New year, fresh slate. That’s exactly the vibe as Walt Disney World Resort prepares for a wave of permanent and indefinite closures this January 2025. Alongside the shutdowns, Disney has confirmed new operating hours for its parks.
With the resort diving headfirst into its most ambitious transformation in recent history—introducing entirely new lands and bidding farewell to classic staples—Disney’s Central Florida parks are gearing up for a serious makeover before embracing a bold new future.
Since the reveal at D23 Expo 2022, Disney fans have been eagerly awaiting updates on the Disney Experiences brand. Over the past two years, Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro has unveiled a slew of additions and changes to the Mouse House’s iconic Walt Disney World Resort. These upgrades, while exciting, come at a significant cost.
While the 2022 fan expo left many doubting whether Disney would follow through on its lofty “blue sky” concepts, 2023’s Destination D23 and 2024’s D23 Expo erased any uncertainty. As D’Amaro confidently stated, “dirt is moving,” signaling that all announced plans are officially underway.
Among these plans is the overhaul of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In its place, Imagineers are crafting the Tropical Americas, centered on Encanto and Indiana Jones. This reimagined area, dubbed Pueblo Esperanza, will feature two flagship attractions alongside various immersive experiences.
Additionally, “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!” at the Tree of Life Theater will be replaced by “Better Zoogether,” a 3D show inspired by Zootopia (2016) that is set to delight guests in the coming years.
Perhaps the most talked-about—and polarizing—update is the reimagining of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park. The beloved area will be replaced by Pixar’s Cars, completely replacing Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America. This new Cars land will differ from its Disneyland counterpart, offering unique attractions for guests of all ages.
But Cars isn’t the only big addition to Magic Kingdom. The park will also debut a long-awaited Disney Villains-themed area, spotlighting the company’s most sinister and beloved characters.
There is a lot happening at Walt Disney World Resort next year, and some guests are feeling like they might skip the parks in 2025 due to the many refurbishments taking place. Not only will guests have to keep an eye on what attractions are opening and closing, but the parks themselves will be operated differently. In the case of Magic Kingdom Park, Disney has confirmed new operating hours for its leading destination.
As WDW Magic points out:
- January 5: Closing extended from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- January 6–10: Closing extended from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- January 11: Closing extended from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Extended Evening Hours
- January 8: Evening hours now 10:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. (previously 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.)
Updated Operating Hours
- January 5: 9:00 am – 11:00 p.m.
- January 6–10: 9:00 am – 10:00 p.m.
- January 11: 9:00 am – 11:00 p.m.
The updated operating hours come before Magic Kingdom will require all guests to exit early on January 30. On this day, the park will close at 4:30 p.m. for a private event—it will seemingly be for the annual cast member celebration, where Disney hands out awards to its longstanding employees.
These hours will mean that guests extending their Christmas and New Year break into 2025 will have more time to experience the attractions and experiences in Magic Kingdom—well, what is left open…
Before the aforementioned exciting expansions take shape, Disney World will undergo significant closures across all four parks in January, with many attractions set to shutter permanently or temporarily.
Joining the already-closed Test Track at EPCOT and Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are a host of other attractions. At Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will shut down for over a year. On January 5, 2025, the Frontierland favorite will take its final ride before undergoing major changes.
The official Disney World website promises the revamped coaster will reopen in 2026 with “a little bit of new magic,” potentially aligning it more closely with Disneyland’s enhanced version.
Over in Tomorrowland, Astro Orbiter will also see a lengthy closure starting January 13, with refurbishment plans pushing its reopening to summer 2025.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, TriceraTop Spin will take its final whirl on January 12, marking the start of DinoLand U.S.A.’s transformation. Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures and Fossil Fun Games will also permanently close on January 13. Surprisingly, the iconic DINOSAUR ride will remain operational through late 2025.
Kali River Rapids is also set to begin its seasonal shutdown on January 6, reopening in March 2025. Meanwhile, EPCOT’s Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros will temporarily close on January 6, with plans to reopen on March 15, 2025.
How do you feel about the updated operating hours? What about all the attractions closing next year? Share your thoughts with Inside the Magic in the comments below!
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