In One Week, Walt Disney World Will Officially Bid Farewell to Three Iconic Locations

It will soon be the last time to ride three attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Central Florida.

Attraction closures and scheduled refurbishments are commonplace for theme park destinations. Even Disney’s flagship Walt Disney World Resort is not immune to shutdowns, planned or unplanned, and guests can often find their favorite rides out of action while they are on vacation.

As the Central Florida destination steps boldly into its most transformative era in recent memory—welcoming brand-new lands and reimagined classics (farewell, Frontierland as we know it)—Disney Experiences (formerly Disney Parks, Experiences and Products) is tidying up to make way for its ambitious future.

Ever since Disney dazzled fans with “blue sky” possibilities at the D23 Expo 2022, the community has eagerly awaited updates. Over the past two years, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro has made good on those promises, unveiling exciting changes and additions.

Events like Destination D23 in 2023 and this year’s D23 Expo have assured fans that “dirt is moving,” and Disney’s lofty ideas are becoming reality. D’Amaro did also, however, tell crowds at INBOUND that the company doesn’t always get it right…

Among the most anticipated changes is the complete overhaul of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This area will transform into the Tropical Americas, anchored by attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones, with the latter expected to replace the fan-favorite DINOSAUR ride.

The Tree of Life Theater will also welcome a Zootopia-themed 3-D show titled Better Zoogether, replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug!

Meanwhile, over at Magic Kingdom, Frontierland will undergo its most radical evolution yet. Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will give way to a Cars-themed land, blending Pixar magic with a Western flair unique to Walt Disney World.

Magic Kingdom will also introduce the long-rumored Disney Villains area, offering a darkly enchanting space dedicated to the most nefarious icons in Disney’s history. Just how prominent and how many attractions the Villains area will offer remains a question mark.

Of course, these grand plans come at a cost—several beloved attractions are closing permanently or temporarily to make way for progress. And in exactly one week, three attractions across three different theme parks–Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom–will run their final day for a long while.

• January 6: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom)—Closing for over a year to undergo updates, reopening in 2026 with “a little bit of new magic.”
• January 6: Kali River Rapids (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)—Seasonal closure, reopening in March 2025.
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros (EPCOT)—Closed for refurbishment, reopening on March 15, 2025.

Many expect the indefinite closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be to add similar technological enhancements found on the Disneyland Resort version in Anaheim, California. While that awaits to be seen, it does seem practical for Disney to freshen up its anchor attraction in Frontierland ahead of the widespread overhaul coming to the area.

Further January closures include:

• January 13: TriceraTop Spin (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)—Permanently closing, marking the start of DinoLand U.S.A.’s transformation.
• January 13: Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures and Fossil Fun Games (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)—Permanently closing.
• January 13: Astro Orbiter (Magic Kingdom)—Undergoing refurbishment, reopening in summer 2025.

Despite these losses, some iconic attractions will remain. Disney recently confirmed that DINOSAUR will continue to operate through 2025.

As Walt Disney World embarks on this bold new chapter, it’s natural to feel conflicted. While the future holds promise, the closures leave fans wondering whether 2025 is the right year to visit.

How do you feel about these changes? Let us know in the comments below!