The upcoming winter season is shaping up to be a transformative period for Disneyland, as ride refurbishments loom on the horizon. Recent updates to the 2026 Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar have revealed a wave of temporary attraction closures expected to begin soon, a routine element of the park’s operational schedule.
As the holiday season represents the peak attendance window for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure (DCA), the park typically minimizes major ride closures during this busy period. However, the winter months are historically recognized as “refurbishment season,” a trend that has persisted for decades. By early 2026, visitors can anticipate a variety of ride closures.
One of the key closures is for the highly-rated attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which is set to undergo routine maintenance starting January 20, 2026. This announcement follows the busy Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, indicating that Disneyland aims to have the ride operational before the influx of guests during Presidents’ Day weekend and Mid-Winter Break. The timing of this refurbishment comes amid a significant promotional effort from Disney, offering an enticing ticket deal that could escalate crowd levels during the winter and spring months.
Historically, winter was viewed as a quieter time at Disneyland; however, it has evolved into a busy stretch due to various factors, including increased ticket affordability and rising attendance trends. As a result, closures during this time are expected to have noticeable impacts on guests’ visitation plans. The absence of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, a top attraction often regarded as a must-see, may prompt some visitors to rethink their trip dates.
In addition to the Star Wars ride, the popular Haunted Mansion will close on January 12, 2026, to transition from its seasonal overlay back to its traditional version. This closure is also slated to coincide with the refurbishment of other rides, which could amplify the effects on visitor experiences during this timeframe.
At Disney California Adventure, multiple closures in Pixar Pier will also take place. The beloved Lamplight Lounge is set to close on January 12, with a tentative reopening shortly after. Alongside this, rides like Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind and Incredicoaster will be unavailable starting January 5, 2026, with hopes for their reopening by February. Grizzly River Run will also close during this period for its routine annual maintenance.
As the park gears up for this busy refurbishment season, it remains to be seen how quickly ride closures will be scheduled and managed. The overall trend suggests that while Disneyland aims to keep flagship attractions operational for peak attendance weeks, some downtime will still be necessary.
For those interested in visiting Disneyland, tips for securing park admission deals and making the most of one’s experience can be advantageous. Ensuring awareness of changing ride schedules and potential closures remains crucial for effective trip planning, as guests seek to navigate this dynamic landscape.
