Credit: Inside the MagicIf you’ve been dreaming of your Walt Disney World vacation in 2025, it might be time to read the fine print.
Because this year? It’s different. It’s the kind of “different” that has fans scratching their heads, families reevaluating travel plans, and longtime guests wondering if the Disney they love is in the middle of a major identity shift.
And honestly, it is.
We’re not just talking about your typical seasonal refurbishments or a surprise closure here or there. We’re talking full-blown transformations across multiple parks, sweeping ride shutdowns, permanent closures of fan favorites, and construction walls popping up like mushrooms after a rainstorm.
As of late June 2025, if you’re planning a visit anytime soon, you need to be prepared for what’s in store. Because this version of Disney World? It might feel more like a work-in-progress than a finished masterpiece.
What’s Actually Changing at Disney World?
Let’s start with the obvious: construction is everywhere. In many ways, 2025 has become the “transition year” between what Walt Disney World was and what it’s about to become.
At Magic Kingdom, the heart of Disney World, we’re seeing what may be the biggest shake-up in the park’s history. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? Closed until 2026. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin? Set to shut down in August for a complete overhaul and won’t return until next year.
Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square Riverboat, and even part of the Walt Disney World Railroad are all shutting down after July 6 to make way for Piston Peak National Park—an expansion inspired by the Cars universe. That’s right, Frontierland is losing more than just a few old-school attractions—it’s losing part of its identity.
And if that wasn’t enough, the Hall of Presidents is still shuttered and the Dumbo playground is being refurbished with no solid reopening date. It’s not all bad news, though, as the brand-new Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away nighttime parade is debuting July 20, adding both excitement and potential crowd chaos.
EPCOT’s Still Changing… But Is It Stabilizing?
EPCOT has been in a state of renovation for what feels like forever. Thankfully, there’s some good news: Test Track is finally reopening on July 22, 2025, after a lengthy reimagining. But beyond that, there’s still a lot of speculation and not enough answers.
Spaceship Earth is long overdue for track maintenance, and rumors of a lengthy closure continue to swirl. Journey into Imagination with Figment? Still untouched, despite growing criticism from fans.
While ¡Celebración Encanto! has been extended indefinitely and could offer some festival-style entertainment, it’s no replacement for a major ride, if a refurbishment were to be announced.
Animal Kingdom: Say Goodbye to Dinoland
Animal Kingdom is going through what can only be described as a total evolution. It’s Tough to Be a Bug! has already closed permanently. TriceraTop Spin? Gone. The Boneyard is set to close on September 2, 2025. And DINOSAUR—one of the park’s anchor attractions—is safe only through the end of the year. Come 2026, it’s likely to close to become the new Indiana Jones Adventure as part of the Tropical Americas overhaul.
The first new attraction to come online will likely be the Zootopia: Better Zoogether Tree of Life show, expected to debut in late November 2025—timed to the theatrical release of Zootopia 2.
For fans of nostalgia and slow-paced animal experiences, this could feel like a loss. But for families hungry for more IP-driven rides and interactive spaces, the change might be welcome. Either way, it’s big.
Hollywood Studios: Muppets Out, Monsters In
Over at Hollywood Studios, things aren’t much calmer. Muppet*Vision 3D has officially closed, along with PizzeRizzo and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. Those areas will be replaced with a new Monsters Inc.-themed land featuring a Door Coaster and a still-unnamed attraction replacing Muppet*Vision.
Meanwhile, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is counting down its final days. It’s set to permanently close in 2026 and reopen later that year as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. Yes, the Muppets are moving to Sunset Boulevard—just not the way anyone expected.
That’s Not All—Even the Water Parks and Skyliner Are Affected
Let’s not forget what’s happening outside the four main parks — and some of it is good news. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are open this summer (for the first time since 2019!), but one of them is expected to close again on September 8. Assuming that happens, it’s unclear which water park will remain open into fall.
Then there’s the Skyliner, Disney’s gondola transportation system, which is scheduled to close for refurbishment from January 25 to January 31, 2026. That may seem like a small hiccup, but for guests staying at Pop Century or Art of Animation, it’s a major transportation shift—especially since those rooms are priced higher largely because of their Skyliner access.
Why This Matters for Your 2025 Vacation
Disney World is always evolving. But in 2025, that evolution feels especially aggressive. Between construction noise, missing attractions, and uncertainty around what will be open and when, it’s never been more important to plan your vacation strategically.
Here’s the bottom line: if you’re planning a Disney World trip this year, you need to be extra vigilant. Check the refurbishment schedule before booking your park days. Build flexibility into your itinerary. And be prepared for unexpected closures—especially as Disney continues to play catch-up on maintenance they admittedly skipped during previous off-seasons.
For families spending thousands on what might be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, these changes are more than just logistical headaches—they can feel like a bait-and-switch.
Some fans are excited by the influx of IP-based lands and the promise of new attractions. Others are mourning the loss of calm, nostalgic spaces like Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island. This debate will continue for years.
But one thing is undeniable: 2025 is not business as usual for Walt Disney World.
So, if you’re visiting soon—pack your patience. Watch for reopening dates. And remember that while magic still exists, it may take a little extra effort to find it amid all the construction walls.