How ‘Temporary’ Is This Animal Kingdom Attraction Closure?

As we wave goodbye to 2022 and venture ahead into 2023, Walt Disney World barrels headfirst into the new year by closing a handful of attractions for refurbishments.

RELATED: NEW Changes Coming to This Classic Magic Kingdom Attraction, Reopening Soon!

Many Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort super fans already know that January is one of the slower months at a Disney Park.

While the general public is adjusting to the new year, returning to school, and returning to work, Walt Disney World Resort begins closing attractions for refurbishment. Early 2023 is the same, and a handful of attractions are already scheduled to close for refurbishment.

RELATED: Only One Classic ‘Mountain’ Attraction Will Be Open In Magic Kingdom This January

Magic Kingdom’s classic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction is scheduled to close temporarily for slight refurbishments before reopening a few days later. However, its next-door neighbor, Splash Mountain, will be closing permanently and is set to reopen in 2024 as an entirely new log flume attraction.

RELATED: This Classic Disney Attraction Will Be Temporarily Closing In January

Over in Hollywood Studios, the fast-paced Rock’ n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will close in February for refurbishments and is set to reopen in the summer. Nothing is strange about any of these cases; we see this happen in Walt Disney World every year.

However, some fans are concerned about a ride in particular.

RELATED: This Disney Park’s Presidential Attraction Is Closing In January

Animal Kingdom’s Kali River Rapids is set to close on January 9 for refurbishments, and Disney fans are split. Some fans couldn’t care less about the Kali River Rapids because the entire attraction places Guests in the splash zone, and not everybody is interested in cooling off by riding a water ride.

However, some fans are concerned that this temporary closure could become permanent. So far, there’s very little evidence of this happening. However, for an attraction as divisive and less-than-popular as the Kali River Rapids, any assurance Disney may make of its return could easily be doubtful in the eyes of this attraction’s diehard fans.

What do you think will happen to the Kali River Rapids?