After several weeks behind construction walls, a familiar corner of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is welcoming guests again. Kali River Rapids, the water adventure set within the Asia region of the park, has officially reopened today, Friday, December 12, 2025, following a routine refurbishment that began on October 6. Guests can once again board their rafts from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., matching the park’s operating schedule.
The return of this attraction lands during a time of broad change for the park. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, one of the four major destinations at Walt Disney World Resort, is deep into its transition toward the Tropical Americas concept. This major project will replace the long-standing DinoLand U.S.A. area with a new land inspired by settings from Encanto and Indiana Jones. As part of this larger shift, DINOSAUR is preparing for its scheduled closure after one last run in early February 2026.
Animal Kingdom has already seen other updates this year. Over at the Tree of Life Theater, It’s Tough to Be a Bug! wrapped its run to make room for Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, which welcomed guests earlier in the year and sparked a mix of reactions from fans. The show now joins a lineup that balances new offerings with guest favorites that continue to operate every day.
Those long-running attractions—including Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest—continue to shape the park’s identity. Kali River Rapids sits alongside these staples, though its popularity often shifts with the seasons. Cooler temperatures in Central Florida typically bring lighter crowds to water rides, and this week’s weather has followed that trend. Temperatures dipped enough that Disney temporarily closed Typhoon Lagoon on December 11 and 12.
With Kali River Rapids now flowing again, Disney is reminding visitors to plan ahead for the splash factor. “You will surely get splashed on this attraction—and you may even get soaked. Guests wishing to remain dry are encouraged to bring a waterproof poncho, extra clothes, or a towel to dry off,” the resort notes. Lockers for phones and other belongings are conveniently located across from the attraction entrance and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
As Animal Kingdom looks toward its next era, today’s reopening brings back one more guest favorite while the park continues its transformation. If you’re exploring Walt Disney World this week, you can once again take the plunge through the rapids.
