Nearly 30% of Disney World Attractions Set to Close in 2025—Plan Ahead

Visiting Walt Disney World Resort is always an exciting experience filled with nostalgia, wonder, and fun. However, part of keeping the magic alive takes consistent maintenance and a commitment to new attractions.

This means some of your favorite rides and experiences might be closed during your trip. For 2025, the refurbishment schedule reveals a number of closures across the parks, sparking questions among fans: how much of the magic will actually be off-limits?

Whether you’re a seasoned Disney-goer or planning your first trip, it’s important to understand what attractions will be unavailable and how to adjust your plans. A little preparation can make all the difference between a stressful vacation and an unforgettable one.

With multiple closures happening simultaneously, it’s worth taking a deeper look at what’s off the table and how it impacts each park.

Magic Kingdom: Major Changes Underway

Magic Kingdom, Disney’s crown jewel, continues to undergo transformations. From beloved attractions receiving upgrades to entire sections evolving, 2025 is set to be a year of noticeable change:

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Under refurbishment until 2026.
• Astro Orbiter: Closed from January until summer 2025.
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: No official closure dates, but signs of updates.
• Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade: Permanently closed.
• Liberty Square Riverboat: Set to close permanently.
• Tom Sawyer Island: Closing permanently in late 2025.
• Walt Disney World Railroad: Anticipated temporary closures during nearby construction.

These closures will significantly affect Frontierland and Tomorrowland. With beloved attractions out of service, 15-20% of Magic Kingdom’s rides may be unavailable at times. However, classics like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion remain open to anchor the guest experience.

To make the most of a visit to Magic Kingdom, guests can focus on newer experiences like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and explore immersive areas like Fantasyland. Don’t forget to catch the evening fireworks, which provide a magical end to any day, no matter which rides are closed.

EPCOT: Balancing Construction and Entertainment

EPCOT continues its multi-year overhaul, with some notable attractions affected. While this park embraces change and innovation, it also means temporary closures:

• Test Track: Closed for a complete reimagining until late summer 2025.
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros: Closed from January 6 to March 15, 2025.
• Spaceship Earth: Rumored for a multi-month maintenance closure, though unconfirmed.

Despite these closures, EPCOT remains a must-visit park thanks to its festivals, interactive attractions, and immersive dining. The festivals, from the Festival of the Arts to Food & Wine, add seasonal excitement that keeps guests returning. While 10-12% of its offerings may be impacted, crowd favorites like Soarin’ Around the World, Frozen Ever After, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will keep guests entertained.

If Spaceship Earth does undergo its rumored refurbishment, it would mark a temporary farewell to one of the park’s most iconic rides. In the meantime, guests can still enjoy Journey Into Imagination with Figment and scenic views from Living with the Land.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Shifting Focus to Shows and Thrills

Disney’s Hollywood Studios continues to draw massive crowds with its movie-themed experiences, but it’s also facing some closures:

• Jedi Training Academy: Permanently ended.
• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy: Closed to make way for a new Villains-themed show.
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid: Reopens reportedly in summer 2025 as a reimagined stage show.

While the absence of these entertainment experiences will be felt, the park’s headliners—Rise of the Resistance and Tower of Terror—remain operational. The show-focused closures account for around 8% of the park’s experiences, but Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge ensure there’s no shortage of must-dos.

Guests looking for immersive thrills can still dive into the action at Star Tours and experience the magic of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Even with closures, Hollywood Studios is home to some of the most cinematic attractions in all of Disney World.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Navigating a New Era

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is undergoing its biggest transformation since Pandora – The World of Avatar (2017). Known for its balance of nature and adventure, the park’s closures will reshape the guest experience:

• DINOSAUR: Set to be reimagined as an Indiana Jones adventure, with closures expected in late 2025.
• It’s Tough to Be a Bug: Closing for a Zootopia-themed show by the end of 2025.
• Kali River Rapids: Closed from January to March 2025 for routine winter maintenance.
• The Boneyard: Likely closing in 2026.
• TriceraTop Spin: Permanently closed as of January 2025.

With a smaller attraction count compared to other parks, Animal Kingdom’s closures represent a significant reduction in ride availability—estimated at 25% of its offerings. However, Expedition Everest and Avatar: Flight of Passage remain key highlights, drawing in thrill-seekers and fans of immersive storytelling.

For a more relaxed experience, guests can explore the animal trails, enjoy the Feathered Friends in Flight show, and indulge in unique dining options like Satu’li Canteen. The closure of DinoLand U.S.A. marks a farewell to an era, but the addition of Tropical Americas promises an exciting future.

Seasonal and Additional Closures at Disney World

In addition to theme park closures, Disney World’s water parks and transportation also face downtime:

• Blizzard Beach Water Park: Closed seasonally.
• Skyliner Gondolas: Expected to undergo a two-week phased closure in 2025.
• Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: Seasonal closure through spring 2025.

The Skyliner’s closure may affect transportation plans for those staying at Skyliner resorts, making it worth considering alternative routes.

Total Impact Across Disney World

To understand the overall impact, it helps to break down the total number of attractions:

• Magic Kingdom: 40+ attractions.
• EPCOT: ~15 attractions.
• Hollywood Studios: ~15 attractions.
• Animal Kingdom: ~10 major attractions.

With approximately 20-25 attractions closed or impacted across all parks in 2025, the overall percentage of unavailable attractions is around 25-30%.

What This Means for Guests

Planning a trip during a time of significant closures can be disappointing, especially for those visiting for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, there are some silver linings:

• New Experiences: Closures pave the way for exciting additions, such as Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom and Cars Land at Magic Kingdom.
• Reduced Crowds at Closed Areas: Some areas may feel less crowded, making other parts of the park more enjoyable.
• Hidden Gems: With popular attractions down, guests may discover less crowded shows and rides they might have overlooked.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

1. Check the Calendar: Always review Disney’s refurbishment schedule before booking.
2. Plan Must-Do Rides: Prioritize rides that are operational and consider using Lightning Lane for popular attractions.
3. Explore New Shows: Check out new entertainment options, like the Villains Unfairly Ever After stage show.
4. Visit Both Parks and Resorts: Resort hopping can be a fun way to add unique experiences to your trip.
5. Avoid Peak Closure Months: If possible, avoid January and February, when refurbishments typically ramp up.

The Bigger Picture

Refurbishments are a necessary part of Disney World’s long-term strategy to keep attractions safe, modern, and magical. While closures can feel frustrating in the short term, they often result in beloved rides being better than ever. For 2025 visitors, a little research and flexibility can make all the difference.

Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be a banner year with fresh attractions and revamped classics. But for now, it’s all about making the most of what’s open—because the magic is always there if you know where to look.