You can plan and plan and plan a Disney trip, but there’s bound to be something that throws a wrench in your agenda!
A big thunderstorm? You may want to take shelter instead of riding Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at exactly 2:52PM. Ride closes down for technical difficulties? You may have to rethink your game plan for the day. Things are constantly changing in the Disney parks so prepare to be flexible, especially starting today, January 9th!
We’ve been warning you about January 9th — it’s the day that a lot of ride closures are happening in Disney World and Disneyland! This is the season of refurbishments which is why you might see more attractions closed than usual right now. So what exactly is closed as of today? Let’s dig into it.
Disney World
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which is one of the most popular rides in Magic Kingdom, is closed for refurbishment. Don’t worry though — this is one of the shorter closures! The wildest ride in the wilderness will reopen on January 14th.
Since Kali River Rapids is a water ride, it is closing for its annual winter refurbishment as of today. The Animal Kingdom attraction is a circular raft ride that takes you through the rapids, but you won’t be able to ride it again for a while! There is currently no reopening date for this one.
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along is a show in Hollywood Studios but it is also undergoing refurbishment this month. It is set to reopen by the end of the month, however — watch it again on January 28th!
Attractions inside the parks aren’t the only things that need a little TLC. The Feature Pool and Whirlpool Spa at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is closed for refurbishment today. We can expect this pool to reopen in early April 2023.
And finally at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, the Meadow Swimming Pool and Whirlpool Spa is now closed for refurbishment. The refurbishment will last until April 3rd, 2023.
That’s all that closes in Disney World on January 9th, however the Lava Pool Slide is currently closed for refurbishment at Disney’s Polynesian Resort! It closed earlier this month.
Just a day later, on January 10th, Disney made another major change to the resort hotels. Starting on the 10th, guests staying at Disney’s hotels can now park overnight for free!
Previously, there was a per-night parking fee, but that fee is now gone.
Disneyland
Disney World isn’t the only one kicking off their refurbishment season on January 9th — there are a bunch of attractions closing in Disneyland, too. “it’s a small world” had a beautiful holiday overlay, but now that the holiday season is over, Disney needs to close the ride to transform it to the original version. It won’t take long — the ride will reopen on January 20th!
Indiana Jones Adventure is one of the most popular rides at Disneyland, but it is now closed to get some touch-ups. Right now there is no reopening date, but the ride will reopen in spring of 2023.
Some underrated attractions in the park are closed as well including The Disney Gallery and Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln. These are on the refurbishment calendar as far as it goes out, so we don’t yet have a reopening date or timeline.
Over in Disney California Adventure, Grizzly River Run (just like Kali River Rapids) is having its annual water ride refurbishment. It will be closed until spring of 2023.
These aren’t the only Disneyland attractions closing in the month of January — click here to see a full list of the closures you can expect to see in the parks this month.
So if you’re headed to Disney World of Disneyland in the next few months, be sure to keep these closures/refurbishments in mind. We’ll continue to keep you updated on the latest news that could impact your vacation so stay tuned to DFB!
Why You Should Avoid Disneyland on January 27th
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