If you’ve been waiting to take one more lap around Ornament Valley, today is the day to make it happen. Starting tomorrow, Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure will close for a multi-week refurbishment, making today the final opportunity to experience the beloved Cars Land attraction before the construction walls go up.

Lightning McQueen and Mater in their Halloween costumes in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Resort
Credit: Disney

This isn’t just another quick tune-up, either. While the ride is expected to return, the exact reopening date has not yet been announced — meaning guests could be without the park’s headliner for several weeks, if not longer. For anyone visiting the Disneyland Resort this summer, the timing is crucial: if Radiator Springs Racers is on your must-do list, today is your last guaranteed shot for a while.

Scott Gustin shared a reminder stating, “Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure Park will close for routine refurbishment beginning Monday, Aug. 18, and is currently set to reopen Sept. 26 (subject to change). The work will include track resurfacing, lighting enhancements, and audio/visual upgrades.”

A Landmark Attraction Since 2012

Cars Land at night
Credit: Disney

Since Cars Land opened in June 2012, Radiator Springs Racers has been more than just an attraction — it’s been the anchor of Disney California Adventure’s transformation. Designed with both detail and drama, the ride transports guests into the world of Pixar’s Cars franchise, where familiar characters and breathtaking desert landscapes create a one-of-a-kind experience.

Blending the storytelling of a dark ride with the thrills of a high-speed race, the attraction offers two distinct experiences: a leisurely scenic drive through the Ornament Valley countryside, and a sudden burst of adrenaline as cars line up for a head-to-head race. The winning side is randomized, adding a repeatable thrill for guests who want to ride again and again.

For many families, Radiator Springs Racers defines their entire visit to Disney California Adventure — and that’s why any closure, especially an extended one, always draws heavy attention.

Closure Begins Tomorrow

Disney has confirmed that Radiator Springs Racers will officially close on Monday, August 18, for scheduled refurbishment. That makes today (Sunday, August 17) the last day to ride until the work is complete.

While Disney typically provides projected reopening dates for maintenance, this time there’s no official return listed on the calendar. The company has only stated that the refurbishment will last “about a month or longer.” Without a firm date, fans are left wondering whether the attraction will be back in time for the busy fall and Halloween seasons.

What’s Being Refurbished

cars land
Credit: Disney

Routine upkeep is a given with a ride of this scale. Radiator Springs Racers is one of the most technically complex attractions at Disneyland Resort, blending animatronics, projection effects, water elements, and high-speed track technology. Scheduled downtime is necessary to ensure the attraction continues to run safely and smoothly.

But this refurbishment isn’t just about resurfacing the track and tightening bolts. Recent permit filings reveal that Disney is also introducing upgrades to the attraction’s audio, lighting, and network systems. These include:

  • A transition to energy-efficient LED lighting, which should enhance the ride’s nighttime experience while also reducing long-term costs.

  • Audio-visual improvements to sharpen projection clarity and synchronize effects more seamlessly.

  • System updates that improve reliability, reducing the chances of the dreaded mid-ride breakdowns.

Guests likely won’t notice dramatic changes to the ride’s storyline or layout, but the updates could make it feel fresher, smoother, and more reliable — particularly during peak seasons when downtime can be a major frustration.

History of Refurbishments

This isn’t the first pit stop for Radiator Springs Racers. The attraction closed briefly in February 2024 for standard maintenance and also had a longer closure in August 2023. Regular refurbishments are part of Disney’s commitment to safety and show quality.

The difference this time lies in the uncertainty. Previous closures always came with a defined reopening date, allowing fans to plan accordingly. Now, with only “about a month or longer” listed, many are nervous the ride could remain closed deep into the fall season.

Cars Land Without Its Crown Jewel

Even with Racers temporarily off the track, Cars Land continues to offer plenty of reasons to visit. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters provide lighter thrills, while Flo’s V8 Café remains one of the best quick-service dining spots in Disney California Adventure.

The land itself — especially after dark, when neon signs glow against the desert backdrop — remains one of the most photogenic areas of the park. And with Halloween Time just weeks away, Cars Land will soon transform into “Haul-O-Ween,” a fan-favorite overlay where the residents of Radiator Springs don car-themed costumes and the streets come alive with seasonal décor.

Tips for Guests Visiting Today

If you’re planning to ride Radiator Springs Racers before it closes tomorrow, here are a few expert strategies:

  • Arrive early: Lines grow quickly, often hitting 90+ minutes by midday. An early arrival is the best way to secure a ride with minimal waiting.

  • Use Lightning Lane: If you’re willing to pay for Disney Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane, Radiator Springs Racers is one of the best uses of that service.

  • Ride at night: If you’ve already experienced it during the day, try for an evening ride tonight. The glowing neon of Cars Land paired with the desert backdrop makes the race feel entirely different after dark.

For guests arriving tomorrow or later, keep a close watch on the official Disneyland app and the refurbishment calendar. Disney typically updates schedules as projects progress, so while no date is set now, we may get more clarity as work continues.

Radiator Springs Racers is not closing permanently — Disney has emphasized this is a refurbishment, not a retirement. Still, the ride’s uncertain downtime means that Cars Land will feel noticeably different over the next several weeks.

With Disney investing heavily in both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World, these upgrades should help keep Radiator Springs Racers at the top of its game for years to come. For now, though, the checkered flag is about to wave, and the track will go quiet.

So if you want that one last race, today is the day. Because starting tomorrow morning, the engines will shut off, the construction walls will rise, and it will be weeks before anyone crosses the finish line in Radiator Springs again.

The post LAST CHANCE: Disney’s Premiere Pixar Attraction to End Operations Tomorrow appeared first on Inside the Magic.

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