The Next Ride To Close Permanently at Magic Kingdom

in Walt Disney World

Space Mountain at sunset at Magic Kingdom

Credit: Disney

Walt Disney World isn’t the same park it was five years ago—and honestly, that’s by design. Across the entire resort, we’ve seen some significant changes.

EPCOT got a brand-new nighttime spectacular with Luminous: The Symphony of Us, Moana’s Journey of Water opened in the center of the park, and a reimagining of World Celebration took over what used to be plain concrete. Over at Animal Kingdom, DinoLand U.S.A.  is being replaced by lands themed to Encanto and Indiana Jones.

Mickey Mouse stands in front of Cinderella’s Castle at a Disney World Hotel, covering his mouth with both hands, framed by a stone archway with lanterns.
Credit: Disney / Inside the Magic

Hollywood Studios has shifted its focus to major IPs, with Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge becoming the stars of the show. The studio will also feature a new Monsters Inc.-themed land in the upcoming years.

Magic Kingdom has had its share of shake-ups. We’ve already said goodbye to a handful of attractions, and that’s made guests a little uneasy. Now everyone’s asking the same question: what’s the next ride to close permanently?

Let’s look at what’s already disappeared—and which attraction feels like it is skating on thin ice.

Concept art for a 'Monsters, Inc.' ride in which Sully and Mike hang off a moving door painted with flowers, holding a human child named Boo.
Credit: Disney

What Magic Kingdom Has Already Lost

Some closures were expected. Others felt like they came out of nowhere. But no matter how you slice it, Magic Kingdom is changing.

Splash Mountain was the big one. After years of debate, Disney officially closed the log flume ride in early 2023 and began its transformation into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

Then, in July 2025, Disney shocked fans again by closing Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and the Rivers of America. In the previous month, Disney shut down the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade to make way for a Disney Vacation Club Members lounge. That section of the park used to be filled with peaceful charm and nostalgic energy. Now? Construction walls and cranes.

The closures seem to point to something bigger coming to Frontierland, with confirmation of a Cars-themed ride and even a Villains land finally becoming reality.

But fans wonder what other park corners could be cleared out once all that construction is wrapped up.

A whimsical sign reads "Tiana's Bayou Adventure" in a forested, Disney theme park setting. A circular inset shows an animated character with dark hair and wearing a yellow top, smiling and waving. The character is overlaid on the right side of the image.
Credit: Inside the Magic

Fan Speculation: Who’s on the Chopping Block?

A few rides have consistently come up in fan conversations about what could be next to go.

Carousel of Progress is one of them. Sure, it’s charming and classic, but it’s also outdated and very low-capacity. While many Disney loyalists would be heartbroken to see it go, its future isn’t guaranteed.

Then there’s the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. It’s beloved by locals and hardcore fans, but from Disney’s perspective, it might not justify the space it takes up. That said, there’s been no objective evidence that it’s on the way out.

Historical photo of John Progress the animatronic.
Credit: Disney

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin also get brought up often. They’re right in the middle of Adventureland and offer an experience nearly identical to Dumbo the Flying Elephant, just without the nostalgia. Some say it could easily be removed for something more immersive or better-themed.

And even Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room occasionally enters the rumor mill. It’s a strange blend of retro charm and creaky animatronics—but still, it draws a decent crowd and has a strong fan base. So while it might be a target years from now, it probably isn’t next.

But there’s one attraction that feels far more vulnerable than the rest.

Signage showing Dole sponsorship of the Enchanted Tiki Room
Credit: Disney

The Most Likely Candidate for Retirement

One ride in Magic Kingdom just doesn’t seem to fit anymore. Tomorrowland Speedway.

This attraction feels like it’s been left behind in a land themed around the future. Loud engines, clunky steering, and much stop-and-go traffic make the experience more frustrating than fun.

It takes up a considerable chunk of real estate, yet the payoff is minimal. The wait times can stretch longer than they should for a ride that crawls along a basic track. The cars are slow, the line moves at a snail’s pace, and younger guests often struggle to enjoy it unless they meet the height requirement to drive solo.

Many families treat it as a “one and done” ride—something you do to check the box. And once kids grow out of the novelty of pretending to drive, there’s not much to bring them back. This one doesn’t measure up compared to other high-energy or deeply immersive attractions in the park.

Rumors have swirled about a possible retheme or even a full replacement. Some fans hope Disney will give this space a high-tech overhaul—maybe with sleeker vehicles or an entirely different concept that finally brings Tomorrowland into the 21st century.

Whatever happens, this ride is no longer a crown jewel of the park. If something has to go next, this one is the obvious candidate.

Tomorrowland Speedway at Magic Kingdom Park
Credit: Disney

Replacements?

Some fans believe Disney might be eyeing something bigger than a simple gas-to-electric vehicle modification. Imagine a complete retheme of the space—maybe a new IP-based ride that ties into Tron, Wreck-It Ralph, or Big Hero 6. With Tron Lightcycle / Run just across the way, a sleek, high-tech racing ride could tie the land together.

There’s also a chance Disney will ditch the car concept entirely. A large dark ride could be built on that footprint, offering something immersive, air-conditioned, and intensely themed—three things Speedway is not.

Either way, it’s hard to see the attraction lasting another decade in its current form. Change feels inevitable, whether it’s a quiet closure like Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade or a full reimagine like Splash Mountain.

What’s Next?

Magic Kingdom has already retired several iconic attractions. And if one more is on the way out, all signs point to that clunky, outdated Tomorrowland staple. Its days feel numbered—and fans might want to ride it while they still can.

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