Is "Small World" Getting the Disneyland Treatment?

Disney fans have very strong feelings about "It's a Small World." Most people either love it or hate. I fall squarely in the "love it" category. Why? Mostly because no other attraction in the World--no, not even Dumbo--gives me that "you are at Disney World!" feeling like IASW. I can't remember a trip to WDW that didn't include at least one ride (and usually multiple rides) on this classic boat excursion. But that's about to change, because IASW is slated for refurbishment August 1 through October 22 this fall. Our next visit will be in September (*sigh*).

By now, you may be thinking, wow, that's a rather lengthy refurbishment. To which I would say, why, yes it is! And since Disney hasn't offered any concrete answers, let us speculate for a moment about what this might mean. Hmmm... well, since versions of IASW in  Hong Kong Disneyland and also Disneyland in California have already undergone significant changes, I think it's a pretty good bet that Disney has similar plans in mind for WDW. Specifically, they will likely be incorporating some of the characters from Disney classics that appropriately fit in the different geographic areas featured in IASW. For example, Jasmine and Aladdin may find their way onto one of the flying carpets that are already soaring in one area of IASW. Lilo and Stitch may be added to the line of Polynesian dancers. Or perhaps the cowboy in the final room as you're about to exit the attraction will be replaced by Woody. Those are just a few ideas. Additionally, the soundtrack to the attraction was also changed to incorporate theme songs from the various added characters. It's a subtle change, but a change nonetheless.

When similar changes were made at Disneyland, fans were certainly divided. For the most part, I'm not against the changes. Anything Disney can do to update one of the park's oldest attractions is probably a good thing. On the other hand, the mantra "if it's not broke, don't fix it" strikes a chord. Here's a view of Disneyland's "It's a Small World." Have a look (and listen!) and make your own decision.

UPDATE: Apparently Disney (Walt Disney Imagineering, to be specific) is denying that any new charactes are being added to the WDW version of "It's a Small World." Guess we'll know for sure sometime in late October.