Disney World Attractions to close for refurbishment in 2023

January 2, 2023

Some of Walt Disney World’s popular attractions are going to be refurbished this year!

On Jan. 9, both Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom and the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom will close to parkgoers. The latter is expected to be closed through Jan. 13, according to Disney’s day calendar.

The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith thrill ride at Hollywood Studios will close the following month on Feb. 20, and will “resume its super-stretch limo rides in summer 2023,” Disney’s website stated.

The Genie Transportation Services

Specific details on what exactly Disney will be refurbishing on those rides have not been announced or revealed.

Of course there’s the big overhaul of Splash Mountain! Starting on Jan. 23, the ride will undergo a transformation, and will “reopen in 2024 as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” a ride inspired by the movie, The Princess and the Frog. The last chance to ride Splash Mountain will be on Jan. 22.

Ride and attractions opening at Disney in 2023

At EPCOT, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, a self-guided tour, is expected to open late 2023 behind Spaceship Earth.

TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom is supposed to open sometime this Spring.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get them!

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Michele Atwood Founder & Editor-in-Chief, The Main Street Mouse
Michele Atwood is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Main Street Mouse, one of Florida's leading Disney and theme park news sources since 2010. A credentialed Disney Partner and media professional, Michele serves as a theme park contributor and insider for Fox 35 Orlando and WDBO radio covering Disney and Central Florida attractions. Michele has also contributed to the Orlando Sentinel, WESH 2, and Spectrum News 13. Michele is the published author of four books — "Moving to Main Street U.S.A.," "How Many Sleeps Till Disney?," "How Many Sleeps Till Disneyland?" and "Daydream Believing: Confessions of a Grown Up Princess" and is co-owner of the House of Mouse Expo and Lost Princess Apparel. With over a decade of hands-on coverage of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Central Florida theme parks, Michele brings firsthand expertise and media access to every story she covers.



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