2
Credit: Credit: Renato Mitra, Unsplash (right) / Disney (left)Disney is never afraid to tinker with its parks. Sometimes those changes are minor, such as a new snack or a parade update. At other times, the changes are so sweeping that entire lands are reimagined, and attractions never look the same again.
Right now, Walt Disney World is in the middle of one of its most significant transformations in years, and it’s clear that the word “permanent” is at the center of what’s happening.
With four brand-new lands officially announced and several major refurbishments already underway, the future of the parks is being reshaped in real time. That means certain rides and shows fans know and love are heading for their final curtain calls—or at least versions of them are.
Let’s break down the five attractions already set to undergo permanent change, plus a look at some of the other refurbishments that prove Disney is truly rewriting its playbook.
A New Era of Lands and Attractions
Disney has made it clear that a bold new chapter is unfolding in its parks, with several ambitious lands already in development. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the upcoming Tropical Americas will transform a significant portion of the park, blending new cultural themes with innovative attractions.
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, fans can look forward to a dedicated Monsters Inc. Land, finally giving Mike, Sulley, and Boo the spotlight they deserve.
Magic Kingdom is also on the verge of major change, with Piston Peak set to bring the world of Planes: Fire & Rescue to life in a brand-new way. And perhaps the most talked-about project of all, Villains Land, will also join Magic Kingdom, offering fans a darker but thrilling space devoted to Disney’s most infamous characters.
With these expansions in motion, it’s no surprise that older attractions are being reworked—or completely removed—to make room. Five attractions, in particular, are already confirmed to face permanent change.
1. It’s Tough to Be a Bug
Animal Kingdom’s long-running 3D show, It’s Tough to Be a Bug, has entertained—and sometimes terrified—guests since 1998. The theater inside the Tree of Life has been home to this quirky adventure for over two decades, but its time has officially run out.
Disney announced that the space will be repurposed for a Zootopia-themed show, introducing Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and the rest of the crew to Animal Kingdom. This move makes sense, as Zootopia’s animal-centric world fits right in with the park’s theme. Still, fans of the bug-based chaos will have to accept that the stingers-in-the-seat gag is gone for good.
2. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster
Hollywood Studios is also on the receiving end of change. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith has been a thrill staple since the late ’90s, but its days as a rock-and-roll limo ride are numbered.
Disney is reimagining the coaster with a Muppets theme, giving Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Gonzo their own zany take on a high-speed adventure.
While some fans are skeptical about how the Muppets’ quirky humor will blend with the coaster’s intensity, others are excited for a fresh spin that ties into Disney’s broader push to keep the Muppets relevant. Either way, the Aerosmith era is officially closing.
3. DINOSAUR
Over at Animal Kingdom, another massive shift is coming. The DINOSAUR ride, known for its dark, jarring chase through prehistoric chaos, is being rethemed to an Indiana Jones adventure.
This retheme will bring the whip-cracking archaeologist to Florida, unlike anything seen before. While DINOSAUR had a loyal fanbase, its storyline and animatronics were showing their age. Now, with Indiana Jones stepping in, the ride will have a whole new narrative and visuals, forever altering its identity.
4. Muppet Vision 3D
After decades of holding down the fort at Hollywood Studios, Muppet Vision 3D has officially closed. The show was the last Muppet project Jim Henson worked on before his death, which made its removal bittersweet for fans.
Disney is clearing the space to build part of a new Monsters Inc. land, a development that will finally give Mike and Sulley their own dedicated footprint in the parks. For many fans, this is both exciting and heartbreaking. While Monsters Inc. has long deserved a proper attraction, it comes at the expense of one of Disney’s last Muppet staples.
5. Big Thunder Mountain Gets a Story Overhaul
Magic Kingdom’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad isn’t being removed, but the ride is facing its most dramatic update yet. The legendary “wildest ride in the wilderness” is set to undergo a significant refurbishment, including a revamped plot and brand-new cavern scenes filled with enhanced effects.
Disney is keeping details close to the chest, but this isn’t just a matter of replacing track or repainting props. The attraction’s narrative will be shifted in ways that may fundamentally alter how guests experience it. For many, this is both thrilling and nerve-wracking—how do you change a ride that’s been a cornerstone since 1980 without losing its spirit?
Other Refurbishments Reshaping Disney
These five rides may be the most dramatic examples of permanent change, but they’re far from the only ones. Disney has a slate of refurbishments designed to refresh classic attractions:
Spaceship Earth at EPCOT is preparing for its long-awaited update, featuring basic maintenance and possibly a smoother experience.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is also set for changes, though Disney hasn’t revealed the full scope yet—rumors suggest a tech upgrade.
Smugglers Run at Hollywood Studios will soon add a Mandalorian-inspired adventure, giving guests a new mission inside the Millennium Falcon.
Test Track 3.0 reopened recently at EPCOT, featuring sleek new design elements and storytelling that ties more directly to electric vehicles and futuristic tech.
Each of these shifts proves Disney isn’t simply maintaining the status quo—it’s actively reinventing its parks for the next generation of visitors.
The Magic Moves Forward
Disney World is entering a new era. With four lands on the way and beloved rides reimagined, the parks will soon feel very different. While classics fade, fresh stories from Zootopia, Indiana Jones, and Monsters Inc. promise that the magic isn’t ending—it’s simply evolving.