Disney Confirms “The Little Mermaid” Will Return After Temporary Removal
Disney California Adventure’s Little Mermaid-inspired attraction has a confirmed reopening date following its upcoming refurbishment. Jumpin’ Jellyfish will close for maintenance in late February but return quickly in early March.
The Closure Timeline
According to Disneyland’s website calendar, Jumpin’ Jellyfish closes on Monday, February 23, 2026, and reopens on Thursday, March 6, 2026. This represents an 11-day closure for routine maintenance work.
The final day guests can experience the ride will be Sunday, February 22. After the brief refurbishment period, the attraction returns to normal operations on March 6.
About the Disney Attraction
Jumpin’ Jellyfish is a parachute-style family ride located in Paradise Gardens Park at Disney California Adventure. Guests sit in jellyfish-shaped vehicles that bounce up and down a 40-foot kelp bed structure. The ride lasts approximately 90 seconds and is designed for younger guests and families.
The attraction’s name is inspired by Sebastian’s exclamation in Disney’s 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid. The theming evokes the underwater world from the movie without directly recreating specific scenes.
What the Brief Closure Indicates
The relatively short 11-day refurbishment suggests Disney is performing standard maintenance rather than any major renovation or reimagining of the attraction. This type of brief closure typically involves inspecting mechanical components, making necessary repairs, or refreshing theming elements.
Longer refurbishments usually indicate more extensive work requiring significant downtime. Short closures like this one generally mean routine maintenance that can be completed quickly once the ride shuts down.
Other Disney Park Refurbishments
Jumpin’ Jellyfish isn’t the only attraction currently closed or recently reopened at Disney California Adventure. Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind reopens on Friday, February 6, 2026, a few weeks before Jumpin’ Jellyfish closes.
Grizzly River Run is also closed for refurbishment during this period. The water ride typically undergoes annual maintenance during colder months when demand for splash attractions naturally decreases. This closure pattern allows Disney to perform necessary work when the ride’s absence has minimal impact on guest experience.
Disney strategically staggers these refurbishments to avoid closing too many attractions simultaneously, which would significantly reduce overall park capacity and negatively affect the guest experience.
Planning Your Disney Visit
Guests planning Disney California Adventure visits between February 23 and March 6, 2026, should note that Jumpin’ Jellyfish will be unavailable. Families with young children who specifically enjoy this attraction should schedule visits either before February 23 or after March 6.
Other Paradise Gardens Park attractions, including Silly Symphony Swings, Goofy’s Sky School, and The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, remain operational during the Jumpin’ Jellyfish refurbishment, providing alternative options for guests visiting the area.
Why the Confusion
Disney’s website calendar initially listed the attraction as closed until March 3, but it did not specify a reopening date, which added to the uncertainty. It’s worth noting that park calendars typically display information only for a limited time in the future, and the lack of listed hours does not necessarily mean the attraction will be closed indefinitely. Once Disney updated the calendar to reflect a March 6 reopening, it became clear that the refurbishment was a brief maintenance period rather than an extended closure.
What This Means for Disney
The confirmed reopening date provides reassurance that Jumpin’ Jellyfish isn’t undergoing transformation or elimination. The attraction will return with its existing Little Mermaid theming and family-friendly parachute ride experience intact.
The maintenance work helps ensure the ride continues operating safely and reliably for future guests. Regular refurbishments are necessary for maintaining attraction quality and preventing more serious mechanical issues that could require extended closures.
With the March 6 date now public, guests can plan Disney California Adventure visits with confidence knowing exactly when Jumpin’ Jellyfish will be back in operation.
