Your Disneyland Strategy Will Need To CHANGE On January 5th

New year, new Disneyland… and some big surprises you’ll want to plan around starting January 5th!

Disney California Adventure

As Disneyland transitions out of the holiday season, early January is bringing a handful of noteworthy shifts across both parks. Disney’s already made us aware of some key dates to plan around for the upcoming year, and it looks like there’s one in particular coming quickly just after we turn over the calendar page. From attraction refurbishments to changes that may affect your morning strategy, there’s a lot for you to keep in mind if you’re visiting soon. Here’s a look ahead at what’s coming on January 5th so you can be prepared.

Planning a Disneyland vacation early in the new year? If you’re visiting on or after January 5th, there are several important updates and refurbishments you’ll want to know about before you head into the parks. Disneyland traditionally schedules winter refurbishments once the holiday season wraps up, and early 2026 is shaping up to be no exception.

Disneyland

Let’s take a closer look at everything you can expect to be changing on this date!

First, over in Disney California Adventure, multiple attractions will be temporarily unavailable. Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind is scheduled to close for refurbishment, giving this whimsical Pixar Pier spinner some well-deserved TLC.

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind

Nearby, the Incredicoaster will also go down for refurbishment. While these refurbishments are routine, you should already be looking at how to best plan around the closures — especially if you’re a family with little ones who love Emotional Whirlwind and thrill-seekers who count on the Incredicoaster for their adrenaline fix.

Incredicoaster

Yes, it’s January, and those temps might be hanging around the cooler side, but this also presents a perfect opportunity for Grizzly River Run to close temporarily for its seasonal closure. This popular water attraction typically undergoes refurbishment during the colder months, and this January will follow suit while Cast Members perform seasonal maintenance.

Grizzly River Run

If you’re staying at the Pixar Place Hotel, be aware that the hotel’s dedicated entrance into Disney California Adventure will be unavailable beginning January 5th. While this was a change we’ve known about for a while, this could present an issue for those banking on this park entrance when they attempt to use it. You’ll still be able to access the parks through the main entrances, but you’ll certainly want to factor in the additional walking time to do so.

Pixar Place Hotel

Finally, a big change for Disneyland Resort hotel guests: Early Entry will no longer be offered starting January 5th. This means guests will no longer have the 30-minute early-morning advantage previously included with on-site stays.

There goes the monorail across the lines waiting for entry

While these shifts may impact your touring strategy, they also signal exciting refreshes ahead. Knowing how you intend to map out your day’s plans in advance could also save you significant stress and the headache of dealing with them in the moment while you’re enjoying your vacation. With a bit of planning, your Disneyland visit can still be your next best — even during refurbishment season!

Don’t go away — we’re sharing even more of our best tips, tricks, and planning secrets that could help you “do” Disney like a pro (even when it’s your first time!) Stay tuned with us at AllEars for the latest Disney strategies, updates, news, and more as they come.