Disneyland. The ‘Happiest Place on Earth,’ they say. But if you’re planning a trip there this January, you might find yourself wondering if happiness is truly on the menu. Because a significant chunk of what makes Disneyland… well, Disneyland, is going dark. Not just for a day or two, but for extended periods. It’s a situation that has many visitors scratching their heads, and perhaps, rechecking their reservations.
The reports are clear: a total of eleven attractions across both Disneyland Park and California Adventure are slated for temporary closure throughout January 2026. We’re not talking about obscure side-shows here. We’re talking about heavy hitters. The iconic ‘Haunted Mansion,’ for instance, is shutting its doors. So is the eternally optimistic ‘It’s a Small World.’ Both are going down for the removal of their festive holiday overlays. The holidays are over, yes, but do these transformations really require such extensive downtime?
Then there’s the more thrill-seeking side. ‘Incredicoaster’ and the ‘Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind’ over at California Adventure are hitting the brakes. The popular ‘Grizzly River Run’ raft ride and the ‘Redwood Creek Challenge’ play area for kids will also be inaccessible. Even parts of the massive ‘Galaxy’s Edge’ area will be off-limits. And let’s not forget the water-based experiences: the ‘Mark Twain Riverboat,’ the ‘Sailing Ship Columbia,’ and the spectacular ‘Fantasmic!’ show will all have significant periods of unavailability.
Now, the official line, as always, is ‘maintenance’ and ‘refurbishment.’ And, of course, removing those elaborate Christmas decorations. Parks need upkeep. Rides break down. We all get that. It’s part of ensuring safety and keeping the magic running in the long term. But for families who’ve saved up, booked flights, and planned their entire vacation around experiencing these specific attractions, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Imagine flying across the country, maybe for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, only to find half your bucket list is behind construction walls.
What does this mean for the average park-goer? Well, fewer rides means more people concentrated on the ones that are open. Longer lines. More crowded walkways. A potentially less ‘magical’ experience, even if every effort is made to redirect and entertain. It changes the dynamic of the day. And let’s be honest, for many, the allure of Disneyland is tied to those classic rides, the ones you remember from your own childhood, the ones your kids can now experience.
On the flip side, Disney isn’t leaving guests with nothing. January also marks the launch of the annual Lunar New Year celebration at California Adventure. This event, which has grown significantly since its full launch in 2013, promises cultural displays, unique food offerings, character greetings in special attire, and calligraphy lessons. It’s a vibrant, inclusive celebration that brings a different kind of magic to the park, offering a unique experience for those interested in Asian cultures and traditions. It’s a definite draw for a different demographic, and it adds value in its own way.
So, is it a calculated move to manage crowds during a traditionally slower season, or simply the unavoidable logistical nightmare of maintaining a sprawling theme park? Perhaps both. It’s a reminder that even in the most meticulously planned fantasy worlds, reality bites. While the Lunar New Year festivities will certainly entertain many, the absence of so many core attractions raises questions about the overall value proposition for those visiting specifically for the classic Disney experience this January. Maybe it’s time to recalibrate expectations, or perhaps, just push that vacation a little further into the year.
