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A Dozen Disneyland Attractions to Temporarily Close as Holidays Approach

Upcoming Holiday Closures at Disneyland

As the Christmas season approaches, Disneyland is preparing for a series of temporary closures that will affect a dozen attractions. These closures are primarily for refurbishment and will coincide with the height of visitor crowds during the holidays. Disneyland tends to adopt a more relaxed approach to transitioning into the Christmas season compared to its Florida counterpart, Disney World, which rushes to festive decorations immediately after Halloween.

haunted mansion holiday disneyland park nightmare before christmas halloween
Disney

Disneyland officially kicks off its holiday festivities on November 14, running through January 7. Despite this festive anticipation, the park will have several attractions out of commission, leaving guests with mixed feelings about enjoying the holiday atmosphere. The timing of these closures is significant as many families plan their visits during this popular time of year, hoping to immerse themselves in the magical decorations and seasonal cheer.

Renovation Schedule for Key Rides

Currently, Disneyland has five attractions undergoing refurbishment: Big Thunder Mountain, Storybook Land Canal Boats, Casey Jr. Circus Train, “Mickey’s PhilharMagic,” and “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” These rides will be unavailable as Disneyland gears up for the holiday rush, but they are not the only ones that will be affected.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at this Disney World park.
Credit: Flickr/Joe Penniston

In the upcoming weeks, an additional seven attractions will also close. Among these are beloved rides such as “It’s a Small World,” Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, and “Fantasmic.” Each of these will have specific dates for its temporary shutdown, creating a ripple effect as guests plan their schedules. “It’s a Small World” will be closed from October 31 to November 13 to add its holiday overlay, while the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail will be unavailable from November 1 to 13 to dismantle its Halloween-themed decorations.

Meanwhile, “Fantasmic” will see intermittent closures throughout November, making way for Christmas preparations. The Sailing Ship Columbia and the popular Paint the Night parade will also be affected, with their closures scheduled across various dates to accommodate seasonal festivities and maintenance efforts.

Seasonal Overlays and Holiday Events

Seasonal changes at Disneyland heavily influence the theme and decoration of attractions. As rides close for refurbishment, the park simultaneously prepares for a magical holiday transformation. Once complete, “It’s a Small World” will feature a beautiful holiday overlay that lights up with the spirit of the season.

The image shows the exterior of the "It's a Small World" ride at Disneyland. The facade features a whimsical design with various geometric shapes, international dolls, and clock elements, including large numbers and animated characters moving around.
Credit: Disney

Additionally, Disneyland is known for its stunning holiday decorations and themed experiences. Guests can expect charming displays and enchanting decorations that enhance the park’s atmosphere. These seasonal touches help create a festive atmosphere, despite the closures that dot the park’s landscape.

The holiday season at Disneyland often brings special performances and entertainment offerings. While specific attractions may be temporarily unavailable, the overall aesthetic and festive shows are likely to capture the holiday spirit and delight park-goers.

Guest Expectations During the Holiday Season

The scheduled closures are creating notable anticipation among guests, contributing to an atmosphere of excitement during their visits to Disneyland. Though some attractions will not be operational, many guests are eager to see the return of their favorite rides and the new enhancements made during the refurbishment process.

Disney characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald and Daisy Duck, are dressed in festive outfits for Disneyland Merriest Nites, posing in front of an illuminated castle at night with holiday decorations adorning the scene at Disneyland.
Credit: Disney

While these closures may disrupt the ideal park experience for some, the shared excitement for the Christmas season often outweighs the disappointment. Guests appreciate the beauty of the park, and many understand that maintaining the rides is essential for providing a magical experience.

While a dozen Disneyland attractions will undergo temporary closures as the holidays approach, the overall festive atmosphere and seasonal offerings promise an enchanting experience. Guests plan around the scheduled closures, looking forward to enjoying Disneyland’s transformation into a winter wonderland filled with holiday joy and cheer.

Rick Lye

Rick is an avid Disney fan. He first went to Disney World in 1986 with his parents and has been hooked ever since. Rick is married to another Disney fan and is in the process of turning his two children into fans as well. When he is not creating new Disney adventures, he loves to watch the New York Yankees and hang out with his dog, Buster. In the fall, you will catch him cheering for his beloved NY Giants.

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