Breaking: Disneyland is moving fast to reshape early 2026. A slate of headline attractions will close for scheduled updates starting January 5, and a sharp winter ticket deal hits at the same time. If you are planning a trip, here is what changes, what stays open, and how to win your visit.
What is closing, and when
Disneyland Resort has confirmed the first wave of winter refurbishments. These are planned, time-bound closures that fall in the slower season. They will still touch some of the biggest names in both parks.
- January 5, 2026: Incredicoaster, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, and Grizzly River Run close for updates.
- January 12, 2026: Haunted Mansion closes to remove its holiday overlay. Lamplight Lounge also goes dark for refurbishment.
- January 20, 2026: Star Wars, Rise of the Resistance, begins maintenance. The resort is targeting a mid February reopening, possibly before Presidents’ Day.
The timing is tight and deliberate. Water rides rest when the weather is cool. Seasonal overlays come down in January. And high-tech rides get a tune-up before spring demand returns.
Dates can shift. Check the Disneyland app the morning of your visit for live status and return-to-service times.
Should you go during the discount window?
Disneyland is rolling out a winter ticket promotion with prices as low as 68 dollars per day on select dates. That is the kind of price that changes a family budget. The tradeoff is fewer marquee rides, plus some construction walls.
Here is the calculus. If Rise of the Resistance or Haunted Mansion is your must-do, push your trip to late February or March. If you want shorter waits, softer crowds, and real savings, the promotion is a smart play. Many classics remain open. Entertainment usually runs on weekends. Hotel rates are often more forgiving.
Book park hopper. With a few headliners down, the freedom to pivot between parks adds real value and saves time.
What is open, and what you should prioritize
This is not a bare-bones season. Far from it. Disneyland Park still offers a deep bench. Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones Adventure, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and the Fantasyland dark rides form a strong core. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway continues to move lines with high capacity.
Across at Disney California Adventure, you still get Radiator Springs Racers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Mission Breakout, Soarin’ Around the World, and Web Slingers. Pixar Pal-A-Round and Animation Academy fill gaps with easy wins. And Buena Vista Street is a mellow reset between rides.
If Rise is closed during your dates, pivot to a Galaxy’s Edge food-first plan. A Ronto Wrap, some blue milk, the Millennium Falcon queue, and the Mando walk-around can scratch the Star Wars itch.
- Top winter targets: Radiator Springs Racers, Space Mountain, Guardians of the Galaxy, Pirates, Runaway Railway.
Nighttime spectaculars can change by season. Check showtimes a week out, then again the day of your visit.
A fan milestone that explains why this place endures
Amid the operations shuffle, Disneyland delivered a feel-good moment. On December 8, 2025, superfan Jon Alan Hale logged his 15,000th lap on Radiator Springs Racers. He has tracked rides for years, often stacking double-digit runs in a day. Cast cheered, guests clapped, and Cars Land felt like a small town with a big heart. It is a reminder that this resort is more than ride counts. It is ritual, community, and memory, one lap at a time. 🚗
How to plan your day around closures
Arrive early. Rope drop remains the best tool in the park. Start with a high-capacity hit like Runaway Railway or Racers, then move to Space Mountain or Guardians. Use the app to steer toward posted waits under 30 minutes. Eat at off hours. Book Lamplight alternatives now, since its closure will push demand to Carthay Circle and Wine Country Trattoria.
Disney Genie Plus can still help, but value grows when more headliners are open. During refurb season, focus on time savers you will actually use, not the full slate you imagine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which rides will be closed in early January 2026?
A: Incredicoaster, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, and Grizzly River Run close January 5. Haunted Mansion and Lamplight Lounge close January 12. Rise of the Resistance goes down January 20.
Q: When will Rise of the Resistance reopen?
A: The target is mid February. The resort aims to have it back by Presidents’ Day if work stays on track.
Q: Are the discounted tickets worth it?
A: Yes if you value lower prices and lighter crowds. Wait if your trip hinges on a specific closed headliner.
Q: What can I do if Haunted Mansion is closed?
A: Hit Pirates, Big Thunder, and Runaway Railway. Explore New Orleans Square, grab beignets, and plan for Mansion’s classic return later in winter.
Q: Will water rides be open?
A: Grizzly River Run closes January 5 for the season’s work. Expect Splash Mountain’s successor timeline to follow separate plans, and check the app for timing.
Strong close, clear path. If you visit during the deal window, you can save money and still have a full day, even with a few stars off the marquee. Disneyland is getting tune-ups now to shine brighter by spring, and the magic between the rides is still very much alive.
