Disney Parks fans are used to seeing rides close for seasonal refurbishments, but when one Walt Disney World Resort attraction goes dark, some guests can’t hide their delight. Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is the latest attraction to face downtime, and while some Central Florida parkgoers are sad to see it temporarily shuttered, many are relieved.
A Seasonal Shutdown
Kali River Rapids, located in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is scheduled to close for refurbishment on January 6, 2025. Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed the ride will reopen sometime in March, though an exact date hasn’t been announced. Like many water rides, Kali River Rapids traditionally shuts down during the colder months of the year for maintenance and to avoid drenching guests in less favorable weather conditions.
While some Disney Parks fans view this as a routine closure, others have voiced a surprising sense of relief, taking to social media to share their opinions about the attraction’s temporary absence.
Parents and Guests Weigh In
On Reddit, one parent sparked a conversation by expressing gratitude for the closure. “Not all refurbishment down times are bad,” wrote user u/JustLurkCarryOn. “Thank you for going down during my visit in February so I don’t have to worry about my kids forcing me to go on with them and getting uncomfortably soaked.”
This sentiment resonated with many Disney Parks fans, who shared similar experiences. “Getting soaked at a theme park is also one of my ‘do not want’ things,” wrote u/CantaloupeCamper.
Another commenter, u/strberri01, recalled a particularly uncomfortable, “humid” ride: “The last time we rode that, we got drenched… My husband and I had to detour back to the hotel to change into dry clothes… It was awful.”
Which Walt Disney World Resort rides would you like to be closed for refurbishment during your vacation? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments!
