It’s an inconvenient fact: every theme park has to occasionally close its rides, shows, and restaurants for maintenance.
Smaller regional parks that are closed each winter can do these refurbishments without affecting Guests. But for year-round theme parks such as those at Walt Disney World, virtually every closure has to be happen while the park is operating.
To minimize unpleasant surprises, Disney publishes its refurbishment schedule as far in advance as possible. They also try to schedule work for less-crowded times when they can.
Here are all of the current and future closures we know about, covering rides, restaurants, hotels, and more. We’ve also included a helpful list of attractions that are most prone to unscheduled closures, as well as some predictions of potential future closures that aren’t yet announced. Remember, every closure listed here is subject to change.
Here are the current and upcoming ride refurbishments (and other closures) at Magic Kingdom theme park.
Astro Orbiter (Closed January 13, 2025 until Summer 2025)
The elevated spinner ride in Tomorrowland is currently closed for a multi-month refurbishment during which it is being completely dismantled and rebuilt.
No exact reopening date is set, but Disney says it should reopen “in the summer of 2025” (which in Disney speak could mean any time from, say, May through September).
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Closed from January 6, 2025 through TBD 2026)
The “wildest ride in the wilderness” is sitting silent for the remainder of 2025 and part of 2026.
Not only is major maintenance to the track system underway, the ride also happens to be located adjacent to the new Cars-themed attractions and the new Villains Land that’s located “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain.” In addition, Disney has hinted at adding “a little bit of new magic” to the ride.
These factors all appear to be in play as the ride is expected to be closed for at least a year, if not longer.
It is expected to reopen sometime in 2026. We don’t have an exact reopening date (or even a vague hint such as “early”, “late”, or “summer”) just yet.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (Closed from August 2025 through TBD 2026)
The popular Tomorrowland attraction will be closing sometime in August 2025 (exact date TBD) in preparation for some major upgrades.
Once it reopens sometime in 2026, there will be a new ride scene, updated ride vehicles and laser blasters, new interactive targets, and other enhanced features.
You can find out more about the upcoming features in our “What’s New at Disney World” article.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Playground queue closed February 24, 2025 through TBD Spring 2025)
Let’s be clear from the start — the Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride itself still will be operating during this period.
Normally, guests waiting for the ride are given a restaurant-style pager and enjoy an air-conditioned indoor playground until its their turn. That playground will be unavailable during the refurbishment period.
A reopening date for the playground portion of the queue has not yet been announced beyond a generic “Spring 2025.”
Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade (Closed permanently as of June 24, 2024)
Disney permanently closed this low-key but nostalgic opening day Magic Kingdom attraction to make way for a new Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge. The shooting gallery’s last day of operation was June 23, 2024; the new McKim’s Mile House lounge opened March 18, 2025.
Hall of Presidents (Closed January 20, 2025 until TBD)
The Hall of Presidents, which features an Audio-Animatronic of every U.S. President, is currently closed for updates following the 2024 election. Historically, the show has closed by Inauguration Day (January 20) to give the new President a starring role in the show.
Disney has only said that the show will reopen “later in 2025,” with no exact date given. In 2021, it was closed through early August; 2017’s closure lasted until mid-December; and 2009’s project lasted until Independence Day. It’s worth noting that this refurbishment could be shorter, as previous refurbishments required the production of an entirely new Audio-Animatronic figure. That’s not necessarily the case this time around.
Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Belle Riverboat, and Rivers of America (Permanently Closing, Date TBD)
Tom Sawyer Island (the explore-at-your-own-pace attraction filled with forts, caves, barrel bridges, and more) and Rivers of America (home to the Liberty Belle Riverboat) will be closing permanently in the relatively near future.
The closures are to make way for two new attractions themed to the Disney-PIXAR movie Cars.
There’s no specific word on a final day to experience the existing attractions, though Disney has provided a general date of “early 2025” for construction to begin on the new rides. Several months of the year are already under our belts, though — so it’s not clear if they will consider anything in the first half of the year to still be “early” or if something’s been delayed.
Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant (Closed August 5, 2021 to TBA)
This long-suffering seasonal quick service restaurant location has a lengthy history of closing for months and even years at a time. The current closure has been in effect since 2021, with no real sign of reopening on the horizon. Although you won’t be able to snag a quick service meal here anytime soon, you can still experience the open-air venue — thanks to its views of Cinderella Castle, it regularly hosts dessert parties during the nightly fireworks shows.
Tortuga Tavern (Closed June 2024 to TBA)
This quick service dining spot in Adventureland is not currently serving Guests. It had temporarily transformed into Tortuga Treasures, a merchandise shop, while major work was underway on a new Pirate-themed tavern at the Pirates of the Caribbean ride exit. The gift shop has migrated back to its usual spot at the ride exit, but Tortuga Tavern remains shuttered.
Additional Magic Kingdom Closures?
Be sure to check the Seasonal Closures and Possible Future Closures sections of this page for additional potential Magic Kingdom refurbishments.
Here are the current and scheduled closures at EPCOT:
Restaurant Marrakesh (Closed 2020 to TBA)
One of the most visually-stunning and culturally-authentic restaurants at EPCOT has been in the lurch since the COVID-19 Pandemic. Seeing Restaurant Marrakesh abandoned is almost painful, given that it used to be such a vibrant spot with gorgeous mosaic work and live music.
The building itself sees some occasional use; sometimes it’s a lounge space during EPCOT’s various festivals and special events — other times, it’s a “Kidcot Funs Stop” children’s activities space. But it hasn’t actually operated as a restaurant for quite some time.
Even in better days, it struggled to attract diners; it was one of the few spots at EPCOT where you could consistently find walk-up availability without an advanced reservation. I have high hopes that Disney will be able to restore this place to its former glory — but it’s unclear when (or if) that will happen.
Test Track (Closed June 17, 2024 to Late Summer 2025)
Concept Art | Image © Disney
EPCOT’s high-speed thrill ride, Test Track, closed on June 17, 2024 for a major refresh. The new version of the ride is expected to use the same general ride system as before, though it appears it may have new vehicles which hint at the electric future of transportation. The updated version is also expected to include nods to old-school 1982 EPCOT Center’s World of Motion attraction, which originally occupied the spot where Test Track now stands. We do not yet know for certain exactly when the new Test Track will open, but Disney now says it will be in “late summer 2025.”
More EPCOT Closures to Come?
Although there’s nothing else currently scheduled, be sure to review the Possible Future Closures section further down this page for more potential upcoming refurbishments at EPCOT.
Here are the current and upcoming ride refurbishments and other closures at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy (Permanently Closed October 7, 2024)
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, a live racing simulator show at Sunset Showcase, ended on October 7, 2024. In its place, Disney plans to launch the new Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After live show, set to debut on May 27, 2025.
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano (Permanently Closing on May 10, 2025)
The Italian Restaurant — a longtime fixture of Hollywood Studios dining and popular spot for the Fantasmic! Dinner Package — will serve its last guests on May 10.
After that date, it will be permanently closed and eventually transformed to become part of a Monsters, Inc. themed land.
Muppet*Vision 3D (Permanently Closing on June 7, 2025)
This zany 3D film featuring Kermit, Fozzie, Gonzo, and all the rest, is due to close in order to make way for an upcoming Monsters, Inc. themed land.
The last day to see the show in its current form and location is June 7, 2024. The Muppets will eventually move to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, though a date for that transformation has not yet been released.
As for Muppet*Vision itself, Disney has said it is looking into ways to preserve portions of this Jim Henson masterpiece, but no details have been announced.
PizzeRizzo (Permanently Closing on June 7, 2025)
Another casualty of the transformation of the Muppets area into a Monsters, Inc. land is PizzeRizzo.
This quirky pizza place, ostensibly founded by Rizzo the Rat, serves its last slice on June 7, 2025.
Star Wars Launch Bay Theater (Closed until TBA)
The short 10-minute behind-the-scenes film showcasing the filmmakers of the Star Wars saga is not currently being shown. There’s no estimate on when it will return.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid / The Little Mermaid – a Musical Adventure (Closed March 15, 2020 through May 26, 2025)
Concept Art | Image © Disney
The Voyage of the Little Mermaid closed (along with the rest of Disney World) in March 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. In the five years since, virtually everything else has reopened but this (admittedly-dated) stage show has remained shuttered.
Disney has since announced that the show will be completely updated and renamed, but will still feature Ariel, Eric, and other favorite characters from the movie.
The show is expected to feature updated sets and special effects (the old one included “laser show” tech that came across as a bit outdated). We expect musical performances of favorite tunes from the movie as part of the show.
The new show was originally expected to open in Fall 2024, but that was delayed. The first performance of the new show will now take place on May 27, 2025.
Additional Hollywood Studios Closures…
That’s all the work officially on the calendar for Hollywood Studios at the moment, but there will be more closures on the calendar in the future as work begins on several new rides and experiences. See Possible Future Closures below for additional information.
Dinoland, U.S.A. Attractions (Phased closures underway now through 2027)
Dinoland, U.S.A. is in the process of being transformed into a Tropical Americas / Pueblo Esperanza area, with multiple closures taking place in phases:
Already Closed:
- Primeval Whirl (roller coaster): Permanently closed in 2020
- TriceraTop Spin (Dumbo-style spinner ride): Permanently closed on January 13, 2025
- Fossil Fun Games (carnival midway games): Permanently closed on January 13, 2025
- Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures (merchandise/shopping): Permanently closed on January 13, 2025
Future Closing Dates Scheduled:
- No currently-set exact closing dates
Confirmed to Eventually Close (Exact Date TBD):
- DINOSAUR (thrill ride): Exact closing date TBD, but sometime in 2026; to be replaced with Indiana Jones ride by 2027
- Dino Institute Shop (gift shop): When Dinosaur closes, it’ll be rather difficult to “exit through the gift shop”
Expected to Eventually Close or Be Rethemed:
- The Boneyard (play area), staying open through remainder of 2025
- Dino-Bite Snacks (snack stand), staying open through remainder of 2025
- Trilo-Bites (snack stand)
- Restaurantosaurus (restaurant and lounge), staying open through remainder of 2025
Not Affected by Closures:
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… And Beyond! (stage show): This show sits in a sort of no-man’s land between the Asia and Dinoland sections of the park. Disney technically considers it to be part of Dinoland, but the show has nothing to do with the dinosaur theme. We have no reason to believe it will be affected by the changes.
It’s Tough To Be a Bug (Permanently Closed on March 17, 2025)
Goodbye Hopper, hello Hopps.
It’s Tough to Be a Bug, a 4-D theater show inside the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom, is closed permanently as of March 17.
When the theater reopens sometime in Winter 2025, it will be home to a new show called Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
More Animal Kingdom Closures…
We expect some major enhancements at the park in the next few years, in addition to routine closures.
Be sure to check the Seasonal Closures and Possible Future Closures sections of this page for hints at more potential upcoming Animal Kingdom refurbishments.
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Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Room Refurbishment — September 2024 to September 2025
- Significant “Hard Goods” refurbishment replacing furniture and fixtures in Guest rooms
- Work is scheduled in phases throughout the refurbishment period
- Resort remains open, but Guests are likely see and hear construction work throughout the Bay Lake Tower building
- Alternate paths may be in use; allow extra travel time when walking in the area
Bay Cove Pool and other water features — Closed January 26, 2026 through early May 2026
- Bay Cove Pool closed
- Bay Cove Water Play Area closed
- Whirlpool Spa closed
- Guests may use pools at the primary “A-frame” tower of Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Room/Cabin Refurbishment — mid-May 2025 to September 2025
- All Resort amenities remain available
- Guests may notice work during daytime hours
Disney’s All Star Movies Resort
Fantasia Pool — Closed January 2025 through April 2025
- Duck Pond Pool remains open
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Surfboard Bay Pool and Kiddie Pool — Closed January 2026 through Late April 2026
- Grand Slam Leisure Pool remains open
- Affected Guests may also use any of the pools at All-Star Music Resort and All-Star Movies Resort
Disney’s BoardWalk
Various merchandise locations — Closures January 2025 through May 2025
- Work happening in phases
- Two locations will remain available at any given time
- Guests may see and hear construction activity
Jellyrolls — Permanently Closed After April 19, 2025
- The dueling piano bar has announced that it is “making a move” from Disney’s BoardWalk after nearly 30 years
- The last night of operation will be April 19, 2025
- It’s unknown exactly where the new location will be, but theme park news guru Scott Gustin reports that it will not be moving anywhere else on Disney World property
- The on-site replacement for the current Jellyrolls location is not yet confirmed
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique — Closed Until TBA
- Closed since COVID pandemic
- Magic Kingdom location remains open
Garden View Tea Room — Closed March 2020 to TBA
- Closed since COVID pandemic
- Disney’s website lists the location as simply “temporarily unavailable,” with no reopening date posted
- May re-open once lobby refurbishment project is complete (see below)
Lobby, Convention Center, and Other Areas — Refurbishments through end of 2025
- Refurbishment work is underway in various parts of the resort
- Work will take place in phases
- Portions of the main lobby will be closed at times
- Construction will include a new birdcage-themed bar in the main lobby
- Holiday Gingerbread House will not be offered in the lobby for 2025 holiday season
- Work may also include renovations at the long-shuttered Garden View Tea Room, which would indicate an eventual re-opening (perhaps in 2026)
- All pools and most resort dining and other amenities will remain available
- Guests may hear and see construction work during daytime hours
- Guests should allow extra travel time as alternate paths may be in use
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Boat Transportation to Disney Springs — Unavailable February 10, 2025 through early April 2025
- Resort buses will be provided as alternate transportation during the closure
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Multiple construction projects — through 2026
- New Disney Vacation Club “Island Tower” opened on December 17, 2024
- Other projects continue, including major roadwork nearby
- Resort remains open
- Guests may see and hear construction work during daytime hours (after 9AM)
- Work may impact views of the theme park and other surrounding areas
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Room Refurbishment — late March 2025 through mid-February 2026
- All resort amenities remain available
- Guests may notice construction during daytime hours
Everything Pop! Food Court Coffee Shop — Construction through April 2025
- Work is complete in most of the food court
- Guests may still see or hear construction at the food court’s coffee shop
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside
Room Refurbishment early April 2025 through end of January 2026
- Room refurbishment in the Magnolia Bend region of the resort
- Guests may see or hear construction work in the area
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Whispering Canyon Cafe — Closed May 12, 2025 through May 21, 2025
- Closed for two-week refurbishment
- Scheduled to reopen on May 22, 2025
- Other restaurants at the resort remain open, including Roaring Fork, Geyser Point Bar & Grill, Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White, and Territory Lounge
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
Stormalong Bay & Shipwreck Pool — Closed January 2025 through June 2025
- Major closure at the popular water park-style pool complex (arguably the best pool at Disney World)
- Closure affects the lazy river, sand-bottom beach pool area, giant shipwreck water slide, and more
- Reopens in time for Summer’s peak season.
- The resorts’ three smaller pools — Admiral Pool, Dunes Cove Pool, and Tidal Pool — remain open for Guests
Yacht Club refurbishment — January 2025 through TBD
- General refurbishment projects underway
- Most resort amenities remain available
- Guests may see or hear construction during daytime hours
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disney Springs Marketplace (Closed Until TBA)
The Disney Springs location (and the Grand Floridian location) of the popular Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique remain closed for the time being. Fortunately, the Magic Kingdom location is open and accepting clients.
Disney Skyliner (Closed January 25, 2026 through January 31, 2026)
Disney’s aerial gondola system will be offline for the last week of January 2026 due to routine maintenance. Bus service to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios will be provided for Guests staying at Pop Century, Art of Animation, Riviera, and Caribbean Beach during the closure. Skyliner service is expected to resume on February 1, 2026.
Starbucks at Disney Springs West Side (Closed March 3, 2025 through June 2025)
You’ll have to walk a bit farther to get your caffeine fix at Disney Springs.
The large Starbucks location at the Disney Springs West Side (located near the Aerophile balloon ride) is temporarily closed for a major refurbishment, which started March 3, 2025. It’s expected to last through June 2025.
During the closure, you can find some specialty coffees and grab-&-go breakfast items at the nearby Summer House on the Lake. Disney Springs’ other, smaller Starbucks location (in the Marketplace neighborhood near World of Disney) remains open as well.
Typhoon Lagoon Water Park (Closed November 4, 2024 – April 30, 2025)
Blizzard Beach Water Park (Closed May 1, 2025 – May 20, 2025)
Disney has recently made a habit of operating only one of its water parks at a time. Blizzard Beach most recently reopened on November 4, 2024, and Typhoon Lagoon closed on the same day.
They are now expected to “swap back” effective May 1, 2025 (which is a little bit later than usual, thanks to an extended celebration of Blizzard Beach’s 30th anniversary).
Then, for the first time since before the pandemic, both will operate through the summer (May 21, 2025 – September 7, 2025). This is no doubt thanks in part to the summer rush while Disney offers free water park admission to resort hotel Guests on their check-in day.
To learn more about the Disney water parks’ operational pattern, see Seasonal Closures below.
Disney Dreams That Soar (Limited Run Ended September 2, 2024)
The nighttime drone light show at Disney Springs has ended its limited-time Summer 2024 run, with the final performance taking place on September 2, 2024. There are no currently-announced plans for its return.
Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise (Currently Unavailable)
This unique event — sort of floating fireworks dessert party, hosted on one of the giant ferryboats that normally takes Guests between Magic Kingdom and the Transportation & Ticket Center — has been on hiatus for quite some time now. The downtime began during the same time that one of the ferryboats was in dry dock for routine work. But the Admiral Joe Fowler has returned to service and the fireworks cruise has not. During the ferryboat refurbishment, the offering was listed as “temporarily unavailable.” Now, it seems to have simply disappeared from the Disney World website altogether.
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf (Limited Availability April 28, 2025 – June 16, 2025)
A rolling, alternating refurbishment of Disney’s Winter and Summer themed mini-golf courses will take place in late spring and early summer 2025.
During this refurbishment period, at least one course at Winter Summerland will remain available for Guest use. Due to the fluctuating nature of the refurbishment, you won’t know until you arrive which course is available for use.
They also won’t be taking advance reservations during this period — it’s walk-up only.
For a more stable experience, you can drop by Fantasia Gardens and Fairways — that mini-golf course isn’t affected.
All rides and attractions undergo regular maintenance closures (usually just a few days) when needed to keep them safe and operational. But some regularly see extended seasonal closures each year.
Here are the attractions and amenities which regularly close on a somewhat predictable schedule. Even if a particular year’s closure has yet not been officially announced, you’ll want to consider these possibilities as you decide when to go to Disney World.
Disney Skyliner
The Skyliner aerial gondola system usually closes briefly each year (typically sometime in January but this can vary) for scheduled preventative maintenance. This closure may last a few days or even a few weeks. During this closure, Guests staying at Disney’s Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Riviera Resorts will need to take a bus instead if they want to use Disney transportation to reach EPCOT or Hollywood Studios.
Disney Resort Hotel Pools
Disney regularly schedules downtimes for its resort swimming pools during the slower season and colder months. If you’re visiting from, say, January through March/April, you might find one or more of the pools at your hotel closed for maintenance. Usually at least one pool remains operational, or they might allow you to “pool hop” to a nearby resort.
Disney Water Parks
For the past few years, Disney has operated only one water park at a time. Typhoon Lagoon typically operates from Spring through Fall, while Blizzard beach operates during late Fall, Winter, and early Spring. However there is a change for Summer 2025. Here’s a recent operating schedule history as well as the future plans as we know them so far:
- November 13, 2022: Blizzard Beach opens and Typhoon Lagoon closes.
- March 19, 2023: Typhoon Lagoon opens and Blizzard Beach closes.
- November 6, 2023: Blizzard Beach opens and Typhoon Lagoon closes.
- March 17, 2024: Typhoon Lagoon opens and Blizzard Beach closes.
- November 4, 2024: Blizzard Beach opens and Typhoon Lagoon closes.
- May 1, 2025: Typhoon Lagoon opens and Blizzard Beach closes.
- May 21, 2025: Typhoon Lagoon remains open as Blizzard Beach reopens.
- BOTH water parks will be open from May 21, 2025 – September 7, 2025 for the summer rush, something that hasn’t happened since before the pandemic.
Festival of Fantasy (Magic Kingdom)
Disney typically gives its normal daytime parade — Festival of Fantasy — a brief hiatus starting a few days before Christmas and running through New Year’s Eve. During this time, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is performed instead.
Happily Ever After (Magic Kingdom)
The normal Happily Ever After fireworks show sometimes takes a back seat to special seasonal/holiday fireworks shows. You’ll still be able to see Happily Ever After, just not as often as you normally would.
- July 3 & 4: Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky is usually shown instead
- August, September, and October (Select Nights): On the 2 to 4 nights weekly when Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is scheduled, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks are shown instead (party ticket required)
- November and December (Select Nights): On nights when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is scheduled (2-4 per week), Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks are shown instead (party ticket required)
- Week of Christmas: Disney has been known to show the special Christmas fireworks exclusively — without Happily Ever After in the mix — from a few days before Christmas until just before New Year’s Eve
- December 30 & 31: Fantasy in the Sky new year’s celebration fireworks are typically shown instead
Jungle Cruise / Jingle Cruise (Magic Kingdom)
Magic Kingdom’s Jungle Cruise usually offers a seasonal overlay for the holiday season, temporarily becoming the Jingle Cruise.
- The attraction may close briefly in either late October or early November to prepare for the seasonal change (if work is not done “instantly” on a single night)
- The Jingle Cruise operates for most of November, all of December, and part of January
- The ride may briefly close again in early January to return the ride to normal (if work is not done overnight)
- The Jungle Cruise reopens shortly thereafter
Kali River Rapids (Animal Kingdom)
It’s no surprise that this soak-’em-all river raft ride at Animal Kingdom isn’t exactly teeming with crowds during the cooler winter months. Disney typically takes advantage of the lower demand by closing this ride for maintenance each January for two or three months. It’s usually back open by April, if not earlier.
Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom)
Magic Kingdom’s genteel riverboat attraction typically goes in for a one- to two-week dry dock every year. The time of year tends to vary, so sadly it’s not very easy to pre-plan for this when making your vacation plans. The closure does tend to avoid peak seasons whenever possible. Occasionally the refurbishment extends to the Rivers of America itself, which may be drained for cleaning (offering you the unique chance to sneak a peek at the underwater track the boat secretly glides upon — shhhh!). Of course, the days of the riverboat itself are sadly numbered — it’s widely expected to permanently close soon for construction of two new Cars attractions.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Magic Kingdom)
Historically, Splash Mountain closed briefly every January for seasonal maintenance, thanks in part to colder weather and lower demand for attractions which may soak their riders. We don’t know for certain that Splash Mountain‘s replacement, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, will follow this same pattern — but it’s probably a safe bet (though January 2025 appears to have been close enough to the ride’s Summer 2024 grand opening that the January refurbishment was skipped for the first year).
The following are widely considered to be due for a refurbishment or are expected to close to make way for newly-announced projects. Our list below is based on preliminary announcements by Disney and/or educated speculation. Nonetheless, there is no official word on exactly when (or, in some cases, if) these refurbishments will actually occur.
- Dinoland, U.S.A (Animal Kingdom) — Expect phased closures to rides and the surrounding areas to continue through 2027 to make way for Pueblo Esperanza, a new Tropical Americas land. See What’s New article linked below for further details.
- DINOSAUR! (Animal Kingdom) — Expected to close sometime in 2026 (current estimate) to make way for an Indiana Jones themed ride
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House and Kidani Village — Early indications of a lengthy refurbishment project affecting rooms and common areas, possibly starting around October 2025 (Kidani Village) and sometime in 2026 (Jambo House)
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort — Preliminarily scheduled for a refurbishment project sometime in 2026 (extent of work unclear)
- Journey Into Imagination (EPCOT) — Long rumored to be (over)due for a refresh, with a few permit filings occasionally further fueling speculation
- Monsters Inc, Laugh Floor (Magic Kingdom) — With the expected construction of an entire Monsters, Inc. Land at Hollywood Studios, it’s natural to speculate that the attraction at Magic Kingdom could become redundant and be replaced. Further adding to the speculation: the new land at Hollywood Studios promises a new theater show in place of Muppet*Vision 3D, and concept art for the new land shows a Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor billboard on one of the Hollywood Studios buildings. To be clear, nothing has been announced regarding Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.
- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe (Magic Kingdom) — Rumored to be potentially re-themed to better match its newer neighbors (Tiana’s Bayou Adventure or the planned Cars rides)
- Reflections of China (EPCOT) — Replacement with new Wondrous China film announced long ago, but no further details or ETA released
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (Hollywood Studios) — Confirmed to be changing from Aerosmith to a Muppets theme at some point in the future. The new version of the ride will feature the Muppets and “some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival”
- Spaceship Earth (EPCOT) — Major refurbishment announced but postponed indefinitely
- Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa — Preliminarily scheduled for a refurbishment project sometime in 2025 (extent of work unclear)
- Tomorrowland Speedway (Magic Kingdom) — Could the gas-powered cars eventually be replaced with alternative fuel vehicles? Disneyland (California) is doing so by late 2026.
- Walt Disney World Railroad (Magic Kingdom) — Early 2025 brings major construction in the areas around Big Thunder Mountain and the Rivers of America. It’s likely the nearby train tracks will be impacted at some point, causing a temporary closure of the railroad. This happened while TRON Lightcycle/Run was being built in Tomorrowland (causing the railroad to be closed for several years).
- Additional Unspecified Closures (Magic Kingdom) — The park will be getting a new Villains Land that will be located “beyond Big Thunder Mountain” and additional closures might be necessary to accommodate construction.
For more info on future theme park enhancements, check out our What’s New at Disney World article. That page also includes a sneak peak at even more future rides coming to Disney World!
Thanks to Florida’s notoriously unpredictable weather, many Disney rides and attractions regularly experience temporary downtime that may last from a few minutes to several hours at a time.
Magic Kingdom is typically the hardest-hit park for weather-related closures thanks to its large number of outdoor rides. EPCOT is probably the best park to visit on a rainy day, as virtually every ride, attraction, restaurant, and shop is within the park’s enclosed pavilion buildings.
Lightning is usually the primary reason for closures, though rain, wind, or cold temperatures can also contribute in some cases. Here are some of the rides and attractions which are the most prone to temporary weather-related closures:
Magic Kingdom
- Astro Orbiter
- Barnstormer
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade (Mini-Parade)
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Festival of Fantasy (Parade)
- Happily Ever After (Fireworks)
- Jungle Cruise
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- Mad Tea Party
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire (Show)
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover
- Tom Sawyer Island
- Walt Disney World Railroad
EPCOT
- Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
- Luminous – The Symphony of Us (Fireworks)
- Test Track
Hollywood Studios
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage (Show)
- Fantasmic! (Show)
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! (Show)
- Slinky Dog Dash
Animal Kingdom
- Expedition Everest
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
- Kali River Rapids
- Kilimanjaro Safaris (closes for lightning but not necessarily for rain)
- Maharajah Jungle Trek
- TriceraTop Spin
- Wildlife Express Train
Elsewhere
- Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight (Disney Springs)
- Disney Monorail
- Disney Skyliner
- Disney Watercraft Transportation (Ferryboats, Friendships, Resort Launches, Water Taxis, etc)
- Disney Water Parks (Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon)
- Golf Courses
- Miniature Golf Courses
- Resort Hotel Pools
But don’t fret if stormy weather is in the forecast for your vacation — there are still plenty of indoor rides to escape the rain. Of course, if there’s an actual hurricane or tropical storm, the entire theme park could shut down for a day or two.
What Rides Will Be Closed During my Disney World Trip?
Attraction closures are always subject to change. Our list on this page shows all of the scheduled ride closures we’re currently aware of, along with a few that we think might be coming. For a more focused list of closures (and other considerations) during your trip, you can visit our monthly overview pages:
- Visiting Disney World in January
- Visiting Disney World in February
- Visiting Disney World in March
- Visiting Disney World in April
- Visiting Disney World in May
- Visiting Disney World in June
- Visiting Disney World in July
- Visiting Disney World in August
- Visiting Disney World in September
- Visiting Disney World in October
- Visiting Disney World in November
- Visiting Disney World in December
Final Thoughts on Disney World Ride Closures
It can certainly be disappointing to discover a ride you’ve been looking forward to is closed during your visit. While refurbishments and closures can always pop up unexpectedly, Disney does try to announce them as far as possible in advance.
We hope our list here helps you know what to expect during your visit. Although Refurbishments can put a damper on your vacation, it’s comforting to know that Disney puts the necessary emphasis on safety and show quality.
Here’s hoping you find the refurbishment calendar blissfully empty during your trip!
What date will all refurbished be done in Disney world parks and resorts
Hi Debra. Refurbishments across Disney World are never really complete — there’s almost always at least one or two projects underway, either building something completely new or repairing/updating existing rides. Many of the *major* new additions (new lands and brand new rides) that have been announced so far will be open sometime between 2027 and probably 2029. But smaller refurbishments/updates to existing rides will come and go along the way.