Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed back a familiar experience today as Kali River Rapids reopened after a planned refurbishment that began on October 6. Guests visiting on Friday, December 12, 2025, can once again step aboard the circulating rafts in the Asia section of the park from 9 a.m. through the park’s closing at 7 p.m.
The attraction’s return comes during a transitional period for the park as work continues on its largest project in years. Disney is reshaping the former DinoLand U.S.A. into the Tropical Americas, a new land featuring Encanto and the world of Indiana Jones. The Encanto experience will highlight Antonio Madrigal’s ability to communicate with animals, while the Indiana Jones attraction will replace DINOSAUR. That long-running ride will operate until early February 2026 before closing for good.
This isn’t the only update to the park’s lineup. Earlier this year, the Tree of Life Theater introduced Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, stepping in after the closure of It’s Tough to Be a Bug! The new show has already prompted varied reactions from guests, adding another fresh element to the park’s mix of attractions.
Even with these developments, many guest favorites remain in full operation. Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest continue to draw steady attendance every day, maintaining their prominent place in the park’s identity. Kali River Rapids is also part of that group, though its demand often dips during the cooler season. Central Florida temperatures dropped sharply this week, prompting Disney to close Typhoon Lagoon on December 11 and 12.
To help guests prepare, Disney offers clear guidance for riders returning to the reopened water ride. “You will surely get splashed on this attraction—and you may even get soaked. Guests wishing to remain dry are encouraged to bring a waterproof poncho, extra clothes or a towel to dry off,” the official website explains. Lockers for essentials like phones and wallets are located directly across from the attraction’s entrance. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis during the ride.
As Disney’s Animal Kingdom moves toward its next era with the Tropical Americas on the horizon, today’s reopening restores another familiar part of the park’s daily experience. With water rushing once more through its course, Kali River Rapids is ready for guests looking to add a river adventure to their visit.
