The beginning of the year at any Disney Park often brings a wave of “Refurbishment Season” blues. As the holiday decorations come down, construction walls typically go up, marking a period of deep maintenance designed to keep the magic running smoothly for the rest of the year.
Following a massive announcement in late 2025 that over 11 attractions across the Disneyland Resort would shut down for maintenance in early January, guests have been holding their breath for news on when their favorite adventures would resume. This week, the wait for several of those anchors is officially over. Disney has updated its calendar with concrete reopening dates for three of the resort’s most popular experiences, signaling a return to full capacity for key themed lands by the end of the month.
A Major Pier Milestone: Dual Reopenings Set for Late January
One of the most energetic sections of the resort is currently operating at reduced capacity as two of its most iconic experiences undergo routine winter maintenance. However, those looking to experience the thrill and whimsy of this waterfront destination won’t have to wait much longer.
Disney has confirmed that both the Incredicoaster and the nearby Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind attractions will officially welcome guests back on January 23, 2026.
The return of these two experiences is a significant win for guests visiting during the final week of January. As anchor attractions, their absence often shifts crowds toward other areas of the park, so their simultaneous reopening will provide a much-needed balance to wait times and park flow.
The River Calls: Iconic Boat Tour Reopens Its Gates
On the other side of the Disneyland Resort, a legendary journey through the world’s most remote rivers is currently paused. This specific closure was necessitated by the transition from a holiday-themed “overlay” back to the attraction’s classic, year-round format.
Fans of the dry wit and adventurous spirit of the Jungle Cruise can mark their calendars for January 25, 2026.
By late January, the seasonal decor will be fully removed, and the attraction will resume its standard operations. For many guests, the reopening of this high-capacity boat ride marks the official “reset” of the park’s calendar, moving away from the festive season and back into the core adventures that define the Disney Park experience.
The Big Picture: Navigating the 2026 “Winter Squeeze”
While the reopening of these three attractions is a significant step forward, the 2026 refurbishment wave is far from over. Several other high-profile projects are still in various stages of maintenance as part of a broader “Winter Squeeze” to prepare for the heavy crowds during Spring Break and Summer.
- Long-Term Overhauls: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and the Haunted Mansion remain closed as they undergo more extensive structural work and queue expansions.
- Infrastructure Maintenance: Strategic transit systems, including monorails and train lines, are also cycling through their own maintenance windows throughout the month.
Strategic Planning: What This Means for Your Trip
If your 2026 Disney vacation falls within the last week of January, you are in luck. By January 25, these three major anchors will be back in the rotation, significantly increasing the “ride-per-day” potential for your group.
As always, keep a close eye on the official park app as these dates approach. While these are the currently scheduled reopening dates, “Soft Openings” (where a ride opens unannounced for testing) are always a possibility in the days leading up to the official return.
Are you planning a Disneyland visit during this transition period, or do you prefer to wait until the construction walls come down?
