2 Lengthy Ride Closures Start THIS WEEK in Disney World!

By Sara McOmber
Posted on January 7, 2024

Two popular Disney World rides will be CLOSED for long refurbishments starting this week.

Animal Kingdom

Both of the closures will last over a month, so make sure to take them into account when planning for your upcoming trip. Let’s check out all of the temporary closures that will affect the Disney World parks and hotels from January 7th through the 13th.

Kali River Rapids

Kali River Rapids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is closing on January 8th and will remain closed until mid-March.

Kali River Rapids

This ride usually shuts down for refurbishments for a little while during the chillier months, when water rides are less popular.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is closing on January 8th for a pretty long time. The ride is expected to reopen in the summer of this year, which means the refurbishment will last at least a few months.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

We don’t have an exact reopening date yet, but we’ll keep you updated when we learn more!

These aren’t the only temporary closures in Disney World, though. Let’s check out the rest!

Magic Kingdom

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Splash Mountain closed on January 23rd, 2023, and it’ll remain closed until late 2024.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Disney is re-theming the ride to give it a Princess and the Frog theme. When it reopens, it’ll be called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. On a recent trip, we spotted a new mural on the wall in the queue area. We’ll keep an eye out for more updates.

Learn more about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure here.

Barrel Bridge at Tom Sawyer Island

Over on Tom Sawyer Island, the barrel bridge is currently closed. In fact, it’s missing completely!

We’ll Have to Watch for Updates

A Cast Member told us that the bridge had been removed for refurbishments, and they’re not sure when it might be back. The bridge disappeared several months ago, but we’re still hoping that it might be back soon! We’ll be sure to let you know about any updates.

Tomorrowland Terrace

Tomorrowland Terrace in Magic Kingdom has only ever been open occasionally, usually during particularly busy seasons. However, it’s been a LONG time since we’ve seen this spot open.

Tables and Seating at Tomorrowland Terrace

Currently, it’s only used for Magic Kingdom dessert parties.

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Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

The Voyage of the Little Mermaid as we know it will NOT return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s closed now, and Disney has confirmed that this show has permanently closed.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”, an all-new stage show, will replace the show in the Animation Courtyard theater in Fall 2024.

Check out 3 ways the new Little Mermaid stage show could be different!

EPCOT

Restaurant Marrakesh

Restaurant Marrakesh is kind of closed and kind of not.

Let’s Go

The restaurant is technically open, but just as a lounge (not as an actual restaurant). We’re still waiting for the full experience to return!

A Must-Have Souvenir Has Arrived at the Germany Pavilion in EPCOT.

Disney World Hotel Closures

1900 Park Fare

1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is a character meal that’s been closed for a couple of years now.

Winnie the Pooh at 1900 Park Fare

We’re still waiting to hear more about this spot! In the meantime, a new afternoon tea service is going to open in early 2024, when The Cake Bake Shop opens on the Boardwalk.

Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

The Fuentes del Morro pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be closed from January 2024 to late March 2024.

Fuentes del Morro Pool

You may see or hear construction during this pool’s refurbishment. If you want to go swimming, you can head to any of the other leisure pools at Caribbean Beach Resort.

Doubloon Lagoon Pool at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter

The Doubloon Lagoon pool at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter will be closed for refurbishment from January 2024 to April 2024.

Doubloon Lagoon

Guests staying at the French Quarter resort can use the Ol’ Man Island pool at Port Orleans — Riverside while the French Quarter pool is closed.

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Disney Water Park Refurbishments

Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon is currently closed in Disney World.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park

Disney World’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, however, is open!

Learn more about Typhoon Lagoon here.

Those are all of the closures for Disney World this week! But before you head out the door — do you need a new outfit for your trip? Check out this outfit that’s perfect for chilly weather in the parks!