Disney Quietly Reduces Ride Hours for ‘it’s a small world’ Ahead of Major Change

Guests visiting Disneyland this week might notice something unusual — “it’s a small world” is closing earlier than the rest of the park. For just one evening, on October 29, the beloved attraction will shut its doors at 9 p.m. instead of the usual 10. It’s not a ride issue or a refurbishment problem — it’s all in the name of holiday magic.

Every fall, Disneyland’s teams begin one of their most massive transformations, turning “it’s a small world” into “it’s a small world” Holiday. This overlay has become a staple of the season, dazzling guests with colorful lights, festive costumes, and holiday music that spreads cheer through every corner of the attraction.

To make this transformation happen, cast members and Imagineers have to work fast — and that’s why the early closure matters. As soon as guests clear out for the night, crews will get to work stringing up thousands of lights, swapping costumes, and adding holiday details from around the globe. The work begins tonight, and when it’s complete, the ride will reopen on November 14, 2025, glowing brighter than ever through January 7, 2026.

For many Disneyland fans, this holiday version is more than just a seasonal update — it’s tradition. The entire façade is illuminated in twinkling lights, transforming the attraction into a breathtaking beacon in Fantasyland. Inside, the familiar “It’s a Small World (After All)” tune mixes with “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls,” giving the ride a cheerful new personality while keeping its message of unity intact.

It’s not every day that a Disneyland ride closes early, but in this case, the reason couldn’t be more magical. The early shutdown is simply a sign that the holiday season is right around the corner — and when “it’s a small world” Holiday returns in November, fans will be the first to tell you it was worth the wait.