There have been a LOT of closures in Disney World recently, including Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Kali River Rapids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom, and the Skyliner transportation system. Luckily, two of those closures are finally ENDING this week!
Cinderella Castle
However, as those closures end, two MORE closures will begin. Let’s check out all the temporary closures and refurbishments that will affect Disney World from January 21st through the 27th.
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Big Thunder and the Skyliner Will REOPEN
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently closed in Magic Kingdom.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
This popular coaster in Frontierland will reopen on January 21st, so it’ll be open for almost all of this coming week.
Disney Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner closed for its annual refurbishment on January 16th.
Skyliner is CLOSED
The entire Skyliner will be closed through the 21st, and service between Disney’s Riviera Resort and the International Gateway at EPCOT will stay closed through January 27th.
It’s giving dystopian
Don’t worry — free bus service between the parks and hotels that usually are connected by the Skyliner will be provided.
Learn more about the Skyliner here!
Closures That Begin THIS WEEK
Frozen Ever After — Temporarily Closing on January 24th
Frozen Ever After will be closed in EPCOT on January 24th.
Frozen Ever After
The good news is that this is a very short closure — the Frozen ride should reopen on January 25th.
Country Bear Jamboree — Temporarily Closing Starting on January 27th
Country Bear Jamboree will close on January 27th, 2024, for refurbishment. Disney announced previously that a NEW show is coming to Country Bear Jamboree, with the bears learning an all-new act.
Learn more about the changes coming to Country Bear Jamboree here!
If you want to catch the current show before it changes, make sure you head there SOON!
Country Bear Jamboree
Disney announced that the new show should open THIS SUMMER. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate this attraction as it’s closing down, check out these Country Bear Jamboree Collectible Plushes on Amazon!
Disney WDW 50th Country Bear Jamboree Collectibles
The set comes with three collectible plushes: Teddi Barra, Big Al, and Henry.
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.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
The new ride will reopen sometime in 2024. Disney originally said “late 2024,” but in recent updates, they’ve removed the “late” and are just going with “2024” — does that mean it could open SOONER? We’ll be watching for more updates on the opening timeline.
Construction in the queue
Disney also just released lots of new information about this ride, including a hint that there will be Splash Mountain Easter Eggs throughout the attraction!
Learn more about the new details here.
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…
DFB Exclusive!
…and a Tiana tee as well!
Check out our new Tiana-inspired merch!
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!
Barrel Bridge is Missing
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.
Still closed
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!
Some Restrooms in Magic Kingdom Have Been Temporarily CLOSED
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closed on January 8th, it won’t reopen until the summer of this year.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
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.
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.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
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.
©Disney
It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.”
Celebrity Spotted at Disney World! You Won’t Believe Who Just Visited Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Kali River Rapids
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 closed on January 8th.
Kali River Rapids is closed
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.
We found a delicious and filling lunch in Animal Kingdom for under $10!
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.
Restaurant Marrakesh building
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!
Check out some exclusive souvenirs that we’re BEGGING Disney to bring to EPCOT.
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.
1900 Park Fare
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.
Fuentes del Moro pool
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.
Doubloon Lagoon
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.
5 Unfortunate Things That Happen When We Stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Hotel
Disney World Water Parks
Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon is currently closed in Disney World, and the website does not yet list a reopening date.
Typhoon Lagoon Entrance
Disney World’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, however, is usually open! The water park may close when it’s especially cold outside, so keep an eye on the My Disney Experience app to double check that it’s open before you go.
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:
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.
Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know
Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments!