Disney World Confirms Closure of Five Attractions at Magic Kingdom Park

As Disney Experiences prepares for the next generation of theme park guests, multiple attractions have now closed down at the Magic Kingdom theme park in Orlando, Central Florida.

Since D23 Expo 2022, the first major convention after the widespread pandemic closures, Disney has slowly revealed new updates to its theme parks. Now, in 2025, the series of changes is all pretty much in motion, with Piston Peak National Park, Monstropolis, the Pueblo Esperanza, and untitled Disney Villains land all in some state of development.

When it comes to guests visiting the Walt Disney World Resort here and now, though, the changes have come at a cost. Currently, five attractions are closed at Magic Kingdom Park, some indefinitely and some permanently.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Located in Frontierland, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a runaway-mine‑train roller coaster set in a haunted gold mine, rated as one of the park’s most popular rides at Walt Disney World. The track spans roughly 2.5 acres and soars just under 100 ft, reaching speeds around 30 mph through turns, hills, and spirals inspired by Monument Valley and other national‑park landscapes.

Riders board in an enclosed station, spiral through caverns, and pass beneath a waterfall before sweeping back around to the Wild West town area before returning to the station. As of January 5, 2025, it is closed for refurbishment, with new track installed and other props refreshed. It is expected to reopen in 2026 with fresh effects, potentially similar to those at the Disneyland Resort.

Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin

On August 4, 2025, Disney officially closed down Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin indefinitely. As part of the reimagining, guests can look forward to brand-new ride vehicles equipped with onboard screens designed to display live score tracking and real-time gameplay updates, a first for the attraction.

The upgraded vehicles will also feature dual-color, always-on laser blasters, making it easier than ever for players to aim, shoot, and track their targets during the ride. Plus, the new handheld blasters have been re-engineered for improved precision and response, adding a whole new layer of competitiveness.

Imagineers are introducing an entirely new scene featuring an original robot character named Buddy, who’s set to bring fresh energy (and maybe a few surprises) to the adventure. With these updates, the classic Tomorrowland experience is getting a high-tech boost that fans will likely be excited for.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant Playground

In Storybook Circus, Dumbo the Flying Elephant itself continues operating with two spinning carousels, the only version in the world that rotates in opposite directions, perfect for the little ones to ride and control their elephants’ up/down motion via a simple joystick.

Within the indoor queue lies a circus‑themed interactive playground under a Big Top tent, where children climb, slide, and explore until a pager summons them for the ride. However, that playground has been closed indefinitely for refurbishment starting February 24, 2025, and is expected to reopen later in 2025.

Tom Sawyer Island

Once the rustic playground retreat accessed via raft from Frontierland, Tom Sawyer Island offered trails, rope bridges, caves, and a quiet respite on the Rivers of America. But on July 7, 2025, the island permanently closed—and with it the Liberty Square Riverboat—clearing the way for Piston Peak National Park, a new Cars‑themed expansion of Frontierland.

Disney’s app now removes the island from park maps, and the Walt Disney World Railroad operates in a shortened “shuttle mode” only between Main Street, U.S.A., and Fantasyland stations.

Rivers of America

This scenic artificial waterway, which wound around Tom Sawyer Island and featured the Liberty Belle Riverboat and exploratory canoes, officially closed on July 7, 2025. Since then, Disney has begun draining the river and removing props, marking an emotional farewell for many fans as the landscape gives way to the new Cars‑inspired Piston Peak land.

With the river nearly empty, the historic riverboat track is visible, and excitement builds for the future—but so does nostalgia for what’s lost.

How do you feel about this array of attractions closed at Disney World’s busiest–and usually most expensive–theme park? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!