The “it’s a small world” Clock at Magic Kingdom – History & Design
Unlike Disneyland’s grand outdoor façade with its animated clock tower and kinetic doll parade, the Walt Disney World version of “it’s a small world” (opened in 1971) is entirely indoors—including the clock.
Due to Florida’s weather — and Florida’s lightning — The East Coast version was designed with climate control and indoor queues in mind, so rather than a giant outdoor kinetic sculpture, WDW Imagineers brought the experience inside.
- You’ll find the clock face as part of the indoor loading area, perched high above the entrance to the boat ride.
- It still chimes and animates every 15 minutes, just like the original, but on a smaller, more enclosed scale.
- Above the ride entrance, stylized clockwork figures move in rhythmic patterns—drummers, dancers, and time-keepers that feel like they belong in a surreal Mary Blair cuckoo clock.
- It blends into the larger colorful storybook-style set, which features stylized international architecture painted in soft pastels and gold accents.
Fun Details:
- While the Magic Kingdom version skips the full outdoor doll parade, it keeps the spirit of motion and surprise, offering visual interest to guests waiting in the queue or boarding.
- The music syncs with the hourly chime, continuing the “global harmony” theme—even if you’re too distracted trying to photograph the moving pieces.