Disneyland has always thrived on reinvention. The park was designed to evolve from the moment it opened its gates in 1955. Lands have been refreshed, rides have been reimagined, and overlays have kept things exciting year after year.
This September, the transformations continue, with nine attractions across Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure shutting their doors.
A Return to the Stars
Tomorrowland’s Star Tours: The Adventures Continue has been offline since late June, leaving Star Wars fans eager for its return. The good news is it won’t be gone much longer. The ride is scheduled to reopen on September 5.
Known for mixing randomized destinations and characters, Star Tours has always offered a different adventure each time you ride. Guests can expect some enhancements when they return online.
Fantasyland Faces Multiple Closures
Fantasyland is the land most affected in September. The Storybook Land Canal Boats have been out of commission since July 21, and no announced reopening date has been announced. The attraction is beloved for its miniature recreations of Disney classics like Pinocchio’s Village and the Seven Dwarfs’ Cottage.
The Casey Jr. Circus Train, which loops around the same area, has been unavailable since August. There’s still no sign of when it will return, which leaves Fantasyland without two of its most family-friendly staples.
Even Dumbo the Flying Elephant is taking time off. Scheduled to close September 16–17, this spinner is one of the park’s most iconic rides, letting children and adults soar above Fantasyland for generations.
Frontierland Thrills on Hold
The closures in Frontierland hit hard. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a must-do coaster famous for its quick turns and bumpy drops, closed on September 2. Disney hasn’t given a reopening date, which suggests a lengthy refurbishment.
Frontierland will also lose the Mark Twain Riverboat between September 8 and 11. This elegant paddlewheel boat offers a scenic cruise through frontier life along the Rivers of America, and it’s expected back on September 12.
Adding to the list, Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island will close September 15–17. During this short window, families won’t be able to raft over to explore its caves and pirate hideouts.
Main Street Nostalgia
On Main Street, the Main Street Cinema will shut down most of the month. The theater will be closed from September 8 through 25, reopening on the 26th. While not always the busiest stop, it adds a nostalgic element to Disneyland, reminding visitors of the park’s roots in film and animation.
California Adventure’s Big Closure
Across the esplanade, Disney California Adventure has just one closure in September, but it’s one of the park’s crown jewels. Radiator Springs Racers, the Cars Land headliner, has been down since August 18 for upgrades to its track and lighting.
It won’t reopen until September 25, meaning the land will feel a little emptier for most of the month.
Closing Thoughts
With nine attractions closing at different times in September, guests must adjust their expectations. Still, refurbishments are part of the Disneyland promise—rides are kept safe, fresh, and ready to inspire future visitors. Walt Disney always insisted the park would never be complete, and September’s closures prove that his vision lives on.
Even with the downtime, Disneyland offers no shortage of magic. From parades and seasonal overlays to dozens of open attractions, the park balances nostalgia with progress. Change may cause temporary inconvenience, but it also keeps Disneyland the timeless icon it has always been.
