PHOTOS: Kali River Rapids Closed and Drained with Refurbishment Underway

Lauren Shahan

People gathered near a colorful, elevated wooden house with a tiled roof. Trees surround the area, and a clear blue sky is visible.

PHOTOS: Kali River Rapids Closed and Drained with Refurbishment Underway

Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has officially closed for its annual refurbishment. During our visit to the park, we saw that the ride’s flume has been drained.

Kali River Rapids Refurbishment

People gathered near a colorful, elevated wooden house with a tiled roof. Trees surround the area, and a clear blue sky is visible.

In December 2024, we reported on the ride’s upcoming closure for refurbishment. The attraction closed on January 6 and, according to the official Walt Disney World website, is expected to reopen in March 2025.

The attraction signage is covered to prevent guests from assuming the ride is still open and operating.

A closed red gate surrounded by bamboo fencing and lush greenery, with a sign featuring a heart-shaped design.

The pathway leading to the attraction’s queue now has a construction wall in place to prevent guest access.

Various signage is displayed on the construction wall. One sign reads “The wonders of nature are endless” with a small icon of the Partners statue above it. Another sign reads “Dear trekkers, Kali River Rapids Expeditions is closed for the season. Please explore the resort of our local sites! Namaste” with “Anandapur Village Council” below it.

Two large gray bins and a green bin are on a wooden platform. Nearby, there are folded tarps, rolled towels, and a fire extinguisher. Lush greenery is in the background.

Ride props are still visible, including this hidden Mickey formed by towels.

Outdoor storage lockers with a sign above reading "Storage Lockers" in an ornate blue and yellow design. Trees and blue sky are visible in the background.

Storage Lockers outside the attraction are unavailable for guest use at this time as the rental stations have been covered.

Orange construction barriers blocking a pathway in a park surrounded by trees and greenery. A sign is present on the left side. Bright, sunny day.

The exit of the attraction has also been walled up. A sign to the left informs guests that the path ahead is the “Exit Only” for the Maharajah Jungle Trek.

Two workers in safety gear sit near a cave entrance with a red truck and ladders, surrounded by trees and ropes.

Views across the water of the Gibbons exhibit show construction crews actively working on the ride and scaffolding has been erected.

A tranquil pond with green water is bordered by rocks and lush greenery in the background.

The water from the ride track has also been drained as refurbishment work is underway.

Despite the cold weather in Central Florida, will you miss Kali River Rapids during its refurbishment closure? Let us know in the comments and on social media, and watch our 4K multi-cam POV of the family raft ride below:

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