Disney is such a magical place for so many reasons — the views, the nostalgia, and of course, the food! However, for many of us, the most exciting part of Disney — like any other theme park — are the rides and attractions!
Mine Train!
Lots of new and exciting things are coming to Disney in 2023, and we know many of you are planning your trip around those opening dates. However, be careful, because there’s something else you should be wary of when planning your trip.
Like anywhere else, Disney closes numerous rides and attractions throughout the parks for routine maintenance and upkeep — so that park visitors like us can be safe and enjoy the rides the same way we did when they were brand new.
There are several ride and attraction closures happening in 2023, and we’ve listed them all out for you! While most of them are expected to open again some time this year, just make sure you’re aware of those dates when planning so that you aren’t disappointed when you arrive. The good news is, many of these closures will be easy to avoid depending on when you’re planning a park visit.
Magic Kingdom Attraction Closures
Although Magic Kingdom doesn’t have many planned closures for 2023, it does have one of the longest planned closures.
Splash Mountain
As many of you already know, Splash Mountain permanently closed on January 23rd, 2023.
Splash Mountain
Although we were sad to say goodbye, the same flume-type ride is currently being reimagined to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which is set to open in late 2024!
Merida Meet & Greet
Though it is not a ride, we do want to mention that the Merida meet-and-greet location in Magic Kingdom closed to make way for a new offering. The space that was home to Merida’s meet-and-greet has been “transformed with whimsical decor inspired by La Familia Madrigal,” where guests can now meet Mirabel from Encanto!
Merida meets at the Gazebo now
The good news is that Merida is now meeting guests at the Liberty Square Enchanted Glade Gazebo. (It’s the gazebo near Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe!)
Check out Merida’s NEW Meet-and-Greet spot HERE!
Hollywood Studios Attraction Closures
Voyage Of The Little Mermaid — UPDATE BELOW!
This live show featuring special effects, music, and characters from The Little Mermaid is an attraction that never made a return after park-closures in 2020. There is still no re-opening date set in place.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
UPDATE: Disney announced in December 2023 that a NEW show — “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” — is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Fall 2024! It’s also been confirmed that Voyage of the Little Mermaid is permanently closed in Disney World.
Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Ever since the water parks first reopened, the Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon Water Parks have been operating on opposite schedules. When one opens, the other one immediately closes. Currently, Blizzard Beach is open, which means that Typhoon Lagoon is closed right now.
Typhoon Lagoon
There ya have it! Those are all of the 2023 attractions closures happening at Disney World — that we know of. Here at DFB we keep an eye out for things like this, so make sure to follow along for news and updates regarding all things Disney World and Disneyland!
Just like the attractions sometimes close, the resort pools do too! There’s a full list of Disney World pool closures that you can check out by clicking the link below.
Click here to see 2023 Disney World Pool Closures
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