Several Disney rides and attractions will be unavailable during the holidays.
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During the festive holiday season, Disneyland experiences temporary closures of several attractions for essential seasonal refurbishments. This December, park visitors will notice key attractions not operational, which can impact their overall experience. The closures have been planned to facilitate maintenance and improvements, ensuring the rides are in peak condition for the busy holiday crowd.
While some guests may feel disappointed about certain rides being shut down, they can still enjoy the many other magical offerings within the park.
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Among the attractions scheduled for temporary closure are the Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train. These two charming rides, popular in Fantasyland, will be closed for refurbishment from December 2 to December 6. This brief closure allows for necessary maintenance and ensures they can continue to enchant guests throughout the holiday season.
Another significant closure is that of the “Fantasmic” nighttime spectacular, which will not be available on weekdays throughout December, with the exception of Christmas week. The dark dates for this beloved show include December 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, and the final day of the year, December 31. Fans of the show may want to adjust their plans to catch it during the holiday week when it returns to the nightly schedule.
As mentioned, the early days of December see two attractions in Fantasyland temporarily shutting down. The Storybook Land Canal Boats will undergo refurbishments from December 2 to 5, while the Casey Jr. Circus Train will be closed for a day longer, until December 6.
In addition to these attractions, park-goers should note the reopening schedule of other rides. The Little Mermaid — Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is expected to reopen on November 30 after a month-long closure, just in time for the holidays. Moreover, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland is set to return on December 13, having undergone necessary enhancements.
However, certain attractions like Pixie Hollow and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln will remain closed into the new year, with Pixie Hollow expected to remain shut until early January and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln not reopening until 2025.
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Additional Attractions Not in Operation
Several other attractions are also not in operation during this festive period. The Little Mermaid — Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will have just reopened, offering a delightful experience for guests. On the other hand, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will resume operation on December 13, providing thrill-seekers with a wild ride soon.
Unfortunately, the Pixie Hollow meet-and-greet area has been closed since September, and it will not likely return until early January. This area allows guests to mingle with the beloved fairy, Tinker Bell, but for now, fans will have to wait. Similarly, the classic attraction Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is undergoing an extended closure and is not expected to return until early 2025, as part of Disneyland’s 70th-anniversary celebration plans.
While the Hyperion Theater, Fantasyland Theatre, and Magic Eye Theater remain dark with unknown reopening dates, Disneyland has found ways to keep the magic alive. The Fantasyland Theatre will be utilized for various character meet-and-greets, along with crafting sessions and storytelling throughout the Christmas holiday season, which lasts until January 6.
Visitors planning to spend their holiday at Disneyland should keep the attraction closures in mind as they map out their adventures. With many rides still operational, combined with the festive atmosphere and special holiday events, there remains plenty of joy to experience.