little details that Disney World seems to take notice of. From the use of forced perspective to trick your eye to the special magic that Cast Members make when interacting with guests, there’s a reason why Disney World is a cut above the rest.
There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow
This theme song from the Carousel of Progress is just so charming that it’s no wonder why it’s considered one of Disney’s greatest hits.
Written by the iconic Sherman Brothers for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, this boppy tune references the turn of the century and just how much progress the world has made. While this ride could certainly use an update to showcase newer inventions, it holds its icon status, as does this beautiful and inspirational Disney World saying.
We Keep Moving Forward….
Walt Disney once said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”
Though this phrase was muttered before Walt Disney World officially opened, it’s synonymous with the progress the park continues to make since his passing. You’ll often find this quote on the walls surrounding new construction, reminding guests of the true visionary Walt really was.
This Chamber Has No Windows…and No Doors
…which offers this chilling challenge: to find….A WAY OUT! Of course, there’s always my way. Let me know in the comments if you ALSO said this in a menacing voice.
This famous Disney World saying comes straight from the Haunted Mansion in the opening scene while you gather with your fellow ghouls and become trapped in the Stretching Room. This part of the ride and narration are so iconic that chances are you’ll hear a few people recite it along with Master Gracey.
We Invite You, if You Dare, to Step Aboard Because in Tonight’s Episode, You Are the Star and This Elevator Travels Directly to…Twilight Zone
And speaking of narration that is so iconic that guests can’t help themselves but to recite, let’s hop on over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and visit the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Upon entering the library, you’ll be shown a video of Rod Serling, the host of the Twilight Zone, hyping you up for the ride. It’s an eerie script and one of my favorites. So, if you’re standing next to me, sorry in advance for saying the words along with Rod…
Thank the Phoenicians!
Over at Epcot, we head to Spaceship Earth where Dame Judi Dench narrates the ride that travels through some of the biggest moments in history, including the invention of the modern alphabet.
A few minutes into the ride, you’ll hear this iconic Disney World saying: “Remember how easy it was to learn your ABCs? Thank the Phoenicians!” And thank them we certainly do.
Read more: Why Do We, Thank the Phoenicians?
Jambo!
Having to show Disney’s Animal Kingdom some love, I’m going to add Jambo here as one of the most iconic Disney World sayings.
Not only will you see this greeting in certain areas of Animal Kingdom, but you’ll also hear it upon entering the Animal Kingdom Lodge hotel.
Welcome Home
If you’re a member of the Disney Vacation Club, then you’ll hear “Welcome Home” upon your arrival at your home resort.
Though this charming Disney World phrase is commonly associated with DVC resorts, it resonates with Disney fans all the world over. We all feel like Disney World is our home. It’s a place where we reconnect with the best aspects of ourselves. It’s our comfort zone. So it really is home…and that is quite magical.
Final Thoughts
By no means is this an exhaustive list of the most iconic Disney World sayings, but they are some of the most beloved.
What would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for all the latest Disney tips, tricks, and trivia.
As a self-proclaimed Mouseketeer, Courtney Dercqu is a fan of all things Disney. Between decorating her desk with souvenirs from the park, to making unique mouse ears and having a dedicated Disney Instagram, Courtney is a true believer in the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation. Having had more than 200 articles published on various content, Courtney’s excited to share her knowledge and experience with everyone! Be sure to follow her on Instagram for all the Disney magic.
