The new film from Netflix about two siblings exploring a dreamy world in search of the Sandman, was inspired by director Alex Woo’s visits to it’s a small world and Chuck E. Cheese as a kid.
In his directorial debut, it was childhood experiences that inspired the siblings’ going down a river surrounded by animatronic beavers, he told Variety. Although it is his first directing credit, Woo has been a story artist on several Disney Pixar films, including Ratatouille, WALL-E, Cars 2, and Finding Dory.
When asked by Variety’s Jazz Tangcay about the ball pit river and its nightmarish feel, Woo replied that he based all the elements in the dream world on real places. For instance, Polly’s Pizzeria was inspired by Chuck E. Cheese as Woo thought back to childhood experiences and realized the entertainment spot was “janky and comical.” That’s how the ball pit river specifically was inspired by the mouse-centered pizzeria. But the location was also inspired by it’s a small world.
“As a kid, the first time I went to [it’s a small world] I found it quite scary because you’re in this dark tunnel. It’s really amazing — you’re seeing all these animatronics and all these set pieces — but as a kid, it can be terrifying because you have no idea where you’re going. That’s why I chose to set the nightmare version of Polly’s Pizzeria in that environment.”
Woo’s In Your Dreams is now streaming on Netflix.
History of it’s a small world
it’s a small world is a beloved attraction at nearly every Disney park around the world. The only one that doesn’t have a version of it is Shanghai Disneyland. If you’re curious about the history of this ride, created by Disney and the United Nations Children’s Fund, check out our article about the history of the ride variations all around the world.
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