New ”it’s a small world” Revealed After Over Five Decades

After over five decades of delighting Disneyland Park guests, “it’s a small world” has undergone a historic transformation, marking a significant chapter in the ride’s long history. Following months of construction and anticipation, Disneyland Resort has finally unveiled the refreshed version of the iconic boat ride. The updates come just in time for the 70th anniversary of the Southern California Disney park, which kicks off its celebrations on May 16, 2025.

The journey to the ride’s reopening began in January 2025, after the holiday overlay was removed, and work on the exterior and interior began in earnest. “it’s a small world”, which has stood as a symbol of Disneyland Park for decades, was shrouded in construction walls as crews made changes to both the ride’s structure and appearance. The iconic clock face was temporarily taken down and replaced with a flat decal while other major upgrades were implemented. Concrete walkways near the entrance were also replaced, and guests had to wait patiently as the familiar exterior of the ride was hidden behind construction barriers.

Now, after months of renovations, Disneyland Resort has removed the construction walls from “it’s a small world”. According to WDWNT, the clock face has returned to its prominent spot, restored after an offsite refurbishment. However, some of the ride’s other special effects on the exterior remain motionless, leaving some features still waiting to return to their original glory. Despite this, the exterior is looking fresh and newly updated for visitors to enjoy.

Inside the ride, more updates await. As part of the Disneyland70 celebrations, new dolls inspired by Coco (2017) have been added to the attraction. Fans of the “it’s a small world” song will also notice a newly added verse, written by the legendary Sherman Brothers.

And if that wasn’t enough, Disney has introduced a new nighttime feature: the “Tapestry of Happiness” projection show, which will bring the ride’s exterior to life during the evening hours. This dazzling display, along with the rest of the Disneyland70 celebrations, is set to run until summer 2026.

The official reopening of “it’s a small world” is scheduled for May 16, 2025, as part of the Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary celebrations.

Have you noticed any other changes around Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park? Let Disney Tips know in the comments!