Disney World Predicted To Shut Down Multiple Classic Rides, Beginning in 2027

If you’ve been around the Disney World parks long enough, you’ve probably seen some fan-favorite rides disappear over the years.

Whether it was Maelstrom, Splash Mountain, or The Great Movie Ride, Disney’s constant evolution means no attraction is truly safe.

The old Splash Mountain attraction in Disney World — Credit: Andrew Dupont, Flickr

So we turned to AI and asked it something bold: “What are the next five rides most likely to close at Walt Disney World — and what year could that happen?”

The results might make you a little uneasy… especially if your favorites are on the list.

The next 5 Disney World ride predicted to close

1. Astro Orbiter – Predicted Closure: 2027
While it has a cool location above Tomorrowland, this spinning ride is a bottleneck with dated visuals and long load times. AI sees this as low-hanging fruit for a Tomorrowland refresh and pegs 2027 as the likely closure window.

2. Journey Into Imagination with Figment – Predicted Closure: 2029
The love for Figment is strong, but the current version of the ride? Not so much. AI predicts Disney will eventually build a new, updated attraction starring Figment that lives up to his fan-favorite status — and that means retiring the current setup before the end of the decade.

The exterior of Journey Into Imagination With Figment. — Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

3. Tomorrowland Speedway – Predicted Closure: 2031
This one’s been on borrowed time for a while. AI notes the ride’s low efficiency, dated technology, and the fact that it occupies prime real estate right next to TRON Lightcycle / Run. If a Tomorrowland re-theme happens, Speedway’s days are numbered.

4. The Barnstormer – Predicted Closure: 2028
AI sees The Barnstormer as a good starter coaster, but its footprint is small and its ride time is shorter than most character meet-and-greets. (We actually disagree with AI’s assertion here, as The Barnstormer can actually get pretty backed up during busy days). As Fantasyland evolves — and if a new attraction comes to Storybook Circus — this junior coaster could get the boot.

5. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros – Predicted Closure: 2030
This charming boat ride is beloved by many, but AI predicts the Mexico pavilion will eventually transition to a Coco-inspired attraction. The cultural fit is strong, and the demand is there. If Disney goes this route, the Three Caballeros might be taking their final voyage in the next decade.

Mark your calendars, Disney fans! On September 3, three animatronic characters perform on a colorful stage with red curtains. From left to right, there's a duck wearing a blue hat and holding maracas, a bird in a sombrero holding a baton, and a turtle playing a guitar and wearing a hat. — Credit: Wally Gobetz, Flickr

Oof. Some of these stings a little (Gran Fiesta Tour, we’re looking at you). But AI didn’t make these picks out of malice — it’s just looking at patterns. Disney is always evolving. New rides mean older ones need to move out of the way, and often it’s the ones with lower capacity or weaker guest satisfaction scores.

But if there’s a silver lining here, it’s this: we still have time. Time to ride. Time to remember. Time to take one last spin (or a dozen) on the ones that mean something to us.

And in case you were wondering, no — AI does not think Haunted Mansion is going anywhere. At least not until 2048.

What ride do you think will be the next to close at Walt Disney World Resort? Let us know in the comments!