Magic Kingdom has plenty of attractions that have changed dramatically over the decades, but some rides feel almost inseparable from the park itself.
“it’s a small world” certainly falls into that category.
The Fantasyland boat ride has entertained Walt Disney World guests since Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. It has also sent countless guests back into the park with its incredibly catchy music playing over and over again in their heads.
Now, however, part of the classic attraction has stopped working.
The large clock incorporated into the “it’s a small world” façade is currently broken. More importantly, this doesn’t appear to be a problem Disney can solve immediately.
Replacement parts have reportedly been ordered, but according to a Cast Member, they could take approximately three weeks to arrive.
That means guests may be looking at a motionless clock until sometime well into October.
What Happened to the “it’s a small world” Clock?
Guests who only occasionally visit Magic Kingdom may not realize how much the “it’s a small world” clock actually does.
It isn’t simply a decorative face sitting above the attraction.
When everything operates normally, the smiling face turns from side to side. Flowers and gears across the colorful façade move as well, while a nearby clock features spinning hands.
There’s also a special moment every 15 minutes.
Doors normally open to reveal the current time using large blocks, giving guests waiting outside another small piece of entertainment before entering the attraction.
As of September 22, that show has stopped.
The clock has reportedly been inactive since at least Tuesday night, and the wait for replacement parts means it could remain that way for several weeks.
The Ride Itself Can Keep Operating
There is an important distinction for anyone planning an upcoming Disney World vacation: “it’s a small world” itself isn’t necessarily closing because its clock is broken.
Guests can still climb aboard a boat and make their way through the attraction.
That means there’s still plenty of time to hear its famous music repeatedly.
You may enter thinking you’ve finally forgotten “it’s a small world after all,” only to discover that the melody has returned before your boat even reaches the end of the ride.
The clock, however, is a different story.
It may seem like a relatively small detail compared to the entire attraction, but details have always played a major role in Disney theme parks.
When everything works, guests might barely notice individual moving pieces.
When something stops, it suddenly becomes much easier to see what is missing.
The Attraction Is Showing Its Age in Other Areas
The clock issue also arrives amid other reported maintenance concerns at “it’s a small world.”
Discolored and grimy walls have been spotted, along with cracked or peeling surfaces and burned-out light bulbs.
That doesn’t necessarily mean there is a larger problem with the attraction. Rides operating almost every day naturally require ongoing maintenance, particularly one that has been part of Magic Kingdom for more than half a century.
Still, appearance matters on “it’s a small world.”
This isn’t an attraction where guests race through scenes at high speeds. Boats move slowly, giving riders plenty of time to look at the scenery surrounding them.
The attraction also depends heavily on movement. Audio-Animatronic figures dance and sing, props move throughout the different scenes, and the entire experience is built around creating a colorful world filled with activity.
That extends to the exterior.
The moving clock helps bring the façade to life before guests ever step aboard a boat.
Disney Is Waiting on the Fix
The encouraging part is that Disney apparently isn’t ignoring the problem.
Replacement parts have reportedly already been ordered.
The problem is simply how long those parts are expected to take to arrive.
Three weeks puts the potential repair into October, although there’s currently no exact date for when the clock will begin moving again. Repair schedules can always change depending on when parts arrive and what crews discover during the work.
Until then, guests may encounter an unusual sight in Fantasyland.
“it’s a small world” will continue welcoming riders. Boats will continue sailing. Audio-Animatronics will continue moving, and one of the most recognizable songs in Disney history will continue playing.
There’s just one thing that won’t be moving.
For the next few weeks, time has stopped at “it’s a small world.”
