Credit: Inside The MagicAn attraction from 2001 has shut down at this beloved Disney park, signaling a closure that may not be as long as you might think. Let’s get into what we know.
Disney Park Attraction Closure Rocks Fans as a 2001 Ride To See New Life
On a cool January morning, guests strolling through Grizzly Peak were met with an unexpected sight: silent rapids, empty loading docks, and construction walls where laughter and splashes usually fill the air. The sound of rushing water was still there—but something about the scene felt different this time. And if you looked closely, you might’ve noticed a detail that’s raising eyebrows among longtime fans.
Why does this routine closure feel unusual—and what else is quietly changing across Disneyland Resort right now?
Grizzly River Run Shuts Down for Annual Winter Refurbishment
Disneyland Resort confirmed that Grizzly River Run closed this week as part of its typical seasonal refurbishment cycle. The water ride, located in Disney California Adventure Park, routinely goes down in January when cooler weather makes soaking attractions less appealing for most guests.
This type of closure isn’t new. What is new, however, is how the attraction is being staged backstage—or rather, not entirely backstage at all.
According to photos taken Monday morning by Daps Magic team member Steven, the attraction’s large circular rafts have been moved onto the path that runs behind and partially through the ride, a location not usually visible to guests. In previous refurbishments, the rafts were typically removed completely and stored backstage.
That shift has sparked speculation about what’s happening behind the scenes.
Why the Rafts Are Visible This Time
Disney has not officially commented on why the rafts are staged differently this year. However, ongoing construction projects across Disneyland Resort may be a factor, limiting available backstage storage space.
This isn’t unprecedented—Disney often adapts refurbishment logistics when multiple projects overlap—but it’s noticeable enough that frequent visitors have already begun pointing it out on social media.
Another familiar sign of the closure is also back: higher water levels near San Fransokyo Square. When Grizzly River Run shuts down, water that normally feeds the attraction is often redirected, leading to visibly elevated levels in nearby areas.
For seasoned Disneyland guests, it’s a quiet confirmation that this is a full operational pause—not a short technical delay.
No Reopening Date Yet—But History Offers a Clue
As of now, Disney has not announced an official reopening date for Grizzly River Run. Based on previous years, the attraction often remains closed for one to two months, depending on the scope of maintenance.
Historically, Grizzly River Run tends to reopen before spring break crowds arrive, when warmer temperatures make water rides more appealing again. If that pattern holds, guests could see the ride return sometime in late February or March.
Still, Disney has been known to adjust timelines when broader resort projects are in motion—so nothing is guaranteed.
Grizzly River Run Isn’t the Only Ride Down This Winter
The Grizzly River Run closure is part of a larger wave of seasonal maintenance affecting both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
Early 2026 has brought a notable number of ride closures, some for routine upkeep and others for overlays or extended refurbishments. Here’s a quick snapshot of attractions impacted this winter:
| Attraction | Park | Closure Type | Expected Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grizzly River Run | Disney California Adventure | Seasonal refurbishment | Reopens before spring (TBD) |
| Haunted Mansion | Disneyland Park | Overlay / refurbishment | Extends into early 2026 |
| Mark Twain Riverboat | Disneyland Park | Routine maintenance | Temporary |
| Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind | Disney California Adventure | Routine refurbishment | Temporary |
| Incredicoaster | Disney California Adventure | Scheduled maintenance | Temporary |
Disney typically schedules these closures during slower attendance periods to minimize guest impact—though January visitors are definitely feeling the pinch this year.
What This Means for Guests Planning a Visit
If you’re visiting Disneyland Resort in January or early February, planning ahead is essential. With multiple attractions offline, wait times at remaining rides may increase, especially on weekends.
A few practical tips:
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Prioritize indoor attractions and shows during cooler weather
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Check the official Disneyland app daily for reopening updates
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Consider saving water rides like Grizzly River Run for spring visits
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Use downtime to explore seasonal food offerings or less-traveled park areas
While closures can be frustrating, they’re also what keep Disney attractions running smoothly long-term.
The Bigger Picture for Disneyland in 2026
Taken together, this wave of refurbishments suggests Disneyland is setting the stage for a polished, high-capacity spring and summer season. With major attendance surges expected later in the year—and increasing competition from Universal’s Epic Universe—Disney appears focused on operational readiness.
The visible changes around Grizzly River Run may seem small, but they’re a reminder that even routine maintenance reflects larger logistical decisions happening behind the scenes.
And for fans who notice every detail, that’s half the fun.
What do you think about the Grizzly River Run closure—and the visible rafts this year? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to follow Inside the Magic for the latest Disneyland refurbishment updates, reopening timelines, and park-planning tips.