"it’s a small world" at Disneyland Paris Returns in February 2025 with Stunning New Handcrafted Costumes

After a brief refurbishment, the beloved Disneyland Paris attraction it’s a small world will reopen in February 2025 with newly designed, handcrafted costumes for its iconic dolls. These intricate outfits are meticulously crafted to reflect the original designs from 1992, the year the attraction first opened in Disneyland Park. The Walt Disney Imagineering Paris and Creative Costuming teams spent several years researching and recreating the folkloric, traditional, and ethnic designs, ensuring they remain as authentic and visually stunning as ever.

A Tribute to the Original 1992 Costumes

The restoration of the attraction’s famous dolls began long before the actual creation of the new costumes. To achieve the most precise recreation possible, Disneyland Paris experts meticulously analyzed historical photographs and archival materials from the attraction’s opening year. Every detail, from color palettes to fabric textures, was carefully studied to ensure an accurate reproduction of the original costumes.

While some of the original fabrics were preserved, many had to be entirely recreated. The golden, pastel, and white garments featured in the grand finale scene were particularly challenging to reproduce. This final sequence, where children from around the world sing in harmony, serves as a symbolic celebration of global unity. Achieving the perfect embroidery, textures, and color accuracy required two years of research and an additional year of tailoring.

Master Craftsmanship: The Intensive Production Process

In the dedicated workshops of Disneyland Paris, a team of 13 skilled artisans—including seamstresses, hat makers, and wig designers—worked to meticulously craft a total of 60 costumes. Each garment was handmade and went through multiple development stages before being integrated into the attraction.

On average, three meters of fabric were used per figure, while each wig required approximately four meters of wool. Premium materials such as velvet, satin, and embroidered cotton were carefully selected to match the original designs while also meeting the durability standards required for the attraction.

Every step of production was closely supervised by Walt Disney Imagineers to ensure not only the highest level of craftsmanship but also the cultural authenticity of each country represented in the attraction. According to Anne-Cécile Houron, Stage Finishing Designer at Disneyland Paris, guests will be able to rediscover the grand finale of the attraction in all its original splendor.

Technical Challenges: Durability and Functionality

Given that it’s a small world operates year-round with its figures in constant motion, the new costumes had to be designed for durability as well as visual appeal. To ensure the materials could withstand the ongoing mechanical movements of the attraction’s dolls, the costuming team worked closely with Disneyland Paris maintenance specialists.

Every fabric selection and seam was carefully planned to maintain the delicate silhouette of the garments while ensuring they did not interfere with the mechanics of the figures. The costumes needed to retain their flowing, elegant look while allowing the dolls to move freely and perform their characteristic gestures.

The handmade production of these outfits required not only extensive tailoring expertise but also a deep understanding of the technical requirements of the attraction itself. The balance between artistry and engineering was crucial in ensuring both longevity and visual perfection.

Long-Term Maintenance and Future Expansions

Even after the attraction reopens in February 2025, the Creative Costuming team will continue updating the remaining dolls’ costumes. The restoration is an ongoing process, with further outfits being replaced with the same precision and attention to detail in the months following the reopening.

Alongside the refurbishment, the regular maintenance of it’s a small world remains a key priority. The team is dedicated to preserving not only the newly restored costumes but also ensuring the longevity of the figures and their intricate movements.

This extensive restoration highlights Disneyland Paris’ commitment to maintaining its attractions with meticulous care and craftsmanship. Visitors can look forward to experiencing it’s a small world in a renewed, vibrant, and visually enchanting form—while still preserving the nostalgic charm that has made it a fan-favorite for decades.

Tip for news? press@waitingtimes.app