Credit: Inside the MagicWith the end of the summer comes some unfortunate news regarding quite a few Disney World rides.
August Brings a Slew of Disney World Rides Closing Down
It’s the moment every Disney guest dreads—standing in front of a ride entrance only to be met with a closed gate and a “Temporarily Unavailable” sign. But what if those closures weren’t just routine maintenance, but the beginning of something much bigger?
In a surprising move, Walt Disney World is shutting down three of its most iconic attractions in August 2025, including two Magic Kingdom fan favorites that won’t return until 2026.
What’s going on, and how can you plan around it? This article breaks it all down, including what’s changing, how to navigate the closures, and why it could actually make your next trip more magical.
What’s Closed at Disney in August 2025?
While Disney refurbishment schedules tend to rotate quietly in the background, this summer’s list has caught fans off guard for one major reason: two long-term closures in the Magic Kingdom.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
This Wild West roller coaster has been closed since January 2025 for a massive overhaul. It’s not just routine touch-ups either—Disney has confirmed Big Thunder will reopen in 2026 with “new magic.” No details yet on what that means, but fans are speculating everything from new animatronics to ride effects enhanced by projection mapping and AI-driven storytelling.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Blasting off into refurbishment starting August 4, 2025, this interactive Tomorrowland ride is being completely upgraded. The updated version, set to return in 2026, promises:
-
New ride vehicles
-
Enhanced laser blasters
-
A brand-new pre-mission scene featuring “Buddy,” an original Disney parks robot
Buddy will offer pep talks, diagnostics, and target training to new recruits before the action begins—essentially gamifying the queue and making the wait more immersive.
Spaceship Earth at EPCOT
The beloved geodesic dome attraction closes August 25, 2025 for a major refresh. While no date has been confirmed, Disney says it will reopen “later this year.” Expect lighting upgrades, smoother ride transitions, and refreshed storytelling for the attraction’s classic time-travel journey.
How to Still Have a Magical Vacation
Planning a trip in late summer? Don’t worry—there’s still plenty to enjoy. Here’s how to adapt:
-
Use the Disney app daily to check for real-time closures and wait times
-
Prioritize Lightning Lane bookings for rides that are still open
-
If you’re a thrill-seeker, redirect to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Tron Lightcycle / Run, or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
-
For interactive fun while Buzz is down, try Toy Story Mania at Hollywood Studios
Hidden Hacks from Disney Insiders
Regulars and Cast Members know how to work around even the biggest closures. Here are some secrets:
-
Rope Drop Strategy: Head straight to Adventureland or Fantasyland while others rush to unavailable attractions
-
Alternate Views: With Big Thunder closed, the Liberty Belle riverboat offers peaceful views of the construction area and Frontierland
-
Photo Ops: Empty ride areas = fewer crowds. Grab unique pics in front of closed attractions without photobombers
-
Special Treats: Limited-edition snacks and merchandise often appear near closed attractions—check Main Street Emporium and Tomorrowland carts
Why This Actually Matters to Fans of These Disney World Rides
These refurbishments mark a shift in Disney’s focus toward next-generation storytelling. Bringing legacy attractions like Buzz Lightyear and Big Thunder Mountain into the future shows Disney’s commitment to blending nostalgia with innovation. It’s also a nod to die-hard fans who crave new details, deeper lore, and better tech in their favorite rides.
Social media has already exploded with speculation. The hashtag #BuddyBot is trending on TikTok, while forums are flooded with guesses about Big Thunder’s “new magic.” Some compare the move to Disneyland’s 2023 overhaul of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure—a reinvention that divided but ultimately impressed the fanbase.