It's a Small World?

[Princess Jas]

On the Disney website, I saw that It's a Small World will be closed in WDW from Spring 04 to Spring 05. I thought they were just renovating it to improve the ride, but I read on a Forum on another site that someone had asked a CM there recently and they said that it was being changed into a restaurant. Has anyone else heard this and does anyone know what is really happening to It's a Small World?

[Lou Mongello]

Princess,

First, let me say !!!

As for the rehab, they are updating the entire attraction, from sound to lights to scenery, etc. I have a photo of the construction in another thread here.

As for the rumors about it becoming a restaurant, I believe they are quite false. Pinocchio Village Haus already overlooks IASW, and I can't see them ever removing this attraction (unless all the wait staff dresses like a small child and sings "it's a small world" during your meal).

[Princess Jas]

I did not think that they would close It's a Small World considering that it is a classic ride. Glad to hear that from someone else I like your concept for the Small World Restaurant, though - it has potential!

[iamdaisyduck]

I was really surprised when I saw that picture! I though they were just repainting it and upgrading speakers and stuff. I hope they keep the same nostalgic look and feel to it!

[TrendyMagic]

Got more pics of it as well Lou. That hole in the window was still there.

[bigbrian-nc.com]

I was really surprised when I saw that picture! I though they were just repainting it and upgrading speakers and stuff. I hope they keep the same nostalgic look and feel to it!

No Worries Daisy, they ahd to remove all the sets for at least a couple of reasons, one since there will be fairly heavy equipment involved in this re hab, they need to move the sets to both protect the set pieces and to get them out of the way of the equipment being brought in. If no one has mentioned it yet some of t issues being addressed during this rehab are asbestos abatement (I don't think they havehad any issues with it but they want to keep it that way) and making the lighting in the building easier to replace. I think even those of you who did not notice the lighting was a bit lower than it should have been at times may well notice the difference when the show re-opens. I belive I rember hearing a rumor that as part of this rehab they may even reverse the order of the sets (which would mean making the boats float the opposite direction too presumably...I don't know about that... that may be a case of someone being confused when they found out that they are going to chage the queues (reverse them) to improve loading and crowd flow in that narrow part of Fantasyland, and applying that logic to the whole ride. the other more persistant rumor is that the load area will recieve a facelift giving it some of the elements of the other 3 Small worlds (Anaheim, Urayasu, and Marne le valle') more elegant facades...I hope that one is true!! either way expect to see the same classic show though perhaps with the improvements you will notice bits of it that were not as noticeable before!