As we approach the end of 2024, Disney World fans are already looking ahead to the changes coming in 2025. While many attractions will continue to delight guests, several notable closures and refurbishments are set to take place, impacting some beloved areas of the parks. Whether these changes are temporary or permanent, they will play a major role in shaping Disney World’s future offerings.
Magic Kingdom Updates
One of the biggest changes coming to Magic Kingdom in 2025 is the closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This iconic roller coaster will shut down on January 6, 2025, for a major refurbishment.
Known for its thrilling, wild-west-themed ride through the mountains, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been a fan favorite for years. The closure will be a temporary one, but it is expected to last throughout the year, with the attraction reopening sometime in 2026 with enhancements that will likely make it even more popular.
Another significant change at Magic Kingdom is the planned closure of Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat.
These two classic attractions will close in 2025 to make way for a brand-new Cars-themed expansion in Frontierland. While specific closure dates have not been confirmed, fans of these attractions should prepare for them to be repurposed in the near future. The Cars expansion is expected to bring a new, exciting energy to Frontierland, but the loss of these long-standing experiences will be felt by many who have cherished their slow-paced charm.
Hollywood Studios Changes
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 2025 will also be a year of transition. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, a popular show for fans of Pixar’s Cars, permanently closed in October 2024. In its place, Disney is developing a brand-new Disney Villains stage show that is set to debut in the summer of 2025.
The new show promises to bring some of Disney’s most iconic villains to the stage in a way that has never been done before, offering guests a thrilling experience that celebrates the darker side of Disney.
Another major update for Hollywood Studios is the long-anticipated opening of The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure. Originally scheduled for a late 2024 debut, the show has experienced delays and will now open in summer 2025. This new production will replace the former Voyage of the Little Mermaid and is expected to bring fresh excitement to fans of Ariel and her undersea world. With the opening date pushed back, guests will have to wait a little longer to dive into this new experience.
Animal Kingdom Closures
Big changes are also coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The Dino-Rama area, including attractions like TriceraTop Spin and Fossil Fun Games, will permanently close on January 13, 2025. These closures are part of a larger plan to transform the area into a new land inspired by the Tropical Americas.
This new land will feature attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones, with the first phase of construction beginning as soon as the closures take effect. While it’s tough to say goodbye to these whimsical dinosaur-themed rides, the new additions are sure to excite fans of both film franchises.
Also closing at Animal Kingdom is It’s Tough to Be a Bug, a 4D experience based on Pixar’s A Bug’s Life. This attraction will be reimagined into a Zootopia-themed show called Better Zoogether, which is expected to open in late 2025. The transition from the world of bugs to the metropolis of animals is an exciting one, as Zootopia remains a beloved film with rich storytelling and vibrant characters.
EPCOT’s Refurbishments
EPCOT will see a major refurbishment in 2025 with the reimagining of Test Track. Having closed in mid-2024, Test Track will reopen in 2025 with an updated design and storyline that will pay homage to the original World of Motion ride. The revamped attraction will feature sleek, futuristic designs and new interactive elements that promise to enhance the guest experience.
Additionally, Frozen Ever After will have a brief closure in early November 2024 for a short refurbishment, but fans can expect it to reopen by the end of the month. As one of the park’s most popular attractions, any changes are likely to be minor, ensuring that guests can continue to enjoy the magical journey through the world of Frozen.
Resort and Water Park Updates
In terms of resort refurbishments, 2025 will see the closure of the Fantasia Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort from January to April for maintenance. Meanwhile, Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach Club Resort will undergo an extensive refurbishment from January to June 2025. These closures will temporarily impact guests staying at these resorts, but alternate pools will be available during this time.
At the water parks, Blizzard Beach is set to reopen on November 4, 2024, just as Typhoon Lagoon closes for its annual refurbishment. These alternating closures ensure that guests always have a water park to visit, even during the cooler months.
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