OFFICIAL: Disney Replacing “It’s a Small World” With Marvel Ride This December

It is a small world after all.

A person with glasses and long hair tied back is sitting on the floor, carefully working on a small costume for a tree-like character with a head of leaves. In the background, another person is adjusting a figure dressed as Thor from Marvel. Various tools and equipment are scattered around. — Credit: Disney

Over the years, Disney park visitors have seen all kinds of expansions and renovations take shape, though some have been more exciting than others. From grand openings to permanent closures, there’s always something happening at places like Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

Evolution was a key focus for Walt Disney himself, who stated that Disneyland would never truly be finished. This ideology has rung true to this day, with Disney Imagineers constantly trying to think outside the box and recapture the magic found throughout the parks.

However, some ideas prove to be too much even for hardcore fans. Over the last year, Disney has faced immense controversy over changes in its theme parks, namely with its decision to close Tom Sawyer Island and Muppet*vision 3D, two former fan favorite attractions.

The same is also true for Disney’s international theme parks, where controversial changes are also happening frequently.

Cartoon versions of Marvel characters, including Baby Groot, in a poster for a new version of "it's a small world." — Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

In one of the most surprising and divisive moves from Tokyo Disney, the resort transformed its version of “it’s a small world” into a new Marvel-themed adventure earlier this year. The actual ride remained the same, only with references to the Marvel Cinematic Universe sprinkled in.

The “host” of the attraction was Baby Groot, which is where the ride’s new namesake came from: “it’s a small world with Groot.”

The limited-time overlay lasted through the summer, though Tokyo Disney has plans to bring it back.

Starting December 27, 2025, “it’s a small world with Groot” will return to Tokyo Disneyland. The special overlay does not have an end date.

Tokyo Disney’s “it’s a small world with Groot” originally began on January 15 and ran through June 30, 2025. The new take on the classic ride features a variety of Marvel characters, all of whom carry on the same endearing styling of the original “It’s a Small World.”

“Groot from the Guardians of the Galaxy series and his friends from Marvel Studios’ movies will be visiting Earth,” reads the official announcement on the Tokyo Disney Resort website. “Look forward to meeting friends from all over the world and spending the holidays surrounded by children!”

Disney concept artwork for the new Space Mountain expansion coming to Tokyo Disneyland. — Credit: Disney

This is hardly the only new experience being added to the Tokyo Disney Resort. In 2022, Tokyo Disneyland announced a massive Tomorrowland renovation project. Not only does this include updates to the land itself, but the resort’s version of Space Mountain will also be completely rebuilt from the ground up.

The iconic roller coaster will ditch its classic white-dome exterior and trade it in for something bolder, fresher, and arguably even more futuristic.

“I’m thrilled to introduce this attraction to guests,” said Walt Disney Imagineering Producer Kathleen Davis. “It’s not only a whole new ride experience, but the story also has so much emotion. Through the queue and then on the ride, we see our connection to our planet and gain a new perspective on how special it is in the universe. It’s a roller coaster with both thrill and heart.”

Tokyo Disneyland’s Tomorrowland overhaul is expected to be complete in 2027.

What upcoming Disney theme park project are you most excited about?