"it's a small world" — Ride History — Theme Park Patch Notes

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Ride history

the lifetime log

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2025

BuffJul 17, 2025#

Debuted a previously unreleased third verse of the song in the finale — the last lyrics Richard M. Sherman wrote for Disney — on the same day as the Disneyland version.

Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
2023

NewMar 1, 2023#

Added a doll seated in a wheelchair to the opening scene as part of an inclusion initiative, following matching additions at the Disneyland version.

Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
2021

Area Update2021#

Repainted the interior queue/loading-area facade in bright, vibrant colors for Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary, replacing the white-and-gold scheme.

white-and-gold facade→bright multicolor
Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
2005
Featured Arc · 2 chapters
2004–2005 Major Refurbishment
May 2004 – 2005 · ~8 mo

The attraction closed for a ten-month overhaul that modernized its systems, entrance, and exterior.
1. 1
  
  May 2004Refurbishment
  
  Closed for a roughly ten-month major refurbishment.
  Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
2. 2
  
  2005Back Online
  
  Reopened from the major refurbishment with a new enclosed, Disneyland-style entrance/loading area, a new state-of-the-art sound system, a refurbished exterior, and new lighting.
  Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
1971

◆ Latest milestone

NewOct 1, 1971#

Opened with Magic Kingdom on opening day as an indoor Fantasyland boat ride — a Florida recreation of the 1964-65 New York World's Fair attraction, with over 600 costumed figures.

Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes

That's every change on the record on "it's a small world" since 1971.

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Questions & answers

When did "it's a small world" open?

Per the documented record, "it's a small world" at Magic Kingdom opened on Oct 1, 1971.

When did "it's a small world" last close for refurbishment?

The most recent closure/refurbishment documented for "it's a small world" is dated May 2004: Closed for a roughly ten-month major refurbishment.

What changed recently on "it's a small world"?

The latest documented change (documented Jul 17, 2025): Debuted a previously unreleased third verse of the song in the finale — the last lyrics Richard M. Sherman wrote for Disney — on the same day as the Disneyland version.

How many changes are on record for "it's a small world"?

6 documented changes, dating back to 1971 — the fan-kept ride changelog nobody else keeps.

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