Before you start mapping out your perfect Disneyland day, there’s something you need to know about early 2026.

Disney California Adventure

Heading into 2026 at Disneyland, there’s no shortage of experiences to explore on your next visit! But with all that excitement of extended celebrations, returning festivals, and limited-time offerings comes another annual tradition: ride refurbishments. Disney works year-round to keep its attractions running safely and looking their best, which means a few beloved rides will be temporarily unavailable in early 2026. Here’s what you’ll want to know before finalizing your plans.

One of the biggest joys of a Disneyland vacation is stepping into the parks with a list of must-do attractions you’ve been dreaming about for months (or, let’s be honest, maybe even years). Whether it’s floating along the Rivers of America, racing through Pixar Pier, or cooling off on a thrilling water ride, lots of Disneyland visitors build their park days around these iconic experiences. That’s why it can be such a disappointment to arrive, hyped and ready to ride, only to discover that one of your favorites is temporarily closed for refurbishment.

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In order for Disney to keep its attractions in shape, sometimes routine maintenance and seasonal refurbishments are a necessary part of park operations. But planning ahead for these bumps in the road can make a huge difference in your visit! Here’s a look at the confirmed ride closures coming to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in early 2026, so you can adjust your itinerary and avoid surprises.

Disneyland

Disneyland’s Mark Twain Riverboat is set to close for an undisclosed amount of time beginning January 12th, 2026. The classic boat ride is a charming staple of Frontierland since the park’s earliest days, and will be going offline very shortly after the new year starts. This means a temporary pause from your next peaceful scenic voyage around the Rivers of America, which has become a favorite for families, photographers, and anyone who loves a quiet moment in the middle of a busy park day.

Mark Twain Riverboat

As of right now, Disney hasn’t provided a reopening timeframe for the ride, and since closure length can vary quite a bit, if you’re planning your next visit in the early months of 2026, you should probably plan for the possibility that the Riverboat may remain unavailable for some time. If this experience is on your must-do list, consider instead the nearby Sailing Ship Columbia or a stroll through Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, both of which offer their own scenic views and Frontierland-style atmosphere.

Disney California Adventure

Disney California Adventure will be seeing a trio of closures beginning right after the New Year — so if your plans include thrills or a splashy adventure, here’s what to expect.

A staple of warm-weather park days, Grizzly River Run is set to close for refurbishment on January 5th, 2026. This attraction typically undergoes maintenance during the cooler months, so this closure isn’t unusual (especially for a water ride). How long it stays down will depend on the scope of work, which could include repairs, touch-ups, or maintenance. 

Grizzly River Run

If you’ve got your heart set on riding this one, we’d recommend you avoid visiting during the winter and early spring months to ensure your best chance at catching it being reopened.

Additionally, Pixar Pier’s signature thrill ride — the high-speed, cookie-chasing, super-powered Incredicoaster — will also go down for refurbishment starting on January 5th. As one of the park’s marquee coasters, this closure is important to note if your group includes thrill-seekers.

Incredicoaster entrance

Just like the rest of the announced closures, Disney’s yet to share when we can expect it to return, so keep an eye out for updates from us on when you can expect this one to reopen.

Rounding out the list is Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, the colorful spinner attraction tucked into Pixar Pier. This ride is also expected to close beginning January 5th, and (you guessed it,) we don’t have an official reopening date just yet for this one either.

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind

This family-friendly ride is especially popular with younger guests, so families traveling with little ones will want to plan alternative options in the area. Nearby attractions like Jessie’s Critter Carousel and Toy Story Midway Mania can help fill that gap.

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind

Even with refurbishments, there’s still more than enough to experience and enjoy across both parks. The best strategy is to check back regularly and watch for updates as they happen (we’ll be sure to keep you posted, ASAP!) Knowing what’s unavailable ahead of time ensures you can craft a park plan that still hits all your must-dos — and maybe even discover some new favorites along the way.

Don’t go anywhere — there’s plenty more Disney news to explore! Be sure you’re following along with us at Disney Food Blog for all your latest Disney changes, reviews, news, and everything in between.

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Will any of these ride closures affect your next Disneyland trip? Leave your thoughts on these refurbishments in the comments!