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Love It or Hate It, This Divisive Animal Kingdom Attraction Is Closing In January

When compared to the attendance of Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT, Animal Kingdom is arguably the least popular Disney Park at Walt Disney World, which is sort of like being the shortest dwarf.

Each Disney Park is full of delicious food, fun experiences, and that one-of-a-kind Disney magic. While Animal Kingdom is also amazing, it’s also simply visited less often when compared to the other Disney Parks.

Giraffes at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Credit: Disney

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But that doesn’t mean that fans don’t feel strongly about Animal Kingdom attractions. Some rides, such as Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain are well-beloved, while other rides such as the late Primeval Whirl are…less beloved.

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One of the most divisive attractions is the Kali River Rapids. Guests just can’t seem to make their minds up when it comes to this ride. Some Guests love this turbulent adventure, while others detest an entire ride dedicated to being in the splash zone.

Credit: Paula K

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When riding this attraction, the warning isn’t “You may get wet,” but “You will get wet!” Guests might be soaked, but they definitely will be splashed. However you may feel about the splashing, it can’t be denied that this attraction is exciting!

On the official Walt Disney World Resort website, the description of this ride reads:

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!
kali-river-rapids

Credit: Disney Tips

This wishy-washy attraction closed for refurbishment earlier this month on January 9, 2023. But if you’re a fan of this attraction, don’t fret! This closure is only temporary for refurbishment.

Although we know this attraction has been closed for refurbishment since January 9, we currently don’t have a reopening date to look forward to, more specific than “March 2023”. DisneyTips will continue to bring you the latest news on the situation.

About Isabella Reimer

Isabella Reimer grew up visiting Walt Disney World and relocated to Central Florida to be even closer to The Most Magical Place on Earth. She earned her Bachelor’s from Florida State University, where she studied Creative Writing and Women’s Studies. Her biggest hobby is bonding with the ikran at Avatar Flight of Passage, and her retirement plan includes becoming the 1,000 Happy Haunt of the Haunted Mansion.