Seriously, It’s Starting To Feel Like Disney World Is Giving up on 2025

To start off the week before Christmas, Walt Disney World announced that it was closing yet another ride for the start of 2025. The Astro Orbiter at the Magic Kingdom joins a growing list of rides and attractions that will be down for all or part of the New Year.

The sun gleams off Astro Orbiter — Credit: Disney

The closing of the Astro Orbiter for the first half of 2025 (it’s scheduled to be down until at least the summer) will not necessarily drive people away from Disney World. It’s not like anyone is rope-dropping just to get to the Astro Orbiter.

However, with the massive number of closures of rides and attractions coming to Disney World in 2025, it’s starting to feel like Disney just doesn’t want you to come to Central Florida next year.

Theme park enthusiasts will have a reason to head to Orlando next year with the opening of Epic Universe. However, it appears as though Disney is waving the white flag for next year already, closing down dozens of rides and attractions for next year in hopes that all of its announced new lands will be ready at some point in 2026.

Mickey Mouse waves in front of a vibrant aerial view of Disney World at night, where colorful fireworks illuminate the sky. In the distance, various attractions and structures shimmer below, a reminiscent spark against whispers of abandonment by 2025. — Credit: Inside The Magic

The Closures

Several permanent closures will slowly take place over the next year. Muppet Vision 3D and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios will be closing at some point next year to make way for the new Monsters, Inc. land and the removal of Aerosmith in favor of the Muppets.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close for the entire year to make way for the transition to Cars and Villains Land. Given the unreliability of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, that means Magic Kingdom will lose two thrill rides.

While not necessarily a big draw, the Magic Kingdom will also see the closures of Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America in 2025, again to make way for the new lands. That will create an aesthetic nightmare in the middle of the park.

A scenic view of an amusement park in Magic Kingdom featuring a wooden dock and charming buildings beside a shimmering body of water. In the background, a rocky, mountain-like structure towers under a bright blue sky scattered with clouds. Visitors are visible strolling around, enjoying the day. — Credit: Inside the Magic

Gran Fiesta Tour, starring The Three Caballeros, will also be down at EPCOT for the start of the new year. It will join Test Track, which is slated to reopen sometime next summer.

There will be little left at Animal Kingdom in 2025. Dinoland U.S.A. is closing to make way for an Encanto-themed Central and South American land. However, DINOSAUR will remain open throughout the year. Kali River Rapids will also be down for an extended closure at the start of the year.

These don’t even include closure around the resort, like the Skyliner’s refurbishment in January and the closure of Stormalong Bay at the Beach and Yacht Clubs.

With all of these expected closures and the unexpected that is sure to follow, it does feel like Disney is giving up on 2025 and hoping that everyone will return in 2026 when there’s something new to do.

With just over two weeks left, let’s see what else Disney World plans to shut down next year.