New Update Comes To Light About Magic Kingdom Location's Indefinite Closure at Disney World

As the holiday magic envelops Walt Disney World Resort during Thanksgiving and Christmas, the park’s preparations for a groundbreaking year are quietly taking shape. 2025 promises to be a transformative year for Disney’s theme parks, with significant updates on the horizon.

One of the most talked-about changes involves Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where DinoLand U.S.A. will bid farewell to three of its attractions on January 13, 2025. However, not everything is disappearing. Despite earlier speculation, the beloved DINOSAUR attraction will remain operational throughout 2025, providing fans with some welcome relief amidst the changes.

Meanwhile, EPCOT is gearing up for a thrilling return of Test Track, now reimagined in partnership with General Motors. The upgraded ride is set to debut in late summer 2025, promising a fresh take on the fan-favorite attraction. Additionally, the popular Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom is slated for refurbishment beginning in January, marking another key update in the park’s evolution.

Over at Magic Kingdom, bittersweet news surrounds Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Starting January 6, 2025, this iconic Frontierland roller coaster will undergo a major refurbishment. Disney has assured fans that the ride will reopen in 2026 with “a touch of new magic,” but its indefinite closure beginning January 5 has sparked speculation. Many believe the enhancements will draw inspiration from Disneyland’s version, which received updated effects and modernizations years ago.

Permits recently filed offer insight into the scope of this ambitious project. Elite AV Systems Inc., a regular collaborator with Disney Imagineering, is overseeing audio-visual enhancements, with their permit valid through December 2025. Additional permits involve Coastal Steel Inc. and DPR Construction for structural updates, with work continuing into early 2026.

The Magic Kingdom skyline already reflects these upcoming changes, as a huge crane now towers over Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Images shared by WDWMagic provide a glimpse of the ongoing preparations for the ride’s transformation. Prior to this, a large green scrim began surrounding sections of the Frontierland attraction.

These updates align with broader plans for Magic Kingdom, including the much-debated Frontierland expansion. Unveiled at the recent D23 Expo, this ambitious project will incorporate Tiana’s Bayou Adventure alongside a Cars-themed reimagining of the area once occupied by Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America.

Animal Kingdom isn’t being left behind in Disney’s expansive vision. The park will welcome the Tropical Americas-themed Pueblo Esperanza area, featuring attractions inspired by the Encanto and Indiana Jones franchises. These developments aim to breathe new life into the park while appealing to a new generation of visitors.

Amid these sweeping changes, Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro addressed fan concerns during the INBOUND festival, acknowledging that not every decision resonates with guests. Still, Disney’s ultimate goal is to craft experiences that captivate the next wave of Disney enthusiasts.

With Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s closure marking a significant chapter in Magic Kingdom’s history, fans are left to wonder about the future. What lies ahead for this cherished attraction? Share your thoughts in the comments below!