Journey refurbishments and short-term attraction closures are a truth of life on the Disney Parks. Ditto downtime and delays, which occur all through the day and could be irritating as a result of they’re unplanned and unannounced. This replace covers a mixture of these issues, with an emphasis on the upcoming Radiator Springs Racers refurbishment at Disney California Journey.
As mirrored in latest updates to the 2025 Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar, elevated upkeep has been occurring after a couple of years of lighter refurbishment schedules. This winter was jam-packed with closures–together with excessive profile sights in the course of the coronary heart of Spring Break season–as Disney tried to get the parks in tip-top form earlier than the beginning of Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary celebration.
This most likely isn’t going to win me any buddies, however I feel Disneyland must be including much more sights to the closure calendar. There are quite a few rides which were experiencing above-average downtime, and others which might be working however not show-ready. The rationale for that is that preventative upkeep was not occurring because it ought to–which is the ‘better of each worlds’ answer, because it means in a single day work that has minimal impression to company. I assume that’s what occurs if you let go of a bunch of old-timers who held the institutional data and lived-experience mandatory to keep up and repair so many of those legacy sights! (However I digress…)
Anyway, at this time’s large information is that the top-rated Automobiles Land attraction at Disney California Journey shall be briefly closing in a few months for routine upkeep. The Radiator Springs Racers refurbishment will begin on August 18, 2025 and the Automobiles Land attraction shall be closed for a little bit over one month.
Sadly, Disney has not but specified a reopening date but, which means it’s attainable the precise period of the closure just isn’t but recognized. You additionally may notice that the refurbishment has not but been added to the official attraction web page for Radiator Springs Racers. It’s unclear why this has but to occur, however this closure may be very a lot on the inner calendar. This has been formally confirmed with Disney–it’s not merely a rumor.
The refurbishment of Radiator Springs Racers is claimed to be a regular one, with a scope of labor together with however not restricted to trace resurfacing, lighting upgrades, and audio/visible updates. Late final month, Disneyland filed a development allow to improve all present lighting to LED fixtures for Radiator Springs Racers, and likewise improve different audio, video, and community updates all through the attraction.
Since 2022, Radiator Springs Racers has closed for 4 separate refurbishments, together with 2 in 2023. The Automobiles Land headliner final closed for a quick refurbishment from February 26-March 1 final 12 months, and was down from August 18-27 in 2023.
Prior to those 4 refurbishments, Radiator Springs Racers solely had one scheduled closure–a three-day stretch in 2013–throughout its first decade of operations. In fact, it’s not unusual for newer rides to not want as a lot upkeep, however the change is however notable.
The refurbishment of Radiator Spring Racers could be notable regardless of when it had been taking place. There’s a cause why it’s our #1 experience in DCA and #5 in all of Disneyland Resort on our Record Rating All 68 Points of interest at Disneyland & California Journey. Truthfully, #5 may be a bit too low, nevertheless it’s laborious to beat the OGs at Disneyland.
Radiator Springs Racers is without doubt one of the few sights I make some extent of doing each single go to. That’s taking place a bit much less now that we’ve got a toddler, however the Single Rider line is a large win for us, particularly throughout vacationer season when decrease tier APs are blocked out.
On this case, the closure of Radiator Springs Racers is much more notable as a result of it’s taking place proper earlier than Halloween Time at Disneyland begins on August 22, 2025. Granted, that seasonal occasion has been moved ahead strategically in order that it now begins as faculties return into session throughout what was beforehand low season, however what we noticed final 12 months was elevated attendance all through August and into early September resulting from Halloween Time and ticket offers. Fortunately, the Disneyland seventieth Anniversary Ticket Deal ends August 14, 2025…however the Loopy-Good Costco Ticket Deal doesn’t!
Because of the RSR refurbishment, it’s attainable that ‘appears like’ crowds shall be increased in the course of the first month of Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Social gathering dates. Radiator Springs Racers helps tremendously with absorbing crowds throughout that arduous ticket occasion, and until Disneyland adjusts ticket gross sales downward, that might current a difficulty. Simply one thing to pay attention to when selecting your dates for that occasion.
On an analogous notice, the identical will happen with wait occasions all through Disney California Journey throughout every day ops. It’s not simply us–Radiator Springs Racers is way and away the preferred experience at DCA. Throughout this refurbishment, wait occasions will improve throughout the board by a couple of minutes, with a disproportionate impression at Incredicoaster, Soarin’ and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!
Talking of these particular rides, we’ve got extra to share on stealth refurbishments, downtime & delays at DCA…
You may recall that earlier this 12 months, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! was closed for a few week throughout Spring Break.
Whereas the scope of labor was by no means revealed, we all know what it was/relies on a allow Disney filed for the challenge. That concerned the substitute of brake and drive management cupboards throughout all shafts, in addition to further work in one of many shafts. It’s unclear how lengthy this may take, however primarily based on the outline, it sounded to us like a challenge that might final a number of weeks–if not months. Regardless of that, it was scheduled for a closure of lower than per week. One thing didn’t add up.
We additionally cautioned that work may proceed to be completed in phases whereas the experience is operational. It’s solely attainable to take one shaft down at a time for a ‘stealth’ refurbishment, which is strictly what Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World acquired a few years in the past. It decreases experience capability, nevertheless it retains the attraction operational. It was attainable that operations needed Mission Breakout open for the busy spring break season, so that they did per week of downtime adopted by nonetheless lengthy it takes of a stealth refurbishment.
Now we all know this was correct. Throughout the previous couple of weeks, we’ve run into a couple of points with delays at Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! Truthfully, I’m undecided when, precisely, this began. I spent lots of time in Florida in March and April, so we hadn’t been going to Disneyland as a lot till the seventieth began.
Since then, I’ve observed one elevator shaft has been down on Mission Breakout with regularity. The rationale I need to carry this to your consideration is that so you already know why common wait occasions have elevated for Mission Breakout, and together with that, why Lightning Lane availability is tougher and aggressive. Not solely that, however posted wait occasions are prone to be correct and never inflated.
If something, posted wait occasions really may be understated. Simply yesterday, I used to be doing Early Entry area testing and made the error of beginning at Mission Breakout. When this experience is firing on all cylinders and working all shafts, that is the way in which to go. You’ll be able to stroll proper on and doubtlessly be completed rapidly sufficient to then do Net Slingers earlier than beating the rope drop rush to Radiator Springs Racers. (This requires luck and pace–attempt at your individual threat.)
Regardless of being in the direction of the entrance of the Early Entry pack yesterday, Mission Breakout most undoubtedly was not a walk-on. It is because one elevator shaft has down for the stealth refurbishment, and one other had damaged down. Ouch.
As an alternative of being a walk-on, it was an virtually 30 minute wait, and my group wasn’t off till virtually 8 am. After we acquired off Mission Breakout, the posted wait time had ballooned to 65 minutes. Meaning on-site company who acquired up early had been “rewarded” with a wait time on par with some random time in mid-afternoon.
If persevering with to Radiator Springs Racers, we’d’ve been behind the rope drop rush, so this stealth refurbishment threw a critical monkey wrench into the morning plan. And sadly, there was no straightforward pivot. Net Slingers most likely would’ve been the perfect play resulting from proximity.
Soarin’ additionally had an extended wait as a result of it’s also present process a stealth refurbishment to one in all its theaters.
This isn’t actually a brand new improvement, and actually, I’m not even certain whether or not “stealth refurbishment” is the suitable time period right here. It looks like Soarin’ has regularly had one theater out of fee for the final two years. I keep in mind when formulating our authentic Lightning Lane Multi-Move Rankings at DCA, we positioned Soarin’ close to the highest resulting from this. It’s laborious to say whether or not upkeep groups are actively engaged on the theater or what, precisely, is going on.
Both method, it’s once more price drawing your consideration to as a result of Soarin’s wait occasions can balloon consequently. It additionally means they’re extra prone to be correct, and that LLMP availability is prone to be decrease. Lastly, I’d simply add that–subjectively–Mission Breakout and Soarin’ are two of the extra excruciating rides to expertise at diminished capability. Even when each are at 100% capability, I really feel like the road can transfer glacially gradual, with unexpectedly lengthy waits (together with by way of the Lightning Lane) should you get unfortunate with load cycles. Maybe I’m simply extremely impatient, however this feels interminably lengthy once they’re in ‘stealth refurbishment’ mode. I received’t be doing both till they’re working at full tilt.
Bringing issues full circle, my Early Entry and cord drop run method at DCA yesterday was to (attempt to) hit the mid-morning lull at Radiator Springs Racers. One other terrible thought!
As an alternative of hitting a lull, I encountered the longest posted wait time of the day–125 minutes–and Solid Members closing the queue to new company coming into (however not dumping it) resulting from technical difficulties. I’m undecided how this performed out after I left (the rope drop run was an irredeemable misplaced trigger at this level, so I simply gave up), nevertheless it kind of underscored the why of this Radiator Springs Racers refurbishment.
It was a tough morning at DCA, albeit one redeemed for us by Redwood Creek Problem Path and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Reside!, two sights which might be rapidly rising up our Disneyland energy rankings. Regardless, hopefully this unofficial experience refurbishment and the stealth ones handle these points and make for a smoother visitor expertise.
Lastly, in a tangentially-related Automobiles Land information, the walkway between Radiator Springs Racers and Avengers Campus is blocked by two units of development partitions. The realm between the 2 lands is out of fee for the growth of Avengers Campus that’ll add two new sights. The partitions blocking this path are anticipated to stay till someday in 2026.
The trail in query connects Avengers Campus to Automobiles Land proper by Radiator Springs Curios and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters. It’s additionally close to the new-ish Crimson’s Group Backyard overflow seating space for the Cozy Cones (making an attempt to cram as a lot previously-uncovered information into this one replace!).
In much more vaguely-connected Automobiles land (lowercase “l”) information, Imagineers have lastly pulled again the curtain on the Inspiration for Automobiles Land in Magic Kingdom, which is about in Piston Peak Nationwide Park (from “Planes”) versus Radiator Springs, and shall be primarily based on the Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. It’ll additionally characteristic a deep minimize character with a DCA connection: Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Ideas for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Study on-site and off-site inns in our Anaheim Resort Evaluations & Rankings. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Evaluations. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Trip Planning Information. Lastly, for guides past Disney, take a look at our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Seaside, and tons of different locations!
Your Ideas
What do you consider the Radiator Springs Racers experience refurbishment? Disillusioned that it coincides with the beginning of Halloween Time at Disneyland, or do you suppose the post-summer “low season” is the perfect time for such downtime? Have you ever skilled stealth refurbishments at Soarin or Mission Breakout? Run into downtime & delays at DCA? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
Journey refurbishments and short-term attraction closures are a truth of life on the Disney Parks. Ditto downtime and delays, which occur all through the day and could be irritating as a result of they’re unplanned and unannounced. This replace covers a mixture of these issues, with an emphasis on the upcoming Radiator Springs Racers refurbishment at Disney California Journey.
As mirrored in latest updates to the 2025 Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar, elevated upkeep has been occurring after a couple of years of lighter refurbishment schedules. This winter was jam-packed with closures–together with excessive profile sights in the course of the coronary heart of Spring Break season–as Disney tried to get the parks in tip-top form earlier than the beginning of Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary celebration.
This most likely isn’t going to win me any buddies, however I feel Disneyland must be including much more sights to the closure calendar. There are quite a few rides which were experiencing above-average downtime, and others which might be working however not show-ready. The rationale for that is that preventative upkeep was not occurring because it ought to–which is the ‘better of each worlds’ answer, because it means in a single day work that has minimal impression to company. I assume that’s what occurs if you let go of a bunch of old-timers who held the institutional data and lived-experience mandatory to keep up and repair so many of those legacy sights! (However I digress…)
Anyway, at this time’s large information is that the top-rated Automobiles Land attraction at Disney California Journey shall be briefly closing in a few months for routine upkeep. The Radiator Springs Racers refurbishment will begin on August 18, 2025 and the Automobiles Land attraction shall be closed for a little bit over one month.
Sadly, Disney has not but specified a reopening date but, which means it’s attainable the precise period of the closure just isn’t but recognized. You additionally may notice that the refurbishment has not but been added to the official attraction web page for Radiator Springs Racers. It’s unclear why this has but to occur, however this closure may be very a lot on the inner calendar. This has been formally confirmed with Disney–it’s not merely a rumor.
The refurbishment of Radiator Springs Racers is claimed to be a regular one, with a scope of labor together with however not restricted to trace resurfacing, lighting upgrades, and audio/visible updates. Late final month, Disneyland filed a development allow to improve all present lighting to LED fixtures for Radiator Springs Racers, and likewise improve different audio, video, and community updates all through the attraction.
Since 2022, Radiator Springs Racers has closed for 4 separate refurbishments, together with 2 in 2023. The Automobiles Land headliner final closed for a quick refurbishment from February 26-March 1 final 12 months, and was down from August 18-27 in 2023.
Prior to those 4 refurbishments, Radiator Springs Racers solely had one scheduled closure–a three-day stretch in 2013–throughout its first decade of operations. In fact, it’s not unusual for newer rides to not want as a lot upkeep, however the change is however notable.
The refurbishment of Radiator Spring Racers could be notable regardless of when it had been taking place. There’s a cause why it’s our #1 experience in DCA and #5 in all of Disneyland Resort on our Record Rating All 68 Points of interest at Disneyland & California Journey. Truthfully, #5 may be a bit too low, nevertheless it’s laborious to beat the OGs at Disneyland.
Radiator Springs Racers is without doubt one of the few sights I make some extent of doing each single go to. That’s taking place a bit much less now that we’ve got a toddler, however the Single Rider line is a large win for us, particularly throughout vacationer season when decrease tier APs are blocked out.
On this case, the closure of Radiator Springs Racers is much more notable as a result of it’s taking place proper earlier than Halloween Time at Disneyland begins on August 22, 2025. Granted, that seasonal occasion has been moved ahead strategically in order that it now begins as faculties return into session throughout what was beforehand low season, however what we noticed final 12 months was elevated attendance all through August and into early September resulting from Halloween Time and ticket offers. Fortunately, the Disneyland seventieth Anniversary Ticket Deal ends August 14, 2025…however the Loopy-Good Costco Ticket Deal doesn’t!
Because of the RSR refurbishment, it’s attainable that ‘appears like’ crowds shall be increased in the course of the first month of Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Social gathering dates. Radiator Springs Racers helps tremendously with absorbing crowds throughout that arduous ticket occasion, and until Disneyland adjusts ticket gross sales downward, that might current a difficulty. Simply one thing to pay attention to when selecting your dates for that occasion.
On an analogous notice, the identical will happen with wait occasions all through Disney California Journey throughout every day ops. It’s not simply us–Radiator Springs Racers is way and away the preferred experience at DCA. Throughout this refurbishment, wait occasions will improve throughout the board by a couple of minutes, with a disproportionate impression at Incredicoaster, Soarin’ and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!
Talking of these particular rides, we’ve got extra to share on stealth refurbishments, downtime & delays at DCA…
You may recall that earlier this 12 months, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! was closed for a few week throughout Spring Break.
Whereas the scope of labor was by no means revealed, we all know what it was/relies on a allow Disney filed for the challenge. That concerned the substitute of brake and drive management cupboards throughout all shafts, in addition to further work in one of many shafts. It’s unclear how lengthy this may take, however primarily based on the outline, it sounded to us like a challenge that might final a number of weeks–if not months. Regardless of that, it was scheduled for a closure of lower than per week. One thing didn’t add up.
We additionally cautioned that work may proceed to be completed in phases whereas the experience is operational. It’s solely attainable to take one shaft down at a time for a ‘stealth’ refurbishment, which is strictly what Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World acquired a few years in the past. It decreases experience capability, nevertheless it retains the attraction operational. It was attainable that operations needed Mission Breakout open for the busy spring break season, so that they did per week of downtime adopted by nonetheless lengthy it takes of a stealth refurbishment.
Now we all know this was correct. Throughout the previous couple of weeks, we’ve run into a couple of points with delays at Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! Truthfully, I’m undecided when, precisely, this began. I spent lots of time in Florida in March and April, so we hadn’t been going to Disneyland as a lot till the seventieth began.
Since then, I’ve observed one elevator shaft has been down on Mission Breakout with regularity. The rationale I need to carry this to your consideration is that so you already know why common wait occasions have elevated for Mission Breakout, and together with that, why Lightning Lane availability is tougher and aggressive. Not solely that, however posted wait occasions are prone to be correct and never inflated.
If something, posted wait occasions really may be understated. Simply yesterday, I used to be doing Early Entry area testing and made the error of beginning at Mission Breakout. When this experience is firing on all cylinders and working all shafts, that is the way in which to go. You’ll be able to stroll proper on and doubtlessly be completed rapidly sufficient to then do Net Slingers earlier than beating the rope drop rush to Radiator Springs Racers. (This requires luck and pace–attempt at your individual threat.)
Regardless of being in the direction of the entrance of the Early Entry pack yesterday, Mission Breakout most undoubtedly was not a walk-on. It is because one elevator shaft has down for the stealth refurbishment, and one other had damaged down. Ouch.
As an alternative of being a walk-on, it was an virtually 30 minute wait, and my group wasn’t off till virtually 8 am. After we acquired off Mission Breakout, the posted wait time had ballooned to 65 minutes. Meaning on-site company who acquired up early had been “rewarded” with a wait time on par with some random time in mid-afternoon.
If persevering with to Radiator Springs Racers, we’d’ve been behind the rope drop rush, so this stealth refurbishment threw a critical monkey wrench into the morning plan. And sadly, there was no straightforward pivot. Net Slingers most likely would’ve been the perfect play resulting from proximity.
Soarin’ additionally had an extended wait as a result of it’s also present process a stealth refurbishment to one in all its theaters.
This isn’t actually a brand new improvement, and actually, I’m not even certain whether or not “stealth refurbishment” is the suitable time period right here. It looks like Soarin’ has regularly had one theater out of fee for the final two years. I keep in mind when formulating our authentic Lightning Lane Multi-Move Rankings at DCA, we positioned Soarin’ close to the highest resulting from this. It’s laborious to say whether or not upkeep groups are actively engaged on the theater or what, precisely, is going on.
Both method, it’s once more price drawing your consideration to as a result of Soarin’s wait occasions can balloon consequently. It additionally means they’re extra prone to be correct, and that LLMP availability is prone to be decrease. Lastly, I’d simply add that–subjectively–Mission Breakout and Soarin’ are two of the extra excruciating rides to expertise at diminished capability. Even when each are at 100% capability, I really feel like the road can transfer glacially gradual, with unexpectedly lengthy waits (together with by way of the Lightning Lane) should you get unfortunate with load cycles. Maybe I’m simply extremely impatient, however this feels interminably lengthy once they’re in ‘stealth refurbishment’ mode. I received’t be doing both till they’re working at full tilt.
Bringing issues full circle, my Early Entry and cord drop run method at DCA yesterday was to (attempt to) hit the mid-morning lull at Radiator Springs Racers. One other terrible thought!
As an alternative of hitting a lull, I encountered the longest posted wait time of the day–125 minutes–and Solid Members closing the queue to new company coming into (however not dumping it) resulting from technical difficulties. I’m undecided how this performed out after I left (the rope drop run was an irredeemable misplaced trigger at this level, so I simply gave up), nevertheless it kind of underscored the why of this Radiator Springs Racers refurbishment.
It was a tough morning at DCA, albeit one redeemed for us by Redwood Creek Problem Path and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Reside!, two sights which might be rapidly rising up our Disneyland energy rankings. Regardless, hopefully this unofficial experience refurbishment and the stealth ones handle these points and make for a smoother visitor expertise.
Lastly, in a tangentially-related Automobiles Land information, the walkway between Radiator Springs Racers and Avengers Campus is blocked by two units of development partitions. The realm between the 2 lands is out of fee for the growth of Avengers Campus that’ll add two new sights. The partitions blocking this path are anticipated to stay till someday in 2026.
The trail in query connects Avengers Campus to Automobiles Land proper by Radiator Springs Curios and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters. It’s additionally close to the new-ish Crimson’s Group Backyard overflow seating space for the Cozy Cones (making an attempt to cram as a lot previously-uncovered information into this one replace!).
In much more vaguely-connected Automobiles land (lowercase “l”) information, Imagineers have lastly pulled again the curtain on the Inspiration for Automobiles Land in Magic Kingdom, which is about in Piston Peak Nationwide Park (from “Planes”) versus Radiator Springs, and shall be primarily based on the Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. It’ll additionally characteristic a deep minimize character with a DCA connection: Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Ideas for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Study on-site and off-site inns in our Anaheim Resort Evaluations & Rankings. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Evaluations. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Trip Planning Information. Lastly, for guides past Disney, take a look at our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Seaside, and tons of different locations!
Your Ideas
What do you consider the Radiator Springs Racers experience refurbishment? Disillusioned that it coincides with the beginning of Halloween Time at Disneyland, or do you suppose the post-summer “low season” is the perfect time for such downtime? Have you ever skilled stealth refurbishments at Soarin or Mission Breakout? Run into downtime & delays at DCA? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
Journey refurbishments and short-term attraction closures are a truth of life on the Disney Parks. Ditto downtime and delays, which occur all through the day and could be irritating as a result of they’re unplanned and unannounced. This replace covers a mixture of these issues, with an emphasis on the upcoming Radiator Springs Racers refurbishment at Disney California Journey.
As mirrored in latest updates to the 2025 Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar, elevated upkeep has been occurring after a couple of years of lighter refurbishment schedules. This winter was jam-packed with closures–together with excessive profile sights in the course of the coronary heart of Spring Break season–as Disney tried to get the parks in tip-top form earlier than the beginning of Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary celebration.
This most likely isn’t going to win me any buddies, however I feel Disneyland must be including much more sights to the closure calendar. There are quite a few rides which were experiencing above-average downtime, and others which might be working however not show-ready. The rationale for that is that preventative upkeep was not occurring because it ought to–which is the ‘better of each worlds’ answer, because it means in a single day work that has minimal impression to company. I assume that’s what occurs if you let go of a bunch of old-timers who held the institutional data and lived-experience mandatory to keep up and repair so many of those legacy sights! (However I digress…)
Anyway, at this time’s large information is that the top-rated Automobiles Land attraction at Disney California Journey shall be briefly closing in a few months for routine upkeep. The Radiator Springs Racers refurbishment will begin on August 18, 2025 and the Automobiles Land attraction shall be closed for a little bit over one month.
Sadly, Disney has not but specified a reopening date but, which means it’s attainable the precise period of the closure just isn’t but recognized. You additionally may notice that the refurbishment has not but been added to the official attraction web page for Radiator Springs Racers. It’s unclear why this has but to occur, however this closure may be very a lot on the inner calendar. This has been formally confirmed with Disney–it’s not merely a rumor.
The refurbishment of Radiator Springs Racers is claimed to be a regular one, with a scope of labor together with however not restricted to trace resurfacing, lighting upgrades, and audio/visible updates. Late final month, Disneyland filed a development allow to improve all present lighting to LED fixtures for Radiator Springs Racers, and likewise improve different audio, video, and community updates all through the attraction.
Since 2022, Radiator Springs Racers has closed for 4 separate refurbishments, together with 2 in 2023. The Automobiles Land headliner final closed for a quick refurbishment from February 26-March 1 final 12 months, and was down from August 18-27 in 2023.
Prior to those 4 refurbishments, Radiator Springs Racers solely had one scheduled closure–a three-day stretch in 2013–throughout its first decade of operations. In fact, it’s not unusual for newer rides to not want as a lot upkeep, however the change is however notable.
The refurbishment of Radiator Spring Racers could be notable regardless of when it had been taking place. There’s a cause why it’s our #1 experience in DCA and #5 in all of Disneyland Resort on our Record Rating All 68 Points of interest at Disneyland & California Journey. Truthfully, #5 may be a bit too low, nevertheless it’s laborious to beat the OGs at Disneyland.
Radiator Springs Racers is without doubt one of the few sights I make some extent of doing each single go to. That’s taking place a bit much less now that we’ve got a toddler, however the Single Rider line is a large win for us, particularly throughout vacationer season when decrease tier APs are blocked out.
On this case, the closure of Radiator Springs Racers is much more notable as a result of it’s taking place proper earlier than Halloween Time at Disneyland begins on August 22, 2025. Granted, that seasonal occasion has been moved ahead strategically in order that it now begins as faculties return into session throughout what was beforehand low season, however what we noticed final 12 months was elevated attendance all through August and into early September resulting from Halloween Time and ticket offers. Fortunately, the Disneyland seventieth Anniversary Ticket Deal ends August 14, 2025…however the Loopy-Good Costco Ticket Deal doesn’t!
Because of the RSR refurbishment, it’s attainable that ‘appears like’ crowds shall be increased in the course of the first month of Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Social gathering dates. Radiator Springs Racers helps tremendously with absorbing crowds throughout that arduous ticket occasion, and until Disneyland adjusts ticket gross sales downward, that might current a difficulty. Simply one thing to pay attention to when selecting your dates for that occasion.
On an analogous notice, the identical will happen with wait occasions all through Disney California Journey throughout every day ops. It’s not simply us–Radiator Springs Racers is way and away the preferred experience at DCA. Throughout this refurbishment, wait occasions will improve throughout the board by a couple of minutes, with a disproportionate impression at Incredicoaster, Soarin’ and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!
Talking of these particular rides, we’ve got extra to share on stealth refurbishments, downtime & delays at DCA…
You may recall that earlier this 12 months, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! was closed for a few week throughout Spring Break.
Whereas the scope of labor was by no means revealed, we all know what it was/relies on a allow Disney filed for the challenge. That concerned the substitute of brake and drive management cupboards throughout all shafts, in addition to further work in one of many shafts. It’s unclear how lengthy this may take, however primarily based on the outline, it sounded to us like a challenge that might final a number of weeks–if not months. Regardless of that, it was scheduled for a closure of lower than per week. One thing didn’t add up.
We additionally cautioned that work may proceed to be completed in phases whereas the experience is operational. It’s solely attainable to take one shaft down at a time for a ‘stealth’ refurbishment, which is strictly what Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World acquired a few years in the past. It decreases experience capability, nevertheless it retains the attraction operational. It was attainable that operations needed Mission Breakout open for the busy spring break season, so that they did per week of downtime adopted by nonetheless lengthy it takes of a stealth refurbishment.
Now we all know this was correct. Throughout the previous couple of weeks, we’ve run into a couple of points with delays at Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! Truthfully, I’m undecided when, precisely, this began. I spent lots of time in Florida in March and April, so we hadn’t been going to Disneyland as a lot till the seventieth began.
Since then, I’ve observed one elevator shaft has been down on Mission Breakout with regularity. The rationale I need to carry this to your consideration is that so you already know why common wait occasions have elevated for Mission Breakout, and together with that, why Lightning Lane availability is tougher and aggressive. Not solely that, however posted wait occasions are prone to be correct and never inflated.
If something, posted wait occasions really may be understated. Simply yesterday, I used to be doing Early Entry area testing and made the error of beginning at Mission Breakout. When this experience is firing on all cylinders and working all shafts, that is the way in which to go. You’ll be able to stroll proper on and doubtlessly be completed rapidly sufficient to then do Net Slingers earlier than beating the rope drop rush to Radiator Springs Racers. (This requires luck and pace–attempt at your individual threat.)
Regardless of being in the direction of the entrance of the Early Entry pack yesterday, Mission Breakout most undoubtedly was not a walk-on. It is because one elevator shaft has down for the stealth refurbishment, and one other had damaged down. Ouch.
As an alternative of being a walk-on, it was an virtually 30 minute wait, and my group wasn’t off till virtually 8 am. After we acquired off Mission Breakout, the posted wait time had ballooned to 65 minutes. Meaning on-site company who acquired up early had been “rewarded” with a wait time on par with some random time in mid-afternoon.
If persevering with to Radiator Springs Racers, we’d’ve been behind the rope drop rush, so this stealth refurbishment threw a critical monkey wrench into the morning plan. And sadly, there was no straightforward pivot. Net Slingers most likely would’ve been the perfect play resulting from proximity.
Soarin’ additionally had an extended wait as a result of it’s also present process a stealth refurbishment to one in all its theaters.
This isn’t actually a brand new improvement, and actually, I’m not even certain whether or not “stealth refurbishment” is the suitable time period right here. It looks like Soarin’ has regularly had one theater out of fee for the final two years. I keep in mind when formulating our authentic Lightning Lane Multi-Move Rankings at DCA, we positioned Soarin’ close to the highest resulting from this. It’s laborious to say whether or not upkeep groups are actively engaged on the theater or what, precisely, is going on.
Both method, it’s once more price drawing your consideration to as a result of Soarin’s wait occasions can balloon consequently. It additionally means they’re extra prone to be correct, and that LLMP availability is prone to be decrease. Lastly, I’d simply add that–subjectively–Mission Breakout and Soarin’ are two of the extra excruciating rides to expertise at diminished capability. Even when each are at 100% capability, I really feel like the road can transfer glacially gradual, with unexpectedly lengthy waits (together with by way of the Lightning Lane) should you get unfortunate with load cycles. Maybe I’m simply extremely impatient, however this feels interminably lengthy once they’re in ‘stealth refurbishment’ mode. I received’t be doing both till they’re working at full tilt.
Bringing issues full circle, my Early Entry and cord drop run method at DCA yesterday was to (attempt to) hit the mid-morning lull at Radiator Springs Racers. One other terrible thought!
As an alternative of hitting a lull, I encountered the longest posted wait time of the day–125 minutes–and Solid Members closing the queue to new company coming into (however not dumping it) resulting from technical difficulties. I’m undecided how this performed out after I left (the rope drop run was an irredeemable misplaced trigger at this level, so I simply gave up), nevertheless it kind of underscored the why of this Radiator Springs Racers refurbishment.
It was a tough morning at DCA, albeit one redeemed for us by Redwood Creek Problem Path and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Reside!, two sights which might be rapidly rising up our Disneyland energy rankings. Regardless, hopefully this unofficial experience refurbishment and the stealth ones handle these points and make for a smoother visitor expertise.
Lastly, in a tangentially-related Automobiles Land information, the walkway between Radiator Springs Racers and Avengers Campus is blocked by two units of development partitions. The realm between the 2 lands is out of fee for the growth of Avengers Campus that’ll add two new sights. The partitions blocking this path are anticipated to stay till someday in 2026.
The trail in query connects Avengers Campus to Automobiles Land proper by Radiator Springs Curios and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters. It’s additionally close to the new-ish Crimson’s Group Backyard overflow seating space for the Cozy Cones (making an attempt to cram as a lot previously-uncovered information into this one replace!).
In much more vaguely-connected Automobiles land (lowercase “l”) information, Imagineers have lastly pulled again the curtain on the Inspiration for Automobiles Land in Magic Kingdom, which is about in Piston Peak Nationwide Park (from “Planes”) versus Radiator Springs, and shall be primarily based on the Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. It’ll additionally characteristic a deep minimize character with a DCA connection: Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Ideas for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Study on-site and off-site inns in our Anaheim Resort Evaluations & Rankings. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Evaluations. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Trip Planning Information. Lastly, for guides past Disney, take a look at our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Seaside, and tons of different locations!
Your Ideas
What do you consider the Radiator Springs Racers experience refurbishment? Disillusioned that it coincides with the beginning of Halloween Time at Disneyland, or do you suppose the post-summer “low season” is the perfect time for such downtime? Have you ever skilled stealth refurbishments at Soarin or Mission Breakout? Run into downtime & delays at DCA? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
Journey refurbishments and short-term attraction closures are a truth of life on the Disney Parks. Ditto downtime and delays, which occur all through the day and could be irritating as a result of they’re unplanned and unannounced. This replace covers a mixture of these issues, with an emphasis on the upcoming Radiator Springs Racers refurbishment at Disney California Journey.
As mirrored in latest updates to the 2025 Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar, elevated upkeep has been occurring after a couple of years of lighter refurbishment schedules. This winter was jam-packed with closures–together with excessive profile sights in the course of the coronary heart of Spring Break season–as Disney tried to get the parks in tip-top form earlier than the beginning of Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary celebration.
This most likely isn’t going to win me any buddies, however I feel Disneyland must be including much more sights to the closure calendar. There are quite a few rides which were experiencing above-average downtime, and others which might be working however not show-ready. The rationale for that is that preventative upkeep was not occurring because it ought to–which is the ‘better of each worlds’ answer, because it means in a single day work that has minimal impression to company. I assume that’s what occurs if you let go of a bunch of old-timers who held the institutional data and lived-experience mandatory to keep up and repair so many of those legacy sights! (However I digress…)
Anyway, at this time’s large information is that the top-rated Automobiles Land attraction at Disney California Journey shall be briefly closing in a few months for routine upkeep. The Radiator Springs Racers refurbishment will begin on August 18, 2025 and the Automobiles Land attraction shall be closed for a little bit over one month.
Sadly, Disney has not but specified a reopening date but, which means it’s attainable the precise period of the closure just isn’t but recognized. You additionally may notice that the refurbishment has not but been added to the official attraction web page for Radiator Springs Racers. It’s unclear why this has but to occur, however this closure may be very a lot on the inner calendar. This has been formally confirmed with Disney–it’s not merely a rumor.
The refurbishment of Radiator Springs Racers is claimed to be a regular one, with a scope of labor together with however not restricted to trace resurfacing, lighting upgrades, and audio/visible updates. Late final month, Disneyland filed a development allow to improve all present lighting to LED fixtures for Radiator Springs Racers, and likewise improve different audio, video, and community updates all through the attraction.
Since 2022, Radiator Springs Racers has closed for 4 separate refurbishments, together with 2 in 2023. The Automobiles Land headliner final closed for a quick refurbishment from February 26-March 1 final 12 months, and was down from August 18-27 in 2023.
Prior to those 4 refurbishments, Radiator Springs Racers solely had one scheduled closure–a three-day stretch in 2013–throughout its first decade of operations. In fact, it’s not unusual for newer rides to not want as a lot upkeep, however the change is however notable.
The refurbishment of Radiator Spring Racers could be notable regardless of when it had been taking place. There’s a cause why it’s our #1 experience in DCA and #5 in all of Disneyland Resort on our Record Rating All 68 Points of interest at Disneyland & California Journey. Truthfully, #5 may be a bit too low, nevertheless it’s laborious to beat the OGs at Disneyland.
Radiator Springs Racers is without doubt one of the few sights I make some extent of doing each single go to. That’s taking place a bit much less now that we’ve got a toddler, however the Single Rider line is a large win for us, particularly throughout vacationer season when decrease tier APs are blocked out.
On this case, the closure of Radiator Springs Racers is much more notable as a result of it’s taking place proper earlier than Halloween Time at Disneyland begins on August 22, 2025. Granted, that seasonal occasion has been moved ahead strategically in order that it now begins as faculties return into session throughout what was beforehand low season, however what we noticed final 12 months was elevated attendance all through August and into early September resulting from Halloween Time and ticket offers. Fortunately, the Disneyland seventieth Anniversary Ticket Deal ends August 14, 2025…however the Loopy-Good Costco Ticket Deal doesn’t!
Because of the RSR refurbishment, it’s attainable that ‘appears like’ crowds shall be increased in the course of the first month of Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Social gathering dates. Radiator Springs Racers helps tremendously with absorbing crowds throughout that arduous ticket occasion, and until Disneyland adjusts ticket gross sales downward, that might current a difficulty. Simply one thing to pay attention to when selecting your dates for that occasion.
On an analogous notice, the identical will happen with wait occasions all through Disney California Journey throughout every day ops. It’s not simply us–Radiator Springs Racers is way and away the preferred experience at DCA. Throughout this refurbishment, wait occasions will improve throughout the board by a couple of minutes, with a disproportionate impression at Incredicoaster, Soarin’ and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!
Talking of these particular rides, we’ve got extra to share on stealth refurbishments, downtime & delays at DCA…
You may recall that earlier this 12 months, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! was closed for a few week throughout Spring Break.
Whereas the scope of labor was by no means revealed, we all know what it was/relies on a allow Disney filed for the challenge. That concerned the substitute of brake and drive management cupboards throughout all shafts, in addition to further work in one of many shafts. It’s unclear how lengthy this may take, however primarily based on the outline, it sounded to us like a challenge that might final a number of weeks–if not months. Regardless of that, it was scheduled for a closure of lower than per week. One thing didn’t add up.
We additionally cautioned that work may proceed to be completed in phases whereas the experience is operational. It’s solely attainable to take one shaft down at a time for a ‘stealth’ refurbishment, which is strictly what Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World acquired a few years in the past. It decreases experience capability, nevertheless it retains the attraction operational. It was attainable that operations needed Mission Breakout open for the busy spring break season, so that they did per week of downtime adopted by nonetheless lengthy it takes of a stealth refurbishment.
Now we all know this was correct. Throughout the previous couple of weeks, we’ve run into a couple of points with delays at Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! Truthfully, I’m undecided when, precisely, this began. I spent lots of time in Florida in March and April, so we hadn’t been going to Disneyland as a lot till the seventieth began.
Since then, I’ve observed one elevator shaft has been down on Mission Breakout with regularity. The rationale I need to carry this to your consideration is that so you already know why common wait occasions have elevated for Mission Breakout, and together with that, why Lightning Lane availability is tougher and aggressive. Not solely that, however posted wait occasions are prone to be correct and never inflated.
If something, posted wait occasions really may be understated. Simply yesterday, I used to be doing Early Entry area testing and made the error of beginning at Mission Breakout. When this experience is firing on all cylinders and working all shafts, that is the way in which to go. You’ll be able to stroll proper on and doubtlessly be completed rapidly sufficient to then do Net Slingers earlier than beating the rope drop rush to Radiator Springs Racers. (This requires luck and pace–attempt at your individual threat.)
Regardless of being in the direction of the entrance of the Early Entry pack yesterday, Mission Breakout most undoubtedly was not a walk-on. It is because one elevator shaft has down for the stealth refurbishment, and one other had damaged down. Ouch.
As an alternative of being a walk-on, it was an virtually 30 minute wait, and my group wasn’t off till virtually 8 am. After we acquired off Mission Breakout, the posted wait time had ballooned to 65 minutes. Meaning on-site company who acquired up early had been “rewarded” with a wait time on par with some random time in mid-afternoon.
If persevering with to Radiator Springs Racers, we’d’ve been behind the rope drop rush, so this stealth refurbishment threw a critical monkey wrench into the morning plan. And sadly, there was no straightforward pivot. Net Slingers most likely would’ve been the perfect play resulting from proximity.
Soarin’ additionally had an extended wait as a result of it’s also present process a stealth refurbishment to one in all its theaters.
This isn’t actually a brand new improvement, and actually, I’m not even certain whether or not “stealth refurbishment” is the suitable time period right here. It looks like Soarin’ has regularly had one theater out of fee for the final two years. I keep in mind when formulating our authentic Lightning Lane Multi-Move Rankings at DCA, we positioned Soarin’ close to the highest resulting from this. It’s laborious to say whether or not upkeep groups are actively engaged on the theater or what, precisely, is going on.
Both method, it’s once more price drawing your consideration to as a result of Soarin’s wait occasions can balloon consequently. It additionally means they’re extra prone to be correct, and that LLMP availability is prone to be decrease. Lastly, I’d simply add that–subjectively–Mission Breakout and Soarin’ are two of the extra excruciating rides to expertise at diminished capability. Even when each are at 100% capability, I really feel like the road can transfer glacially gradual, with unexpectedly lengthy waits (together with by way of the Lightning Lane) should you get unfortunate with load cycles. Maybe I’m simply extremely impatient, however this feels interminably lengthy once they’re in ‘stealth refurbishment’ mode. I received’t be doing both till they’re working at full tilt.
Bringing issues full circle, my Early Entry and cord drop run method at DCA yesterday was to (attempt to) hit the mid-morning lull at Radiator Springs Racers. One other terrible thought!
As an alternative of hitting a lull, I encountered the longest posted wait time of the day–125 minutes–and Solid Members closing the queue to new company coming into (however not dumping it) resulting from technical difficulties. I’m undecided how this performed out after I left (the rope drop run was an irredeemable misplaced trigger at this level, so I simply gave up), nevertheless it kind of underscored the why of this Radiator Springs Racers refurbishment.
It was a tough morning at DCA, albeit one redeemed for us by Redwood Creek Problem Path and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Reside!, two sights which might be rapidly rising up our Disneyland energy rankings. Regardless, hopefully this unofficial experience refurbishment and the stealth ones handle these points and make for a smoother visitor expertise.
Lastly, in a tangentially-related Automobiles Land information, the walkway between Radiator Springs Racers and Avengers Campus is blocked by two units of development partitions. The realm between the 2 lands is out of fee for the growth of Avengers Campus that’ll add two new sights. The partitions blocking this path are anticipated to stay till someday in 2026.
The trail in query connects Avengers Campus to Automobiles Land proper by Radiator Springs Curios and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters. It’s additionally close to the new-ish Crimson’s Group Backyard overflow seating space for the Cozy Cones (making an attempt to cram as a lot previously-uncovered information into this one replace!).
In much more vaguely-connected Automobiles land (lowercase “l”) information, Imagineers have lastly pulled again the curtain on the Inspiration for Automobiles Land in Magic Kingdom, which is about in Piston Peak Nationwide Park (from “Planes”) versus Radiator Springs, and shall be primarily based on the Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. It’ll additionally characteristic a deep minimize character with a DCA connection: Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Ideas for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Study on-site and off-site inns in our Anaheim Resort Evaluations & Rankings. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Evaluations. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Trip Planning Information. Lastly, for guides past Disney, take a look at our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Seaside, and tons of different locations!
Your Ideas
What do you consider the Radiator Springs Racers experience refurbishment? Disillusioned that it coincides with the beginning of Halloween Time at Disneyland, or do you suppose the post-summer “low season” is the perfect time for such downtime? Have you ever skilled stealth refurbishments at Soarin or Mission Breakout? Run into downtime & delays at DCA? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
