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Attraction closures are a necessary part of operating any theme park. And while they are often met with disappointment, whether a refurbishment is taking place during your trip or a beloved attraction has permanently closed, some rides are so divisive that fans may find themselves content with the closure.
Credit: Matthew Cooper – www.thetimethespace.com
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom has had its fair share of divisive attractions, with Primeval Whirl’s permanent closure in 2020 largely met with a positive response from fans and “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” continuing to traumatize Guests (of all ages.)
In Asia, Kali River Rapids comes with a mixed reception from Guests as some love the attraction but others find the theming too subtle or simply do not wish to get wet (or rather, soaked) during their day in the Park.
Credit: Disney Dining
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Animal Kingdom’s wettest attraction closed for its annual refurbishment on January 9, 2023. These refurbishments typically just include routine maintenance on the ride system with no thematic changes in the work for the attraction.
While Kali River Rapids was originally planned to reopen to Guests on March 17, 2023, the ride actually ended up reopening with the theme park this morning on February 27, 2023.
Credit: Paula K
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As of this writing at about 1:00 p.m. wait times have remained low for Kali River Rapids with the line not moving past a 15-minute wait time throughout the morning and afternoon. As expected though, the winter months are typically slow for Disney’s water attractions, and divisive or not, the crowds will almost certainly arrive for Kali River Rapids as the weather warms up.
Disney’s official description of Kali River Rapids reads:
Raft Down a Rip-Roaring River
Skim across an erupting geyser, drift below a canopy of lush vegetation and be whisked along fast-moving rapids. Graze gushing waterfalls and bedrock amid the raging current. Then, as the harmony of nature is disrupted, you’ll plummet down a dramatic 20-foot slope!
We at Disney Tips will continue to monitor updates from Disney’s Animal Kingdom and will report back with more information as we have it.
