Not one, but two Disneyland icons are temporarily closing in the coming weeks.
Closures and refurbishments are a fact of life when visiting Disney Parks. Next month, two of Disneyland’s most beloved attractions — one an opening day original and the other arguably the most iconic attraction of Walt’s era — are both closing for somewhat extended periods.
On September 16th, both the Jungle Cruise and “it’s a small world” will be closing for refurbishments.
The Jungle Cruise’s refurbishment is scheduled to last approximately 3 weeks according to reports, which would place the attractions reopening somewhere in the first few weeks of October. Could Disney add holiday touches for the first time in a while? Likely not if it’s a quick refurbishment, but you never know!
The World Famous Jungle Cruise is one of Disneyland’s remaining opening day attractions, having existed in the same spot since 1955. That’s not to say that the ride hasn’t changed over the years, however. Early on, the Jungle Cruise was played completely straight as it were, presenting a “serious” trip through nature. In the early 1960s, noted Imagineer Marc Davis brought humor to the attraction, integrating comical scenes and the “dad joke’ script that have become the Jungle Cruise’s most famous elements.
The closure of “it’s a small world” will last slightly longer. The boat ride is scheduled to be closed for approximately two months while being transitioned to its traditional Holiday Season variant: “it’s a small world Holiday” in addition to receiving general maintenance. The attraction is scheduled to reopen in its seasonal form on November 15th, according to theme park reporter Scott Gustin. “it’s a small world” Holiday will run until January 21st, then close for several weeks to complete “general maintenance and ride system maintenance” before reopening in spring 2025.
“it’s a small world” has been one of Disney’s most iconic attractions since it opened at the 1964 World’s Fair. Following that event, the ride — complete with its cast of Mary Blair-designed doll representations of international children and well-known (beloved by some, despised by others) Sherman Brothers-penned theme song — was transported across the country to Disneyland, where it has anchored Fantasyland ever since.
Jungle Cruise and “it’s a small world” — two of Disneyland’s most beloved rides — are both closing for refurbishments this September. Stay tuned to AllEars for more Disney refurbishment news.
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Are you going to miss either of these iconic rides on an upcoming Disneyland trip? Let us know in the comments below.
I’m a WDW pro, but this is my first DL & DCA trip ever end of Sept. Very sad I will miss out on these two, especially It’s A Small World since it’s different than the WDW version with the IPs. I’m glad that Haunted Mansion opened before I go at least.