Guest Rips Prop From 53-Year-Old Magic Kingdom Attraction

Walt Disney World Resort’s iconic “it’s a small world” attraction, which has been enchanting guests since Magic Kingdom Park opened in 1971, has recently suffered some unexpected damage. The attraction’s colorful clock tower facade, a hallmark of the beloved ride, has reportedly been defaced by a guest who appears to have ripped a prop from the installation.

The clock tower facade, which was repainted in 2021 with bright new colors, has glittery gold-painted numbers under its smiling clock face. Most of the numbers are located too high for guests to reach, with the number three being one of the few closer to the ground. Unfortunately, the number three has been visibly damaged, with the top half missing. According to WDWNT, a mark is visible on the blue wall behind it, showing where the piece once was.

The damage seems to have resulted from a guest’s actions, though Disney has yet to confirm any details surrounding the incident. This damage to the 53-year-old attraction raises questions about the upkeep of the iconic ride and whether similar incidents could affect the future of this beloved Disney attraction.

For years, “it’s a small world” has been a cornerstone of Walt Disney World Resort. It first arrived in Magic Kingdom alongside the park’s opening in 1971, following the original version that premiered at Disneyland in 1966. Created by Mary Blair and Alice Davis, “it’s a small world” was designed to raise awareness and support for UNICEF at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. Its catchy song and cultural representations have made it a timeless classic.

Despite the recent damage, the ride remains a beloved experience for Magic Kingdom Park guests of all ages, and other versions of “it’s a small world” continue to operate worldwide. Disneyland Resort is currently refreshing its version of the attraction for its 70th-anniversary celebrations later this year. Meanwhile, other Disney parks, including Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, and Hong Kong Disneyland, all feature their own versions of the beloved boat ride.

Walt Disney World has yet to announce plans to repair the damage to the facade, and it remains to be seen how the clock tower will look in the future.

What can Walt Disney World Resort do to prevent guests from damaging attractions? Share your ideas with Inside the Magic in the comments!