We reported back in March that the finale scene of “it’s a small world” in Magic Kingdom was looking worse for wear. Specifically, the backdrop was stained and discolored, likely due to condensation. Over seven months later, it looks like Disney has finally cleaned up the walls.
“it’s a small world” Finale Scene
The Mary Blair-inspired backdrop in this section is purple with blue clouds. The low lighting in this area pulls focus to the well-lit characters in the foreground.
Where we previously saw significant discoloration, white streaks, and dark stains, the wall has been cleaned and repainted, and Mary Blair’s whimsical design is once again the focus of this ride.
Compare the above photo we took this week to the one below from March.
Though the finale scene has been cleaned, the ride could still use a major refurbishment. It was supposed to be updated with Disney characters before the 50th anniversary of Magic Kingdom, but this project was canceled or delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ride got a major exterior refurbishment in 2020 and a three-day interior refurbishment in July 2021. A doll in a wheelchair was added to the attraction earlier this year.
Following our report on dirty boats of “it’s a small world” late last year, Walt Disney World cleaned the ride vehicles. While the Magic Kingdom version of this ride doesn’t go outside like its Disneyland counterpart, it still accumulates grime from the day-to-day cycling.
The last nearly year-long, major refurbishment of “it’s a small world” was in 2004-05.
“it’s a small world”
Themed for world peace and unity, the original iteration of “it’s a small world” premiered at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. When the fair ended, the ride was moved to Disneyland in Anaheim, California, where it remains one of the park’s premiere attractions.
“it’s a small world” is a water-based boat ride located in the Fantasyland area of various Disney theme parks worldwide, including Disneyland Park in California, Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland. It was an opening-day attraction at Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. It’s the largest indoor attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland, where it opened in 2008.
“it’s a small world” has shown millions of children about the different cultures of the world, and aims to promote understanding and connection between people.
Do you take the happiest cruise on earth when you head to Magic Kingdom, or do you avoid this ride to keep the song out of your head? Let us know in the comments.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.