Disneyland has announced the reopening of six popular attractions ahead of the bustling Christmas holiday season, which is known as one of the busiest times of the year for the Anaheim theme park. The selected attractions will resume operations on November 14, 2023, coinciding with the start of the winter holiday festivities at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
Among the returning attractions are It’s a Small World, Storybook Land Canal Boats, Casey Jr. Circus Train, and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. These rides will join Big Thunder Mountain and Mickey’s PhilharMagic, both of which reopened recently following extended refurbishments.
Attractions Enhanced for Holiday Crowds
The reopening of the Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train comes after an extensive refurbishment that began in July. Notably, a new 10-foot-tall Rapunzel’s Tower will be introduced in the Storybook Land Canal Boats attraction, adding to the charm of the beloved ride.
Additionally, It’s a Small World will be back in operation after its annual transformation into holiday mode, delighting visitors with festive decorations. Meanwhile, the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail will resume normal operations following the removal of its Halloween overlay, allowing guests to enjoy the natural environment once more.
Not all attractions will be available during the holiday period, as some will have intermittent closures. The Sailing Ship Columbia and Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes will be out of operation from November 12 to 13 and November 17 to 20. Furthermore, the popular nighttime show Fantasmic will not be held on selected dates, including November 12-13 and December 1-4, among others.
Extended Closures and Future Plans
The Disneyland character meet-and-greet area will also experience closures, with a longer pause scheduled from December 7 to 24. The Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln show has been closed since April and is not expected to return until fall 2026, coinciding with the end of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
In the interim, the new attraction Walt Disney — A Magical Life, which debuted in July, will be running solo before it eventually rotates with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln in Disneyland’s Main Street Opera House.
As Disneyland prepares for the influx of holiday visitors, the reopening of these attractions aims to enhance the guest experience and help manage the anticipated crowds. The festive season at Disneyland promises to be filled with joy, wonder, and new experiences for families and visitors alike.
