Two Disney World rides will close THIS WEEK for LONG refurbishments! Disney occasionally has to shut down rides and attractions in order to update them, and although sometimes those closures only last a few days, this time two rides will be closed for multiple months.

Let’s check out all the temporary closures and refurbishments that will affect Disney World from January 7th through the 13th.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster — Temporarily Closing on January 8th

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will close on January 8th, it won’t reopen until the summer of this year.

Although we don’t have an exact reopening date yet, we know that it’ll be at least a few months before the ride reopens. Last year, when the ride closed around this time (on February 20th, to be exact), it reopened on May 26th.

Kali River Rapids — Temporarily Closing on January 8th

Kali River Rapids usually closes in January for refurbishment since water rides like this tend to be less popular during the winter months when it’s chilly outside. In 2024, it will close on January 8th.

Disney has announced that Kali River Rapids will be closed through mid-March, so it sounds like it will be a little over two months before this ride is back up and running.

Click here to check out some Disneyland closures, too!

These aren’t the only ride and attraction closures affecting Disney World this week. Let’s check out a few more that might affect your vacation.

Magic Kingdom

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Splash Mountain closed on January 23rd, 2023, for a long refurbishment. The ride is being re-themed to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, with a Princess and the Frog theme.

The new ride will reopen sometime in late 2024. We’ll be watching for more updates on the opening timeline.

If you miss Splash Mountain or want to celebrate the new ride, you should check out our DFB t-shirts! We have a Splash Mountain Farwell Tour shirt…

…and a Tiana tee as well!

You can shop both tees (and lots of other Disney merch) at our online store.

Click here to shop our DFB merchandise store.

Barrel Bridge on Tom Sawyer’s Island

The Barrel Bridge on Tom Sawyer’s Island is not only closed — it’s missing completely!

A Cast Member told us several months ago that it was removed for repairs, and we haven’t seen it back since. We’ll be keeping an eye out for its return.

Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant

Tomorrowland Terrace is a quick service restaurant that’s remained closed since the 2020 pandemic-related closures, but even before that, this spot was only occasionally open.

Once in a while, you’ll see the dining rooms open as a rest area, but it’s usually all roped off and empty. Disney hasn’t announced when this spot could finally reopen, but we’ll be watching for updates!

Is this a Splash Mountain tribute in Magic Kingdom? The Internet can’t decide.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Well, it’s official — Voyage of the Little Mermaid is permanently closed in Disney World. We had suspected this was the case for some time (as it hasn’t actually been open for a few years now), but now the permanent closure has finally been confirmed.

Disney is going to introduce a NEW show in this spot, though it will still be themed to the animated movie The Little Mermaid! The new show will be called “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” and is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Fall 2024.

It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.”

Nobody’s talking about this super WEIRD thing that happens at Hollywood Studios!

EPCOT

Restaurant Marrakesh

Restaurant Marrakesh is still closed in the Morocco pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase, and there’s no word yet on when it might reopen.

The restaurant is kind of open right now — it’s functioning as a lounge with just a couple of drink options. However, we’re still waiting for the full restaurant to reopen!

A NEW Figment popcorn bucket is coming to EPCOT SOON!

Disney World Hotels

1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, 1900 Park Fare is a table service restaurant where you could meet characters like Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland at their Supercalifragilistic Breakfast and Cinderella and her Prince Charming during the Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner.

They also had a special event for younger children called the Wonderland Tea Party. It’s sad to see a spot closed that had so much character interaction! Disney hasn’t announced a permanent closure, so there is hope for 1900 Park Fare.

With 1900 Park Fare closed…you’ll need this SECRET spot to get afternoon tea in Disney World!

Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

The Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is going to be closed from January 2024 to late March 2024.

During this time, Disney says that “guests are welcome to swim in any of the five leisure pools” at Caribbean Beach Resort.

Doubloon Lagoon Pool at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter

The Doubloon Lagoon Pool at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter will be closed from January 2024 to April 2024.

If you’re staying at this hotel during the pool’s closure, you can still go swimming at the Ol’ Man Island Pool at Port Orleans Riverside.

One of Disney World’s biggest hotel perks is back!

Disney World Water Parks

Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon is currently closed in Disney World, and the website does not yet list a reopening date.

Disney World’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, however, is open!

Click here to see the best rides at Blizzard Beach.

Other Upcoming Closures

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — Temporarily Closing on January 16th

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will have a fairly short closure in January from the 16th through the 20th.

This popular coaster in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland will reopen on January 21st.

Disney Skyliner — Temporarily Closing on January 16th

The Disney Skyliner is closing for its annual refurbishment starting on January 16th. The entire Skyliner will be closed from January 16th through the 21st, and service between Disney’s Riviera Resort and the International Gateway at EPCOT will stay closed through January 27th.

Don’t worry — free bus service between the parks and hotels that usually are connected by the Skyliner will be provided.

Frozen Ever After — Temporarily Closing on January 24th

Frozen Ever After will be closed in EPCOT on January 24th.

The good news is that this is a very short closure — the Frozen ride should reopen on January 25th.

Be on the lookout for these closures in Disney World when it’s cold outside!

Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides:

• 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness
• What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride
• 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU!
• A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World!
• The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride

We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB.

Click here to check out more upcoming closures and current construction projects at Disney World.

 

Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments!