Disneyland’s Iconic It’s a Small World Ride Is Closing for Months

Big news is afoot in the Magic Kingdom. Disneyland announced that one of its long-standing fan-favorite rides will undergo two lengthy closures in the coming months. The first of the closures for It’s a Small World will run from September 16 through November 15 for general maintenance, as well as to get the ride decked out with decor for the upcoming holiday season. Then, the ride will close again on January 21 for a few additional months as it receives general and ride system maintenance. Although an official date hasn’t yet been announced, the ride is expected to reopen after the second closure in spring 2025.

The old mill boat ride in Fantasyland is known for its whimsical kitschy decor and costumed chorus of children sings the undeniably catchy classic “It’s a Small World (After All)” song. It was first created for 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF.) The project was directly overseen by Walt Disney, and was such a big hit that it eventually was shipped back to Disneyland in Anaheim, where it opened on May 28, 1966.

All Ears reported that the various closures in the park have resulted in heavy wait times for other rides. The Happiest Place on Earth is also discontinuing the Red Car Trolley in the Disney California Adventure Park, inspired by the Pacific Electric Railway trolleys that operated in Los Angeles from 1887 to 1961. Though the closures for It’s a Small World are temporary, the ride will undoubtedly be missed by travelers and Disney fans until it’s impending reopening.