Why is Kali River Rapids closing?

Kali River Rapids at Disney's Animal Kingdom Closing for Extended Refurbishment in January 2023. After Big Thunder Mountain, yet another attraction is now scheduled for a refurbishment starting in January 2023 — Kali River Rapids. Beginning January 9, 2023, the ride will be closed for its annual extended refurbishment.



In early 2026, Kali River Rapids at Disney's Animal Kingdom underwent a unique scheduling shift for its annual refurbishment. Historically, this water attraction closes every winter (typically January through March) when demand for getting soaked is low. However, for 2026, the closure was specifically timed to coordinate with the permanent closure of DinoLand U.S.A. on February 1. By adjusting the maintenance schedule, Disney ensured that at least one major "E-ticket" thrill ride remained open during the initial demolition phases of DinoLand, which is being replaced by the "Tropical Americas" expansion. This strategic management of guest flow prevents the park from having too many headliner attractions down simultaneously. The refurbishment itself focused on the standard "wear and tear" of a water-based ride, including repainting the 20-foot drop slope, servicing the raft conveyors, and refreshing the intricate Asian-themed queue and misting systems.

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River Country is one of only two Disney parks to permanently close, along with Discovery Island, which is situated parallel to the water park.

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There's an abandoned island at Walt Disney World, and it's hidden in plain sight. Located in Bay Lake near Magic Kingdom and several Disney hotels, Discovery Island was once a subtropical oasis that welcomed guests for 25 years before closing in the late '90s.

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Rather, the biggest reason for River Country's closure is that the park simply couldn't sustain demand next to its much larger siblings, especially in the midst of the massive travel slowdown following the attacks of 9/11. However, the park's closure isn't the end of its story.

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Guests wishing to remain dry are encouraged to bring a waterproof poncho, extra clothes or a towel to dry off. Lockers for mobile devices and other items you want to stay dry are located across from the entrance to Kali River Rapids and are available during your ride (on a first-come, first-served basis).

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Previous rumors of Disney completely pulling out of Florida have been unfounded. In April, a satirical story about Disney's plans to relocate its Disney World theme park to a 1,000-acre parcel of land in Atlanta, Georgia, made the rounds prompting people to ask if Disney was leaving Florida for Georgia.

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On top of that, trips to Europe appear to be cannibalizing demand for domestic theme parks this year — likely both contributing to the downturn. In addition to the stormy political climate, experts also point to extreme weather and heat in Florida as a contributing factor.

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Discovery Island is one of Disney's most widely-recognized abandoned attractions. Upon Walt Disney World's opening, the island was known as Blackbeard's Island and was intended to be a pirate-themed attraction across the lake from River Country.

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Because of that, Disney announced they will be closing Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge permanently. Galaxy's Edge is a themed land located in both California and Florida. It's an immersive Star Wars experience with rides, shops, and restaurants designed to make guests feel like they are on the planet of Batuu.

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