There are a lot of moving parts at Disneyland that you need to be aware of before your next trip.

You’ve packed your bags, hopped on a flight, made your way into your hotel room, triple-checked that your park tickets are ready to go, and then walked down Main Street, U.S.A., only to find out that your favorite ride is closed for refurbishment. This experience is a real stinker and one we hope we can help you avoid. While we can’t stop things at Disneyland from closing down, we can give you advanced notice so that you’re totally prepared long before you even start packing.

Disneyland Park Refurbishments

We regret to inform you that the list of the upcoming and ongoing Disneyland Park closures is a doozy. From fan-favorite rides to historic shows, Disneyland is going to be missing some popular attractions if you plan to visit in the next couple of months.

Here’s everything that’s been confirmed to close (temporarily):

• Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (Return date TBA): When the new Walt Disney — A Magical Life and its first-ever Walt audio-animatronic opened over the summer in the Main Street Opera House, it was revealed that the show would eventually rotate with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. However, that has yet to happen. We’ll let you know when the old show is back in action as soon as it’s revealed.

• Storybook Land Canal Boats (Closed July 21st, 2025 to TBA): The canal boats in Fantasyland have been down for some time, and now we know why! Disney recently revealed that a miniature version of Rapunzel’s tower is being installed in the ride between the Patchwork Quilt and Toad Hall. The ride is expected to open at some point this winter, but a specific date has yet to be announced as of this writing.

• Casey Jr. Circus Train (Closed July 28th, 2025, to TBA): Fantasyland has A LOT going on right now, and it’s going to be only partially operational for the time being. That also includes Casey Jr. Circus Train, which rides around the Storybook Land Canal. It’s fair to assume the ride might reopen when the canal is ready.

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Closed September 2nd, 2025, to TBA): Big Thunder Mountain is down on both coasts, as Disneyland’s version has been closed for a lengthy refurbishment since September. No reopening date has been announced, nor any possible changes, but we’ll keep you posted as this story updates.

• “it’s a small world” (Closed October 30th through November 13th, 2025): Finally, a ride’s closure that has an end date in sight! We weren’t kidding when we said Fantasyland has an issue with ride closures right now. Fortunately, the refurbishment for “it’s a small world” won’t last too long. When it reopens, guests can enjoy the popular holiday overlay in all its glory!

Disney California Adventure Refurbishments, Closures, and Construction

The Disneyland Resort’s biggest expansion is happening right now over at California Adventure with the inclusion of a new Coco boat ride, two new Avengers rides in a double-the-size Avengers Campus, and a new Avatar-themed land with a brand-new thrilling boat adventure. These projects are progressing quickly, and they can affect your trip, among other notable closures.

• Mickey’s PhilharMagic (Closed October 6th through the 30th, 2025): This lovely indoor 4D show is currently getting some fancy new projectors, audio, lighting, and control equipment. Closed for pretty much all of October, it’ll be back up and running on Halloween and throughout the holiday season.

• Redwood Creek Challenge (Closed November 1st through the 13th, 2025): More holiday cheer is coming to this popular California-themed trail this November, but it’ll need to be closed while the changes are made.

• Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! (Permanently closing early 2026)Unfortunately, this upcoming refurbishment isn’t a refurbishment at all, as we’ll be losing the Monsters, Inc. ride at California Adventure at an unreleased date in 2026. Most, if not all, of the Hollywood Land Backlot area will be demolished in favor of the new Avatar land, so we’ll be saying bye to Boo and her monster pals as often as we can during the remainder of 2025.

A major construction update we want to point out is happening over at the connecting path between Cars Land and Avengers Campus. As the Marvel-themed land continues its expansion, the back pathway that conveniently connects the two lands is blocked off. 

We don’t know when that will no longer be the case, but it’s something to be aware of during your visit.

Hotel Refurbishments

Yes, the closures and construction extend to Disneyland’s hotels, as well. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa’s premier restaurant — Napa Rose — is currently undergoing a MASSIVE refurbishment set to finish in early 2026.

Initially expected to reopen in Fall 2025, Napa Rose will offer “an elevated dining experience, blending timeless Craftsman design with a fresh take on modern Californian sophistication and warmth, and immersing guests in a way only Disney can do.” Disney has also teased designs honoring Craftsman architecture with theming that nods “toward modern Californian luxury and approachability.” It will also feature an outdoor patio with two fireplaces, lush greenery, and soft lighting that give off upscale California winery vibes.

While the restaurant is unavailable, the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures character dining experience that’s usually held at Napa Rose is being hosted at the Trillium Room in the Grand Californian.

As for the hotel itself, expect to hear and see some various construction throughout 2025 and 2026. While nothing major has been announced, we’ll keep you posted if that changes.

Downtown Disney Construction

Downtown Disney is getting some new additions very soon! It was recently announced that above the new Earl of Sandwich restaurant (which is currently under construction), the new Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby will be joining the roster of delicious Downtown Disney eats!

This British-themed gastropub will offer some celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay staples like fish and chips, beef wellington, and sticky toffee pudding. It’ll also feature plenty of “All eyes were on London in the 1960s, a full-on fantastic technicolour scene of people going out and having fun. We are bringing those cool vibes to Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby,” Chef Ramsay said. “Stunning interiors, incredible food, and great music, whether it’s date night or dinner with friends or family, The Carnaby is going to bring the very best of cool Britannia to Downtown Disney District.”

An opening date hasn’t been announced yet.

What’s happening with the old ESPN Zone building has been a question for years, but we learned this year that a new lululemon store will occupy the spot! The store will feature lots of popular lululemon items, and Disney has teased its opening sometime this winter.

Crowds

Winter is coming, and at Disneyland, that means heavier crowds. Kids are out of school for the holidays, and there’s something extra magical about a festive Disneyland that just speaks so much to our nostalgia.

The ride overlays, seasonal treats, special entertainment, and cooler weather bring out people in droves. However, don’t panic yet. Disneyland’s park reservation system does typically keep crowds at a manageable level, so while it will be busier, it won’t be impossible to navigate.

That’s where we come in. We’ll continue to give you all the latest Disneyland tips and updates that will help you have the best trip possible, so keep it posted right here at the Disney Food Blog to stay in the know!

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