Disneyland ResortNews

Major Ride Closures Announced as Disneyland Prepares for 70th Celebration

Announcement of Upcoming Ride Closures

Disneyland is making significant preparations for its upcoming 70th anniversary celebration, set to kick off on May 16, 2025. In anticipation of this milestone, the park has officially announced the temporary closure of several attractions for refurbishment. This extensive assessment marks a proactive step towards enhancing guest experiences during the festivities.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse stand in front of a castle adorned for a 70th-anniversary celebration at this Disney park.
Credit: Disney Parks Blog

The timeline for these closures suggests that multiple attractions will be offline as Disneyland gears up for the anniversary celebrations. While many rides are scheduled to reopen before the festivities commence, some notable attractions remain without specific reopening dates. This uncertainty poses a potential challenge for visitors planning their trips around the much-anticipated celebration.

Extensive List of Refurbishments

A comprehensive list of attractions detailing the rides that will temporarily shut down has been issued. Among the notable affected rides are the cherished Matterhorn Bobsleds and the beloved Soarin’ Around the World. Disneyland has identified 14 attractions that will undergo refurbishment, further emphasizing the park’s commitment to maintaining high-quality offerings for guests.

Sleeping Beauty Castle decorations for Disneyland Resort's 70th Anniversary Celebration
Credit: Disney

The complete list includes:

  • It’s a Small World
  • Matterhorn Bobsleds

  • Soarin’ Around the World

  • Enchanted Tiki Room

  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant

  • Mad Tea Party

  • King Arthur Carrousel

  • Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Gadget Coaster

  • Sorcerer’s Workshop

  • Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome

  • Fantasmic

  • Indiana Jones Adventure

  • Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln

  • Pixie Hollow

This array of closures underscores Disneyland’s determination to refresh its attractions in preparation for the landmark celebration. For many fans, however, the breadth of these renovations raises concerns about access to beloved rides during their visit.

Miguel from Coco in the Better Together Pixar parade
Credit: Disney

Challenges for Guests Ahead of the Celebration

Guests looking forward to the celebration may encounter difficulties navigating ride availability as several popular attractions close in the lead-up to the festivities. The potential downtime of major rides poses a challenge for those hoping to experience all Disneyland offers before the 70th-anniversary kicks off.

The attractions, such as Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, are critical to the park’s identity, which will remain closed until fall 2026. Moreover, It’s a Small World, initially anticipated to reopen with a Coco overlay before the festivities, may not return in time, as its reopening has been shifted to May 9.

Walt Disney animatronic sits on a desk in concept art for "Walt Disney – A Magical Life"
Credit: Disney

Additionally, the Matterhorn Bobsleds are scheduled to close on April 28 without a confirmed reopening date. Such uncertainties may complicate the planning for visitors hoping to enjoy their favorite rides during Disneyland’s significant celebration.

Preparing for an Enhanced Experience

As the closures draw nearer, guests must stay informed about ride availability before planning their visits. Disneyland management recommends checking the status of specific attractions and encourages guests to consider visiting before May 16 or after to maximize their experience.

The Matterhorn against the sky
Credit: Disney

This strategy ensures visitors enjoy Disneyland’s full glory during the anniversary without the disappointment of unexpected ride closures. While the refurbishment efforts may temporarily inconvenience some guests, they ultimately promise a revitalized and enhanced experience when the attractions reopen.

Disneyland’s ambitious refurbishment projects reflect its dedication to offering memorable experiences at the park. Though the ongoing closures pose challenges in the short term, visitors can anticipate that their next trip will showcase the fruits of these renovations during the grand celebration of Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary.

Rick Lye

Rick is an avid Disney fan. He first went to Disney World in 1986 with his parents and has been hooked ever since. Rick is married to another Disney fan and is in the process of turning his two children into fans as well. When he is not creating new Disney adventures, he loves to watch the New York Yankees and hang out with his dog, Buster. In the fall, you will catch him cheering for his beloved NY Giants.

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