Credit: Justin Smith, FlickrDisney World is down a few iconic attractions right now.
Each year, millions flock to Walt Disney World in search of good food, great attractions, and lifelong memories. From exciting roller coasters like Expedition Everest and the soon-to-close Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to slower-paced adventures aboard Jungle Cruise or “it’s a small world,” a day, or night, at “The Most Magical Place on Earth” is bound to go well.
However, the magic tends to run thin when key rides and attractions are closed.
Currently, Disney World is missing multiple iconic attractions, leaving the parks feeling relatively empty.
Big Thunder Mountain Closed
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for its extensive refurbishment back in January. The Wild West roller coaster is set to receive new enhancements to its track and scenery, including redesigned cavern and lift hill scenes, among other technical upgrades.
Big Thunder Mountain isn’t expected to reopen until sometime in 2026, marking one of the longest renovations fans have seen not just for the ride but for any attraction in Walt Disney World.
Spaceship Earth Now Closed
Related: Disney World Announces Another Major Hotel Closure
EPCOT also lost an icon in the form of Spaceship Earth, which closed in August for a refurbishment. This classic time-traveling dark ride has served as the literal centerpiece of the park for decades. Like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, there is no currently official return date for Spaceship Earth, so guests will simply have to stand by for more information.
Disney World is also missing other key attractions like Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat, both of which closed permanently in July. Earlier this summer, Disney World bid a final curtain call to Muppet*Vision 3D, a classic 4D theater show at Hollywood Studios.
Several more iconic Disney World attractions will close in 2026. DINOSAUR is set to go extinct sometime early next year to make way for Animal Kingdom’s new expansion, Tropical Americas.
The thrilling dark ride isn’t shutting down completely; instead, it will be renovated into a new experience based on Indiana Jones.
Guests can also look forward to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith closing next year, though again, the ride isn’t going away, but is being renovated. The Muppets are actually set to headline the new version of the ride in 2026, which is aptly called Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
Are you visiting Walt Disney World soon? What is your favorite Disney attraction?