Radiator Springs Racers, one of the flagship attractions in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, is gearing up for an extensive refurbishment. Guests planning their trips to Disneyland Resort might need to adjust their itineraries as this temporary closure unfolds. Below, we’ll explore what this refurbishment entails, why it’s important, and how it ties into broader updates happening around the Disneyland Resort.
Closure Details and Timeline
Dates for the Refurbishment
According to Disney announcements, Radiator Springs Racers will temporarily close starting August 18, 2025. The refurbishment is expected to last approximately one month, though no exact reopening date has been provided. Disney has indicated that the duration may vary depending on the scope of the work required.
What Updates Are Scheduled?
While details are still emerging, the planned refurbishment will address several key aspects of the attraction:
- Track Resurfacing: To ensure a smoother ride experience, sections of the track will undergo resurfacing.
- Audio and Video System Enhancements: Updates to the audio and video systems will align the ride’s technology with modern standards.
- Lighting Improvements: Enhancements to the lighting systems will improve the visual quality of the attraction.
- Ride Technology Updates: Network upgrades will streamline operations for greater reliability.
This work differs from the more extensive refurbishment undertaken in 2023, which included repainting the rockwork and replacing parts of the track’s exterior. The current project is expected to be less complex, with a quicker turnaround.
How This Affects Cars Land Guests
Impacts on Crowd Flow
Radiator Springs Racers is a headliner attraction, often drawing large crowds to Cars Land. Its temporary closure may shift guest flow to other attractions, such as Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters. Guests may notice higher wait times for these and other nearby rides during the refurbishment period.
Limited Pathways
Adding to the operational impacts, a walkway connecting Cars Land to Avengers Campus has been blocked off due to ongoing construction for the Avengers Campus expansion. Guests should plan accordingly, as access between the two areas will remain restricted until the summer of 2026.
Broader Updates at Disneyland Resort
Avengers Campus Expansion
Radiator Springs Racers isn’t the only project in motion at Disney California Adventure. The ongoing updates to Avengers Campus represent a significant park enhancement. While these projects are unrelated, their overlap highlights Disneyland Resort’s focus on expansion and modernization.
Connections to Walt Disney World
The refurbishment coincides with heightened interest in Cars-themed attractions, particularly with the planned opening of Piston Peak National Park at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. This growing focus on the Cars franchise underscores its importance in Disney’s broader park strategy.
Final Thoughts
Guests visiting Disneyland Resort this summer should plan to explore other aspects of Cars Land and the surrounding areas while Radiator Springs Racers undergoes improvements.
For more updates on the latest developments at Disney theme parks, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles delivered to your inbox.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
