2 Popular Rides Are CLOSING Temporarily in Disney World Next Week

Next week is a BIG week in Disney World. The Festival of the Arts starts on January 13th, which will bring food booths, Broadway-style performances, and a Figment-themed scavenger hunt to EPCOT. But there are also a few closures happening at the theme parks that you need to be aware of before you visit.

Kali River Rapids

Some long-term closures will continue next week, but 2 popular rides will also shut down, starting on January 9th. Check out everything that’s going to be closed in Disney World here!

Before we get to the closures…do you already have your bags packed for your trip? If you’re going to visit Disney World soon, you’ll need the perfect outfit to wear into the parks! We’ve got a lot of great tees and sweatshirts at our online DFB store — Click here to check out our whole merch line.

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Now that you’re ready with the perfect Disney ‘fits, check out our full list of what’s going to be CLOSED in Disney World next week.

Magic Kingdom

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

One of the most popular coasters in Magic Kingdom is going to be closed for most of next week. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be unavailable from January 9th through the 13th.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Disney’s website shows that the coaster should reopen on the 14th, so if you’re visiting on Saturday or later, you should be able to hop on the wildest ride in the wilderness!

Tomorrowland Light & Power Co.

The Tomorrowland Light & Power gift shop is still closed for refurbishments, and Disney hasn’t announced when it’ll reopen. For now, it’s scheduled to be closed for all of next week.

Tomorrowland Light & Power Co.

In the meantime, guests who visit Space Mountain are being directed to exit the ride a different way.

Enchanted Tales with Belle

Enchanted Tales with Belle is where guests could previously help Belle tell the story of Beauty and the Beast.

Enchanted Tales with Belle

This attraction is currently closed, and Disney hasn’t announced a reopening date.

Meet Ariel at Her Grotto

Like Belle’s attraction, Ariel’s meet-and-greet is also closed in Fantasyland.

Ariel’s Grotto

Disney hasn’t announced a reopening date for Ariel’s Grotto, either.

Pete’s Silly Sideshow

Over in Storybook Circus, Pete’s Silly Sideshow is closed. This character meet-and-greet spot usually has Minnie, Daisy, Goofy, and Donald, dressed in circus performer outfits.

Pete’s Silly Sideshow

Disney has announced that it’ll reopen sometime “in the coming months.” We’ll be watching for more updates!

See a full list of showtimes for parades, fireworks, and castle shows in Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Kali River Rapids

The weather is supposed to be pretty warm in Orlando next week, but you won’t be able to cool off on Kali River Rapids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Kali River Rapids

This water ride is going to close on January 9th, and Disney hasn’t announced a reopening date yet. For now, it’s scheduled to be closed through early March at least.

Check out 5 places to escape in Animal Kingdom when you anxiety is through the roof.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

This Little Mermaid-themed stage show has been closed in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a long time now.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Disney hasn’t announced when or if the Voyage of the Little Mermaid will reopen.

Learn about the Hollywood Studios After Hours event in Disney World.

EPCOT

Cool Wash

Cool Wash temporarily had a new sign that re-named the spot “Refreshment Kiosk,” but that sign has been removed. The snack kiosk is still closed and blocked off by several plants.

Cool Wash

Disney hasn’t announced when Cool Wash will reopen, but we’ll watch for any changes.

Check out the first 2023 Festival of the Arts booths in EPCOT!

Disney World Hotels

Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Narcoossee’s is an upscale seafood restaurant at the Grand Floridian, and it’s been closed for several months now.

Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

This restaurant will reopen sometime in 2023 with an “enhanced dining experience.” We’ll be watching for Disney to announce a more specific reopening date.