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After 33 Years, Disney Revives Classic Ride in Major Restoration Effort

Disney has updated a lot of classic attractions in recent years, much to the joy (and displeasure) of its biggest fans.

In the past few years, Disney has proven that no attraction is too iconic for a refresh, whether for modernization, maintenance, or a shift in storytelling. Sometimes, these adjustments are part of Disney’s strategy to keep rides feeling fresh while respecting their legacy. On other occasions, they’re to eliminate elements that have not aged well since the ride’s debut.

A group of Disneyland guests sit on the Jungle Cruise with their skipper stood at the front of the boat
Credit: Disney

Recent Disney Ride Updates

Some of the most high-profile examples include the changes made to Pirates of the Caribbean (RIP “we wants the redhead”) and Jungle Cruise. These changes have sought to address culturally outdated depictions, with updated scenes designed to better reflect modern sensibilities.

Meanwhile, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has also undergone changes – not for the sake of sensitivity, but to incorporate new effects that enhance the thrills of the ride.

Christmas lights on "it's a small world," one of the most popular Disney rides
Credit: Disney

Even “it’s a small world”—a ride that stands as one of Walt Disney’s most iconic creations—has experienced its own share of alterations. The ride, originally conceived as a message of global unity for the 1964 World’s Fair, has seen updates aimed at inclusivity, such as the addition of more diverse figures.

While some of these changes have been positively received, others have stirred controversy. Most notably, Disney’s decision to incorporate characters from its films into the attraction has not been welcomed by all fans.

A particularly controversial update came from Tokyo Disneyland, where the park recently added a temporary overlay to “it’s a small world,” rebranding the attraction as “it’s a small world with Groot.” This iteration features the beloved Guardians of the Galaxy character, Groot, guiding riders through a mix of global cultures and superheroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Cartoon versions of Marvel characters, including Baby Groot, in a poster for a new version of "it's a small world."
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

Updates to “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Paris

Now, Disneyland Paris has also updated its version of the ride. However, this update has taken a different approach to refreshing “it’s a small world.” Instead of introducing new characters or modernizing the ride in ways that could upset fans, the park’s recent changes focus on restoring elements that had been lost over time.

During an 11-day closure, several of the ride’s Audio-Animatronics were refurbished to bring the attraction closer to its original design. The update also includes new costumes for many of the dolls, drawing inspiration from the 1992 designs that helped define the ride’s aesthetic.

In total, sixty costumes were created, with a team of 13 dressmakers, wigmakers, and milliners working tirelessly to ensure each outfit was historically accurate. According to Disneyland Paris, the team conducted two years of research and a year of dressmaking to make sure every detail was perfect.

Disney Imagineer with doll from "it's a small world"
Credit: Disney

This included using archival photographs from the 1990s to guide the process. Each figure’s costume, inspired by the unique cultures and traditions from around the globe, was crafted with authenticity in mind. The result is a refresh that keeps the spirit of the original ride intact while also ensuring that the craftsmanship remains top-notch.

What’s your favorite version of “it’s a small world”?

Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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