After 58 Years, Disney Erases Original ”it’s a small world” Attraction

“it’s a small world” fans were in for a surprise on May 12 as Disneyland Resort unveiled major updates to the Fantasyland ride one day early. After nearly 58 years, “it’s a small world” is receiving a fresh new look as part of Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary celebrations. 

For starters, Disneyland Resort closed the ride in January to remove the “it’s a small world holiday” overlay. Since then, the Disney Park ride’s exterior and the surrounding concrete walkways have undergone a transformation, giving the attraction a much-needed facelift. Even the ride’s iconic clock face was temporarily removed for refurbishment and replaced with a 2D decal.

In addition to general maintenance and touch-ups, Disneyland Resort has revealed two significant additions to the attraction in honor of the Disneyland70 celebrations. These updates include a final song verse, written by the late Sherman brothers, and the introduction of dolls inspired by Miguel and Dante from Pixar’s Coco (2017). 

Originally, Disneyland Resort had planned for the attraction to reopen on April 25, but the grand reopening was delayed until May 9, and now the ride is slated to officially debut on May 13, 2025. As part of the lead-up to the reopening, @DisneyParks shared an exciting first look at the new Coco dolls on X (formerly known as Twitter):

We’re going un poco loco seeing Miguel and his alebrije, Dante, for the first time in ‘it’s a small world’ at @Disneyland! And starting tomorrow, every familia will be able to enjoy the new update in sunny Mexico when the attraction officially reopens.

We're going un poco loco seeing Miguel and his alebrije, Dante, for the first time in "it's a small world" at @Disneyland! And starting tomorrow, every familia will be able to enjoy the new update in sunny Mexico when the attraction officially reopens. pic.twitter.com/rIM6WRO3F0

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) May 12, 2025

The Coco dolls will be part of the grand reopening on May 13, 2025, while the final song verse won’t debut until July 17. A third major update, the “Tapestry of Happiness” nighttime projection show, will debut on May 16, bringing nightly light displays to the ride through summer 2026 (the end of the Disneyland70 celebrations). 

Disneyland Resort first added 29 Disney characters to “it’s a small world” in 2008. Walt Disney World Resort’s version of the attraction at Magic Kingdom Park has yet to undergo similar updates.

What other characters should Disneyland Resort add to “it’s a small world”? Share your thoughts with Disney Tips in the comments!