“Say Goodbye…” Disney Unveils 2026 Attraction Closure List, Including Several Fan Favorites

Disney has announced that several rides will be closing down throughout 2026, leading to disappointment among fans and guests.

Disney Rides Closing in 2026

The sweet sound of the Mark Twain Riverboat whistle echoes across Disneyland Park, a comforting reminder of Walt’s timeless vision. Families line up along the Rivers of America, Dole Whips melting in the afternoon sun, blissfully unaware that in just days, that iconic steam-powered vessel will fall silent.

It’s not the only attraction about to take an unexpected pause. As winter approaches, Disneyland Resort is quietly preparing for several key ride closures — and for guests planning early 2026 vacations, this might change everything. So which rides are affected, and when will they return?

Four beloved attractions going dark

Disney confirmed that four major attractions across both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure will temporarily close for scheduled refurbishments throughout the first weeks of 2026. While these closures are routine, they still hit hard for guests visiting during the downtime.

Here’s what to expect:

• Mark Twain Riverboat: Closing January 12, reopening just four days later on January 16. That short timeline suggests a quick maintenance update rather than a major overhaul.

• Haunted Mansion Holiday: The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay will vanish as the attraction closes January 11 and reopens January 23 as the classic Haunted Mansion. It’s an annual transformation, but that 12-day gap often leaves fans mourning Halloween Town’s farewell.

• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind (Disney California Adventure): Beginning January 5, this Pixar Pier favorite will take a slightly longer break, returning January 23. No major updates are listed beyond general maintenance.

• Incredicoaster: The biggest downtime of the bunch. This high-speed Pixar Pier headliner will also close January 5, but it won’t reopen until February 6, marking more than a month offline.

For visitors hoping to experience Disney’s biggest thrill rides during this window, the news isn’t exactly “incredible.”

Why these refurbishments matter

Temporary closures are a hallmark of Disney park operations — essential for safety, upkeep, and preserving the magic. However, timing matters. With four attractions down simultaneously, early 2026 Disneyland trips could feel noticeably lighter on rides, especially in Disney California Adventure where two of its Pixar-themed headliners will be unavailable at once.

Guests planning January or February vacations often aim for smaller crowds and milder weather. But fewer available rides could lead to increased pressure on remaining attractions, potentially translating to longer wait times in Fantasyland, Avengers Campus, and Cars Land.

From an industry perspective, January refurbishments are not just maintenance—they’re preparation for the busy spring break and summer travel seasons. By staggering closures in winter, Disney ensures that headliners return in top condition before the next wave of visitors arrives.

Fans react to “less magical” vacations

Die-hard fans on social media have already begun adjusting itineraries. One Disneyland regular commented that they’ll “miss the eerie glow of Haunted Mansion Holiday,” while others noted frustration at multiple Pixar Pier attractions closing simultaneously.

Still, some longtime guests see the silver lining. Short refurbishments like these suggest proactive upkeep rather than major technical overhauls. “I’d rather have a few days of downtime than deal with unexpected ride breakdowns,” one Magic Key holder shared.

If there’s one thing Disneyland has proven time and again, it’s that even temporary closures eventually bring improved experiences — smoother ride systems, fresh paint, and, occasionally, subtle enhancements guests might not notice at first glance.

Planning your 2026 Disneyland visit

If your Disneyland trip is planned for early 2026, here’s what you need to know:

Ride Closures Summary

• Mark Twain Riverboat: Jan 12–16

• Haunted Mansion Holiday: Jan 11–23

• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: Jan 5–23

• Incredicoaster: Jan 5–Feb 6

Despite the temporary losses, there’s still plenty to enjoy — from new entertainment offerings to seasonal food festivals and character greetings. Disneyland’s operation teams typically cover refurbishment gaps with extra emphasis on guest entertainment, parades, and live streetmosphere.

The temporary silence of the Incredicoaster may disappoint thrill-seekers, but the promise of improved reliability and smoother ride experiences means there’s something to look forward to on the other side of refurbishment season.

While 2026 may start with a few darkened attractions, it’s Disney’s commitment to keeping the magic alive that truly defines these seasonal closures. After all, a brief pause in the show is often what ensures the curtain can rise again — brighter and more magical than before.