Credit: DisneyDisneyland has always been a place in motion. From the day it opened its gates in 1955, the park has been defined by change—sometimes subtle, sometimes sweeping. Entire lands have been reimagined, beloved attractions have been refreshed, and seasonal overlays keep the experience new for repeat visitors.
September 2025 will be no different, as guests planning their trips should prepare for a wave of temporary closures. Nine rides across Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure will be down sometime during the month.
Let’s take a closer look at these attractions, what makes them special, and when they’ll be closed.
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
Over in Tomorrowland, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue has been closed since late June for an extended refurbishment. Fans of this motion simulator ride know it for its mix of randomized Star Wars storylines, meaning no two adventures feel the same. The good news is that the closure is nearly over.
The attraction faced only a brief September closure. Disneyland has scheduled the attraction to reopen on September 5, 2025, with enhanced features waiting for guests.
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Running right alongside Storybook Land is the Casey Jr. Circus Train. Guests can hop aboard whimsical cars styled as animal cages and other circus vehicles for a lighthearted loop around Fantasyland.
Unfortunately, Casey Jr. has been closed throughout August, and the September calendar doesn’t yet show when it will return. Its absence will be felt by families who enjoy its nostalgic charm.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Frontierland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is perhaps the most notable closure of the month. Starting September 2, this fan-favorite coaster will shut down for a significant refurbishment. Known for its sharp turns, sudden drops, and the unforgettable tagline of being “the wildest ride in the wilderness,” Big Thunder is a staple of Disneyland thrills.
Disney has not announced a reopening timeline, suggesting this will be a more extended closure than others.
Storybook Land Canal Boats
In Fantasyland, the Storybook Land Canal Boats have been out of commission since July 21. This gentle boat ride is a charming tour past miniature versions of Disney fairytale locations, including Elsa’s ice palace, Agrabah, and Pinocchio’s Village.
As of early September, Disneyland has not listed a reopening date, leaving fans uncertain about when they’ll once again drift through these storybook scenes.
Mark Twain Riverboat
From September 8 through 11, the Mark Twain Riverboat will take a short break. This iconic paddlewheel boat, which circles the Rivers of America, offers guests a peaceful journey through scenes of frontier life.
It will return on September 12, but even brief closures like this remind visitors how much these slower-paced attractions add to the overall Disneyland experience.
Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
Also on the Rivers of America, Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island will close from September 15 through 17. The island, accessible only by raft, lets guests explore caves, bridges, and play areas inspired by Mark Twain’s classic characters with some pirate flair added over the years.
This short downtime is likely for routine upkeep, but families visiting mid-September must adjust their plans.
Main Street Cinema
Main Street, U.S.A. is home to the Main Street Cinema, which recently changed to feature a Sherman Brothers tribute. Still, the theater will go dark again from September 8 through 25.
While it may not be the most crowded attraction, the Cinema represents Disneyland’s roots in classic film and animation, and its temporary closure removes a piece of nostalgia from the park until it reopens on September 26.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
One of Fantasyland’s most iconic rides, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, is also on the refurbishment list. The closure will be brief—just September 16 and 17—but even two days without Dumbo will feel strange.
This gentle spinner has been a symbol of Disneyland’s family-friendly charm for decades, letting little ones take flight with the lovable elephant high above the carousel and castle area.
Radiator Springs Racers
Over at Disney California Adventure, Radiator Springs Racers stands as the park’s lone September closure—but it’s a big one. Since August 18, the ride has undergone significant track resurfacing and lighting updates.
The attraction combines a leisurely tour through Radiator Springs with a high-speed race through Ornament Valley. It’s scheduled to reopen September 25, which means most of the month will pass before guests can experience it again.
Disneyland’s Enduring Spirit
When nine attractions close in a single month, it can feel daunting for those planning their trips. Yet closures, refurbishments, and overlays are part of what keeps Disneyland fresh.
Walt Disney himself was adamant that the park would never be completed, and every change—whether a touch-up on Big Thunder, a new look for Star Tours, or seasonal transformations—reinforces that idea.
Guests visiting in September 2025 will undoubtedly notice the downtime, but they’ll also find countless other rides, shows, and experiences to enjoy. From the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay to classic parades and newer thrills, Disneyland continues to blend tradition with innovation.
Change as a Tradition
Disneyland has been evolving for seventy years and will continue to evolve for seventy more. Closures may be inconvenient in the moment, but they ensure that attractions remain safe, exciting, and magical for future generations. While fans will miss the riverboats, coasters, and spinners this September, each return will be cause for celebration.
Ultimately, Disneyland is more than its individual rides—it is the sum of memories created across generations. Change is the heartbeat of the park, and that very spirit makes Disneyland the timeless icon Walt Disney dreamed it would be.