Happy New Year, from the DFB team!

This month is bringing all sorts of updates to the theme parks. Park Hopping is making a comeback (in a totally new way) and the policies for free MagicBands and luggage tags are changing. As always, we want to keep you informed on all the major updates and how they might affect your trip. Those of you visiting Disney World next week will want to prepare by knowing what attractions are closed for refurbishment ahead of time. Let’s recap what rides will be closed between January 4th through January 10th, 2021!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Refurbishments

Kali River Rapids

The water ride in Animal Kingdom has temporarily closed for refurbishment. It’s common to see water rides go down during the winter. Surprisingly, guests are less likely to board a tube and get soaking wet in the cooler months. (And yes, it does get cold in Florida!) The refurb gives maintenance a chance to refurbish the ride or reduce operations during the winter.

Kali River Rapids is scheduled to remain closed through April 1st, 2021.

Learn more about Kali River Rapids closure right here!

Magic Kingdom Refurbishments

Walt Disney World Railroad

Guests wanting to take a trip around the Magic Kingdom by train will have to wait a bit! Construction for the attraction, TRON Lightcycle Run, is interrupting the train’s operation. The behemoth roller coaster is placed next to Space Mountain towards the exterior of the park. The train will usually pass through this section of the park before stopping on Main Street.

The massive construction site is prohibiting the train to make its daily rounds. There’s no clear reopening date for the railroad, but it could be around the time TRON opens (which is scheduled to be in time for Disney World’s 50th anniversary). Nothing official has been announced yet!

FYI, the Main Street Train Station is also getting some work done. When entering the Magic Kingdom you’ll be greeted by a totally discreet scrim that is meant to imitate the station’s look. (Nothing to see here!)

For now, you can take a trip on the monorail around the Seven Seas Lagoon. It’s basically a train, right? And, you get a good view of the Magic Kingdom!

See recent construction photos for the upcoming TRON attraction!

Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square Riverboat

So there you are, making your way towards Frontierland. You’re taking in the smells of freshly popped corn and heading to Big Thunder Mountain. Instead of encountering the sparkling waters of Rivers of America, you’re met with a vast, empty riverbed. Don’t be alarmed! This was planned and the river has been dried up for some time now.

Two attractions are affected by the drained river. The riverboat needs water to stay afloat (science!) so it’s not currently taking trips around the river bend. Tom Sawyer Island is an actual island and guests have to take a raft to get there. The island is currently closed and the Harper’s Mill building is getting some work done too. The attractions are scheduled to be closed through February 28th, 2021.

The dried river isn’t exactly picturesque, but it is kind of interesting to see. The ferry doesn’t operate completely on its own and uses guide rails to navigate around the island. Disney Trivia Buffs might enjoy peering “behind the magic” to see the exposed rails.

See more photos of the drained river here!

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

It’s happening! The PeopleMover is scheduled to reopen NEXT WEEK!

The PeopleMover was originally slated to reopen with the rest of the Magic Kingdom in July. It remained closed for a while then eventually was put on the refurbishment list. Tomorrowland fans have been waiting for the classic attraction to reopen for some time.

We don’t want to get your hopes up too much though. Disney has the ability to extend the refurbishment and they certainly have in the past. For now, the schedule says that the beloved attraction will be open on January 10th. We’ll cross our fingers that the PeopleMover will be transporting guests soon!

Read more about the PeopleMover closure here!

You’ll also see construction happening in other parts of the parks as well. EPCOT is preparing for its massive transformation and Disney’s Polynesian Village is getting a big overhaul too. Have any questions about the refurbishments and closures? Drop them in the comments below!

See recent Disney World construction updates here!

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Are you heading to Disney World in 2021? Let us know in the comments!

The post 4 Disney World Attractions Will Be Closed BUT a Fan-Favorite Will Finally REOPEN Next Week! first appeared on the disney food blog.