A NEW Multi-Month Ride Closure Hits Disney World Next Week

If you’ve been looking forward to making a splash in Animal Kingdom with their water ride, make sure you go before it closes for a refurbishment.

Kali River Rapids

Animal Kingdom has a lot of projects happening, and while we’re bummed that means another closure, this one is only temporary, meaning we’ll be able to ride through the rapids again.

Kali River Rapids will be closing on October 6th and is expected to reopen sometime in December this year. We usually see a refurbishment for this attraction around this time of year, but it is a little earlier than usual.

Kali River Rapids

Does riding a water ride in the winter not seem as appealing as when the Florida sun is beaming and you’re desperate for any chance to cool down? While Florida does get a little chillier in the winter months, the temperatures tend to range from around 60°F (15°C) to 75°F (24°C). For us Floridians, this sounds much colder than our 90° weather, but for guests avoiding their snow-covered towns, Florida will be a welcome retreat!

Kali River Rapids

Animal Kingdom is undergoing lots of changes, including the transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into Pueblo Esperanza, the Tropical Americas-themed land. DinoLand has been closing in phases, with the final phase scheduled for February 1st, 2026, and will include the closures of DINOSAUR, The Dino Institute Shop, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Restaurantosaurus.

Concept art on the construction walls

All of our dino friends are heading out to invite the Madrigals from Encanto and Indiana Jones into the space. There will be the first-ever Encanto attraction…

©Disney

…and Disney World’s first Indiana Jones ride. While it uses the same technology as Disneyland’s Indiana Jones ride, it will feature a new storyline that we’re very excited to see.

©Disney

Don’t forget about the gorgeous carousel joining the lineup, too! This carousel will feature different woodcarvings of animals in Disney movies. Pueblo Esperanza is going to feel fantastical and magical.

©Disney

Make sure you hop on Kali River Rapids before October 6th, or be willing to wait till sometime in December before you can ride again. Keep following AllEars for more!

I RODE EVERYTHING IN DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM IN UNDER 2 HOURS — AND YOU CAN, TOO

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