Major Ride Closures Announced for January
Disney has announced that 11 of its rides will be closing during January as part of its seasonal refurbishment schedule. This decision comes right after the bustling holiday season, a time when Disneyland and Disney World see significant attendance spikes. The rides set to close include popular attractions that are essential for guests to keep in mind during their visits.
The closures will vary in duration, with some rides shut down for only a few days, while others may remain closed for an extended period. The company aims to enhance guest experiences by conducting these refurbishments, ensuring safety and quality maintenance of the attractions.
List of Rides Set to Close
- Rise of the Resistance: Closing January 20.
- Haunted Mansion: Closed from January 12 to 22.
- it’s a small world: Closing January 26, with no reopening date provided yet.
- Mark Twain Riverboat: Down from January 12 to 15.
- Sailing Ship Columbia: Shutting down January 26; reopening date unspecified.
- Fantasmic: Multiple closures from January 5 to 8, January 11 to 15, January 18 to 22, and January 25 to 29.
- Pixie Hollow: Closing on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout January.
Guests planning to visit Disneyland should check the park’s official website for real-time updates on closures and expected reopening dates.
Notable Attractions Undergoing Refurbishment
Among the listed closures, Rise of the Resistance, a fan-favorite ride in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, is particularly noteworthy as it will undergo its first-ever refurbishment since its opening in 2020. This extended closure is aimed at enhancing the ride’s experience, but fans will be left waiting, as no reopening date has been established yet.
Another popular attraction, the Haunted Mansion, will temporarily remove its Christmas overlay. This iconic ride tends to draw in crowds during the holiday season for its special-themed experience. Its early January closure aligns with the park’s seasonal changes as it transitions back to its classic feel.
The Incredicoaster at Disney California Adventure will also undergo refurbishment, although specific details regarding its reopening remain unclear. This extended downtime raises questions among avid followers of the attraction.
Impact on Disneyland Experience
The impact of closing 11 rides during January is expected to be significant. With fewer attractions available, guests may experience increased crowd levels at the remaining rides, leading to longer wait times overall. However, Disneyland often enhances the experience for guests by introducing seasonal events or unique activities during such downtimes.
For those visiting during the closures, various alternatives such as character meet-and-greets and themed dining experiences will remain available to ensure that guests still have a magical time at the parks. Special events related to the refurbishments may also be planned, providing visitors with a unique experience even when some attractions are unavailable.
Future Prospects for Disneyland’s Attractions
As the closures take place, speculation about potential reopening dates and enhancements continues to grow among fans. While no specific timelines have been released, it is anticipated that Disney will share updates as refurbishments progress.
Guests are optimistic about the improvements on the horizon, especially for rides like Rise of the Resistance and The Incredicoaster. Enhancements could mean more immersive experiences, updated technology, or even thematic revamps.
Feedback from guests regarding past refurbishments has generally been positive, with many acknowledging the necessity of maintenance to keep rides fresh and enjoyable. As Disneyland closes 11 rides in January, it sets the stage for exciting changes that aim to delight visitors in the years to come.
