Disney Park Ride Finally Opening After Years of Refurbishment

It’s been closed for years, and Walt Disney Imagineering is finally ready to reopen it to the public!

Originally created for the 1964 World’s Fair by Walt Disney, Mary Blair, and Rolly Crump and featuring an unforgettable song by Robert Sherman and Richard M. Sherman, “it’s a small world” has become a Disney Park staple. While the original can be found in Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, a different variant can be found at Magic Kingdom Park, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland, and Hong Kong Disneyland. But the Parisian variety has been under an extended closure for reportedly much-needed refurbishment. In fact, it has been closed since November 29, 2021. First anticipated to reopen in the Fall of 2022, the ride has suffered extended delay. But now, we finally have an opening date!

Disneyland Paris has announced that “it’s a small world” will finally reopen in Fantasyland on May 5, 2023!

The news was shared with a heartwarming video from the Cast Members. Check it out:

🌍 Video: Disneyland Paris Cast Members look forward to the return of ‘it’s a small world’ – and its iconic tune – on May 5, 2023!
pic.twitter.com/X5rxE7wlqs

— DLP Report (@DLPReport) April 5, 2023

Disneyland Paris will also give its Annual Passholders an early preview of the revived experience on May 3 and May 4. Fortunately, this Passholder Preview will be a lot simpler than the American variety, like for TRON: Lightcycle/Run. According to Disneyland Paris Insider @DLPReport, “AP Holders only need to book a visit on May 3 or 4 to get access to the attraction by showing their pass at the entrance.”

Clarification on the below: AP Holders only need to book a visit on May 3 or 4 to get access to the attraction by showing their pass at the entrance. https://t.co/1ztp1vy06f

— DLP Report (@DLPReport) April 5, 2023

During its extended closure, we at Disney Fanatic reported several smaller changes to Disneyland and Disney World’s small world ride, specifically involving the addition of more inclusive dolls. (Click the link below to read more about that). While it was not announced, one can expect Disneyland Paris’ small world ride to also incorporate more of those inclusive elements.

Read More: PHOTO: More Inclusive Additions to Disney World’s “it’s a small world”

We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update our readers on Disney Parks news and stories as more developments come to light.