Disneyland Begins Major Comeback With Ride Reopenings

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Incredicoaster looping through the Pixar Pier sign at Disney California Adventure

Credit: Disney

Disneyland Resort has gone through a pretty heavy stretch of ride closures this year, and if you’ve been following along, you’ve probably noticed how different parts of the parks have felt a little… incomplete. Between refurbishments and temporary shutdowns, it hasn’t exactly been the easiest time to experience everything in one trip. But that’s finally starting to change.

Mickey Mouse stands in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort
Credit: Disney

This month, several attractions are coming back online, and it’s a pretty big deal—especially for areas of the parks that have felt quieter than usual. If you’ve been holding off on a visit or trying to time your trip just right, this wave of reopenings could be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

Let’s walk through what’s reopening, when it’s happening, and why it matters if you’re planning a Disneyland trip soon.

Pixar Pier Starts Feeling Whole Again

Over at Disney California Adventure, Pixar Pier has been one of the areas most affected by closures recently. Guests have still been able to enjoy the land, but it hasn’t quite had that full energy when multiple attractions were down at the same time.

That’s finally changing.

Guests walking through Cars Land at California Adventure
Credit: Disney

One of the biggest reopenings is Toy Story Midway Mania, which is scheduled to return on April 24. This is one of those rides that people tend to circle back to multiple times in a single day. It’s competitive, it’s interactive, and it appeals to just about every age group. When it’s closed, you really feel that gap in the lineup.

Its return should immediately help with crowd flow in the area, giving guests another major attraction to absorb wait times and spread people out more evenly across the pier.

A Fan-Favorite Family Ride Returns in May

While April brings a big reopening, May is delivering one that’s especially meaningful for families visiting the park.

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind is set to reopen on May 31 after being closed since February.

This attraction may not be the headliner that draws massive lines all day, but it plays a really important role in the park. It’s one of those rides that younger kids can enjoy without any stress, and it gives families a break from the bigger, more intense attractions nearby.

Emotional Whirlwind
Credit: Disney

The ride takes guests on a gentle spin through the world inspired by Inside Out (2015), making it colorful, easygoing, and perfect for a slower-paced moment during the day. When it’s unavailable, families tend to feel that absence more than you might expect.

Its return at the end of May will help round out Pixar Pier again, especially as summer crowds begin to build.

Jungle Cruise Makes Its Comeback

Over in Disneyland Park, another major reopening is happening—and this one has a much broader impact.

Jungle Cruise is also set to reopen on April 24 after closing for refurbishment earlier this year.

This is one of those classic attractions that draws a steady stream of guests from park open to park close. It’s not just popular—it’s reliable. When it’s running, it helps keep Adventureland moving. When it’s closed, wait times across nearby attractions tend to climb.

A Jungle Cruise boat approached the unloading platform at Disneyland.
Credit: Justin Ennis, Flickr

The return of Jungle Cruise should help balance things out again, especially as more visitors head into the parks for spring and early summer trips.

And let’s be honest—this is one of those rides people always want to experience at least once per visit. The skippers, the jokes, the atmosphere—it’s part of what makes Disneyland feel like Disneyland.

The Bigger Picture: Timing Matters

What makes this round of reopenings especially interesting is the timing.

These attractions aren’t just coming back randomly—they’re returning right as Disneyland starts heading into a busier stretch of the year. Spring break crowds roll into summer crowds pretty quickly, and having more rides available makes a noticeable difference in how manageable the parks feel.

With Toy Story Midway Mania and Jungle Cruise both reopening in April, followed by Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind at the end of May, you’re looking at a steady rollout that builds momentum rather than hitting all at once.

A little boy and a little girl smile while wearing 3D glasses on Toy Story Midway Mania.
Credit: Disney

That kind of pacing helps the resort gradually return to full capacity without overwhelming operations or guests.

Not Everything Is Back Yet

While these reopenings are great news, it’s worth noting that not every attraction is ready to return just yet.

A few notable rides are still closed with no confirmed reopening dates, including Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, and the Disneyland Monorail.

Disneyland monorail
Credit: Disney

On top of that, Silly Symphony Swings is scheduled to close on April 27, adding another temporary gap to Disney California Adventure’s lineup.

So while things are improving, the parks aren’t fully back to normal just yet. It’s more of a transition period, where some areas are reopening while others are still going through updates.

Why This Matters for Your Trip

If you’re planning a visit, these reopening dates can actually make a big difference in how you build your itinerary.

Traveling before April 24 means missing out on two major attractions returning at the same time. Visiting between late April and late May gives you access to most of the returning rides, but you’ll still be waiting on Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind.

If you can push your trip into June, though, you’ll likely see the most complete version of these areas, especially at Pixar Pier.

It really comes down to what kind of experience you’re looking for. If having as many attractions open as possible is your priority, waiting just a little longer could pay off.

Disneyland Is Rebuilding Its Ride Lineup

After a stretch filled with closures, Disneyland is clearly working its way back toward a more complete experience.

Brightly colored water fountains light up at night during World of Color beneath a Ferris wheel with a large Mickey Mouse face in the center at Disney California Adventure Park.
Credit: Disney

These reopenings aren’t just about bringing rides back—they’re about restoring the overall flow of the parks. When multiple attractions are down, everything feels tighter. Lines get longer. Walkways get more crowded. The energy shifts.

Bringing these rides back helps reset that balance.

And with more reopenings likely on the way later this year, this feels like the start of a much bigger return to form for the resort.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to plan your trip, this month might be the turning point.

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