Credit: Inside the MagicAfter a two-month closure, this Animal Kingdom location is now open to guests again.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is one of the four parks at the flagship Walt Disney World Resort. Presently, the location is undergoing an extensive redevelopment as it erases DinoLand U.S.A. and brings the Tropical Americas to the park.
The Tropical Americas will include two signature attractions: an Encanto-themed ride set around Antonio Madrigal’s animal-talking powers and an Indiana Jones attraction. The latter will replace DINOSAUR, which takes its final bow in early February 2026, before closing permanently.
Aside from the major overhaul at Animal Kingdom, other changes have already been implemented, one of which is the closure of It’s Tough to Be a Bug! at the Tree of Life Theater. The cult classic experience was replaced with Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, which opened earlier this year to mixed reviews.
And then there’s the staples. Despite the numerous new additions at the Animal Kingdom theme park, classics continue to entertain guests daily, with experiences such as Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris remaining in operation. Another popular ride at Animal Kingdom is the Kali River Rapids attraction located in the Asia portion of the Disney park.
Since October 6, Kali River Rapids has been closed to all guests while it undertakes routine maintenance. However, for guests visiting the Disney World resort starting today, Friday, December 12, 2025, Kali River Rapids is officially reopening, with operating hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., when the park closes.
While Kali River Rapids is a popular choice for guests visiting the theme park, it tends not to be as busy in the winter months as temperatures drop in Central Florida. In fact, temperatures have dropped significantly over the past few days, so Disney World has decided to close its Typhoon Lagoon water park on December 11 and 12.
“You will surely get splashed on this attraction—and you may even get soaked. Guests wishing to remain dry are encouraged to bring a waterproof poncho, extra clothes or a towel to dry off,” Disney World warns on its official site. “Lockers for mobile devices and other items you want to stay dry are located across from the entrance to Kali River Rapids and are available during your ride (on a first-come, first-served basis).”
Will you be heading down to Animal Kingdom today for this opening? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!