It's a small boat after all...

ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Representatives for California's Disneyland deny that heavy-set visitors are the reason why the "It's a Small World" attraction needs an overhaul.

The theme park is closing the 41-year-old ride in January so it can be revamped, The Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

Al Lutz -- whose Web site, MiceAge, first reported the refurbishment plans -- claims the work is necessary because the boats can't handle the weight they've been carrying. He said the extra pounds frequently bring the ride to a standstill.

"If these boats get stuck ... they have to send someone back in there to lighten the load on the boat," said Lutz, who has been on the ride when a guest or two were asked to hop out.

To remedy the situation -- and possibly to avoid embarrassing its guests -- Disneyland plans to make the water channel deeper and design more buoyant boats, Lutz said.

"The only thing that's true is that we are going down in January and it's for 10 months and it's to replace the flumes," Disneyland Resort spokesman Bob Tucker told the Times.