Disneyland Resort has given fans a sneak peek at the newly refreshed “it’s a small world” attraction, which has undergone some exciting changes as part of the park’s 70th anniversary celebrations. The Fantasyland ride, known for its cheerful music and intricate dolls, is set to reopen on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, after being closed since January.
As part of the upcoming Disneyland70 festivities, “it’s a small world” has received some much-needed TLC. The exterior of the attraction, as well as some concrete walkways nearby, were given a fresh update after the removal of the annual “it’s a small world holiday” overlay in January. The ride’s famous clock face was also temporarily removed for offsite refurbishment, replaced with a 2D decal during the work.
In addition to touch-ups and routine maintenance, Disneyland Resort announced two major, permanent changes to the attraction as part of the Disneyland70 celebrations. These additions include a final song verse written by the late Sherman brothers and dolls inspired by Miguel and Dante, characters from the Pixar film Coco (2017).
Originally slated to reopen on April 25, the attraction’s grand reopening was delayed twice–first until May 9, then until May 13. On Monday, Disneyland Resort shared a first look at the new Coco dolls, which will appear in the Mexico section of the ride. From @DisneyParks on X (formerly 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 officially debut on the attraction on May 13, and the final song verse will appear on the attraction beginning July 17. A third addition to the 58-year-old ride, the “Tapestry of Happiness” nighttime projection show, won’t be available until May 16, when it will light up the attraction every night through the summer of 2026.
Disney characters first appeared on Disneyland Resort’s version of “it’s a small world” in 2008. Walt Disney World Resort’s version of the boat ride, located in Magic Kingdom Park, has never received the same updates.
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