If you’re visiting Disney California Adventure today, you might want to carve out time for one last spin through Ornament Valley. Starting tomorrow, Monday, August 18, Radiator Springs Racers will officially shut its gates for a refurbishment that could last several weeks — and fans are already bracing themselves for Cars Land without its marquee attraction.
Scott Gustin shared a reminder stating, “Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure Park will close for routine refurbishment beginning Monday, Aug. 18, and is currently set to reopen Sept. 26 (subject to change). The work will include track resurfacing, lighting enhancements, and audio/visual upgrades.”
Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure Park will close for routine refurbishment beginning Monday, Aug. 18, and is currently set to reopen Sept. 26 (subject to change). The work will include track resurfacing, lighting enhancements, and audio/visual upgrades. pic.twitter.com/JNMLvlH6pT
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) August 15, 2025
Disney has not attached a firm reopening date to this closure, which is unusual compared to prior maintenance windows. While it’s expected to be back “in about a month or longer,” the lack of specifics has left regulars wondering whether this desert raceway will remain out of commission through much of the busy fall season.
Why the Closure Feels So Big
Since its debut alongside Cars Land in 2012, Radiator Springs Racers has been more than just a ride — it’s been a destination. The attraction is a carefully designed blend of scenic dark ride and high-speed race, taking guests past glowing red rock spires, through encounters with beloved Pixar characters, and ultimately into a side-by-side sprint for the finish line.
The random winner at the end has made it endlessly repeatable, while the scale and detail of the sets have turned it into a defining feature of Disney California Adventure. For many families, a trip to the park doesn’t feel complete without at least one lap around the valley. That’s why the news of its extended downtime has made such a big impact.
What’s on the Refurbishment Checklist
This isn’t just about tightening bolts. According to recent filings, the downtime is being used for a combination of maintenance and upgrades:
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Track and system checks to keep the ride’s speed and safety standards on point.
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LED lighting installation, which should not only brighten nighttime scenes but also lower long-term energy costs.
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Audio and projection refinements aimed at crisper dialogue and sharper visuals inside show scenes.
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Network improvements designed to reduce breakdowns and keep the experience running smoothly during peak crowd periods.
These kinds of updates may not change the ride’s story, but they can dramatically improve reliability — a huge factor for an attraction that often pulls some of the park’s longest wait times.
Previous Pit Stops
Radiator Springs Racers has seen its fair share of closures in the past. Earlier this year, in February 2024, the attraction was offline for a short stretch, while in August 2023 it underwent a longer tune-up. Typically, those refurbishments came with exact end dates. The current closure stands out because of its uncertainty, with only “about a month or longer” as the guide.
That ambiguity raises questions about whether the ride will be available during Halloween Time, when Cars Land is transformed into its popular “Haul-O-Ween” overlay.
Cars Land Without Racers
The absence of its star attraction doesn’t make Cars Land a ghost town. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters still provide plenty of lighthearted fun. Flo’s V8 Café, meanwhile, continues to anchor the dining lineup with its retro-inspired menu — a must for park food lovers.
At night, Cars Land remains a photo magnet. The glowing neon against the desert landscape has long been one of the park’s most iconic backdrops. With seasonal overlays arriving soon, including themed décor and car-costumed residents, the land will still have strong pulling power even without its headliner.
How to Handle the Final Day
If Radiator Springs Racers is on your must-do list, today is your last guaranteed chance for a while. Expect heavy demand and plan accordingly:
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Get there early before lines swell past 90 minutes.
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Use Lightning Lane if you’re open to the extra cost — it’s consistently one of the best-value purchases for the service.
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Ride at night if you want to go out with style. The neon glow of Cars Land adds a completely different layer of atmosphere to the race.
The closure is temporary — Disney has emphasized that the Racers aren’t being retired, just refreshed. When the attraction does return, guests should expect smoother performance, upgraded effects, and hopefully fewer unexpected breakdowns.
For now, though, the countdown is nearly over. By tomorrow, the engines will cool, the construction walls will rise, and Cars Land will have to run without its top performer until the refurbishment wraps up.
