A Popular Disney World Ride Is Temporarily CLOSING in January

Even in Central Florida, it can get a little chilly for certain Disney World activities!

This means the colder months are a great time for Disney to close certain attractions for regular repairs and refurbishments. This is especially the case with water rides — and we just learned the official date for an Animal Kingdom ride closure!

Kali River Rapids, a water attraction in the Asia land at Animal Kingdom, will be temporarily closed starting January 8th, 2023. We took a peek at the Disney World calendar and the ride is no longer showing available times as of that date.

Disney will often shut down water rides during colder months to perform regular maintenance and do any necessary repairs or refurbishments.

We’re not sure how long the refurbishment will last at this time, but earlier this year the ride was closed for a little over one month. In 2021 and 2022, the ride closure lasted closer to two months. We’ll be keeping an eye out for updates on when the 2024 reopening might happen.

Kali River Rapids joins the growing list of Disney World rides that will be closed in early 2024. Splash Mountain is being transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Voyage of the Little Mermaid remains closed in Hollywood Studios, and Country Bear Jamboree is expected to close for a retheming at some point next year.

While it may be disappointing news if you’re planning a ride during these closures, keep in mind that there are so many different things to do about the parks and resorts — just check out some of them here!