Disney’s “it’s a small world” is one of the most iconic attractions found in Disney Parks. At Disneyland Resort, Disney goes all out for the holidays with a special “it’s a small world” holiday overlay. Unfortunately, it is sounding like the previously reported flood may be much worse than expected. The holidays may not come to “it’s a small world” after all!

Disneyland kicked off the holiday season with their new after-hours event called “Disney Merriest Nites. The sold-out, special-ticket holiday event kicked off on Thursday, November 11. Guests attending the event were to be among the first to experience the 2021 “it’s a small world” Holiday, but news broke before the party on November 11 that a flood occurred with the boat ride, causing the attraction to delay its holiday opening.

Now, a week later, the iconic attraction and holiday tradition remains unavailable. “it’s a small world” Holiday webpage states, “it’s a small world” Holiday is currently closed for refurbishment. Please check back here for updates.” The Disneyland “it’s a small world” page still notes, “it’s a small world” is currently unavailable as it has been transformed into “it’s a small world” Holiday during Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. Please check back for updates.” Both pages’ calendars show “No time available” listed now through December 30, 2021.

The flood was first reported by OC Register noting that Disney officials stated flooding occurred during the process of refilling the flume on “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Resort. When the flooding occurred, it affected machinery used to operate the attraction during the early morning hours on Wednesday, November 10 while Disneyland was closed to the public. Disneyland officials have said that they realize the popular ride closure is a disappointment and have teams working around the clock to get the attraction up and running as soon as possible.

@davekoenig took to Twitter to share an update: “First reports of the delayed reopening of It’s a Small World at Disneyland made me think of the 2018 flooding of a control room at Disney California Adventure that kept World of Color closed for nine months. Little did I realize how similar the two events were.”

“Cast members I’ve heard from say the damage is far worse than Disney is letting on. Apparently, the Small World flume began leaking when it was being filled in the early hours of last Wednesday Nov. 10. The problem was not discovered until several hours later.”

“By that time, water had filled up the basement levels of the attraction and the basement stockroom for the adjacent Small World Toyshop. But, just as with World of Color, there was massive damage to electrical and mechanical equipment that runs the attraction.”

“Fears are that a considerable portion of the machinery—some dating back to the 1960s—may have to be replaced, and then recertified by CAL-OSHA.“

“One Maintenance worker said “the attraction could be closed indefinitely.” Worst case scenario? Up to a year before everything is working again.“

“In the meantime, security officers have been posted to prevent any snooping around.“

“Update to last post: the worst case scenario is highly unlikely. Disney is doing everything it can to have Small World reopen in early 2022“

We have yet to receive official word from Disney on a possible reopening time frame or details about the flood damage. We’ll keep our fingers crossed this Theme Park favorite will be back up and running soon enough!