Disneyland Pulling the Plug on Radiator Springs Racers — Return Date Unknown
If there’s one ride that perfectly blends Disney magic with Pixar storytelling, it’s Radiator Springs Racers. For over a decade, it’s been the crown jewel of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. But in just a few days, the engines will go quiet — and no one knows for sure when they’ll rev up again.
Countdown to Closure
Radiator Springs Racers will close for refurbishment starting August 18, and unlike past maintenance periods, Disney isn’t offering a reopening date. While the official word is that the downtime will last “about a month or longer,” the lack of a set return date has left fans guessing — and scrambling to get their final laps in before the track shuts down.
This means you’ve only got a few more days to feel the wind in your hair as you race past the towering Cadillac Range mountains. After that, the course will be off-limits until further notice.
Why the Downtime?
Refurbishments are standard for major rides, especially ones as complex as Radiator Springs Racers. This round of maintenance will include resurfacing parts of the track to keep the ride smooth and safe, upgrading lighting to energy-efficient LEDs, and refreshing the attraction’s audio and video systems.
In other words, this isn’t just a coat of paint — it’s a mechanical and technological tune-up. These upgrades should help improve both reliability and the overall show quality once the ride returns.
A History of Pit Stops
This isn’t the first time the Racers have taken a break. They closed briefly in February 2024 for similar upkeep and also went down in August 2023 for just over a week. In both cases, the return date was announced ahead of time, which made it easier for guests to plan. This time, the mystery is what’s making fans nervous.
Cars Land Without Its Star Racer
Even with its headline attraction sidelined, Cars Land will still have plenty going on. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters will continue to operate, Flo’s V8 Café will keep serving up comfort food, and the land’s signature neon glow will remain a nighttime highlight.
On top of that, Halloween is right around the corner, and Cars Land’s annual “Haul-O-Ween” makeover will be arriving soon. The seasonal décor alone makes it worth visiting, even if the Racers are out of commission.
What Guests Should Know
If your trip to Disneyland Resort falls before August 18, make Radiator Springs Racers your priority. Use Lightning Lane access to bypass long standby lines or get there early in the day before wait times balloon. If you’re visiting during the closure, plan to spend more time enjoying Cars Land’s other attractions and the nearby Pixar Pier and Avengers Campus areas.
The Road Ahead
The silver lining? Disney has confirmed this is a refurbishment — not a retirement. While the downtime may stretch longer than expected, the upgrades should help ensure the Racers continue to be one of the most reliable and visually impressive rides at the park.
But for now, the clock is ticking. If you want one last high-speed showdown before the checkered flag drops, you’re running out of road.
