Credit: DisneyFor many Disney fans, there’s nothing quite like planning a park day around your favorite attractions. You map out the Lightning Lane selections, pick your rope drop strategy, and maybe even leave room for a mid-afternoon break. But if you’re heading to Magic Kingdom in the next few weeks, there’s one important update you’ll want to know about. Another beloved show is about to temporarily close its doors, joining a growing list of refurbishments happening across Walt Disney World this season.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic Takes a Short Break
Mickey’s PhilharMagic has long been a cozy little escape in Fantasyland. Guests duck inside the dark, air-conditioned theater and let Donald Duck whisk them away on a whirlwind musical adventure through Disney’s animated worlds. It’s a fan-favorite for good reason: short wait times, nostalgia-packed scenes, and a fun mix of Disney classics.
But starting November 1, 2025, the show will temporarily close for refurbishment. The good news? This isn’t an extended, multi-month closure. Disney currently anticipates reopening the attraction later in November, which means the break should be fairly brief. The company hasn’t hinted at any major overhauls, so it’s likely this will be routine work—though, as fans know, Disney sometimes slips in surprise upgrades during refurbishments.
PhilharMagic’s Unique Role in Fantasyland
This attraction isn’t just a filler show between rides. It’s become part of many guests’ core Magic Kingdom traditions. For families with young children, it’s an easy way to keep the magic going without standing in another long queue. For others, it’s a nostalgic tribute to Disney’s animated legacy, with appearances from films like The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), and The Lion King (1994).
Closures like this can catch some guests off guard, especially those visiting only once or twice a year. That’s why it’s smart to keep an eye on refurbishment schedules when planning your park day. It’s no fun to march toward a favorite attraction only to find construction signs blocking the way.
One Closure Among Many
Mickey’s PhilharMagic isn’t the only attraction impacted this season. A number of other rides, shows, and even entire areas are currently behind construction walls or drained of water.
One of the biggest projects underway is the refurbishment of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. This Tomorrowland staple closed back in early August and won’t return until sometime in 2026. Disney has confirmed some major upgrades are on the way—think new reactive targets, fresh ride vehicles, and enhanced gameplay with handheld blasters. The ride will also feature a brand-new show scene and a new character to join Buzz on the adventure.
Then there’s the most dramatic change of all: the permanent closure of the Liberty Square Riverboat, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Rivers of America. This area officially shut down over the summer to make way for a brand-new land—Piston Peak National Park, inspired by Disney’s Planes spin-off film. Construction is well underway, with the river drained and structures on the island being dismantled. Disney hasn’t set an opening date yet, but when the new area debuts, it’s expected to bring at least two fresh attractions to the park.
Big Thunder Mountain’s Extended Downtime
Another headline-making closure is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The “wildest ride in the wilderness” officially shut down in January 2025 and won’t reopen until sometime next year. This isn’t just a paint job or a track replacement either. Disney has teased new effects, including glowing caverns and phosphorescent pools designed to give riders a stunning underground sequence. It’s one of the most ambitious refurbishments Magic Kingdom has seen in years.
Of course, not every closure involves major construction. Tortuga Tavern remains shuttered most of the year as a seasonal dining location. While the space is currently open for seating, the restaurant itself hasn’t resumed full service. Disney often uses it during special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but regular operating hours remain up in the air.
Beyond Magic Kingdom: Closures Across Disney World
Magic Kingdom isn’t the only park undergoing a facelift right now. Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Harambe Market recently closed for refurbishment and won’t reopen until early 2026. Kali River Rapids has also gone down for its annual cooler-weather refurbishment and is expected to return in December.
Meanwhile, big changes are happening near the Tree of Life. It’s Tough to Be a Bug officially closed for good earlier this year and will be replaced by a new show, Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, debuting November 7. This new experience will include a Zoogether Day celebration and even a Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde meet-and-greet.
And over in DinoLand U.S.A., the transformation continues. After several permanent closures earlier this year—including TriceraTop Spin and other beloved spots—the area is being reimagined as Pueblo Esperanza, a land themed around the Tropical Americas. The Boneyard and multiple snack stands are already closed, with more locations shutting down in early 2026.
Hollywood Studios and Beyond
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also going through some major shifts. Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie is temporarily closed, while Animation Courtyard is transforming into a new Walt Disney Studios-themed area. Classic spaces like Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Junior Play and Dance have gone dark to make room for fresh experiences, including a “Drawn to Wonderland” playground and an interactive animation zone.
Over in the Muppets Courtyard, long-standing favorites like Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo are permanently closed. That space will soon become a brand-new Monsters, Inc.-themed land, signaling a major IP shift for the park.
And if you’re hoping to beat the Florida heat, it’s worth noting that Blizzard Beach is also closed for refurbishment. Thankfully, Typhoon Lagoon remains open, so there’s still one water park option available.
Why These Closures Matter
While refurbishments can be frustrating for guests planning their trips, they’re also a key part of how Disney keeps its parks looking fresh and operating smoothly. Rides and shows require regular upkeep, and sometimes those closures pave the way for exciting new experiences. Think about how many beloved attractions started out as “something new” after an older experience closed.
That said, the number of concurrent closures this year is unusually high, especially at Magic Kingdom. With major attractions like Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin out of commission, plus entire areas under construction, the park is going to feel a little different for a while.
Planning Around Closures
If you’re visiting soon, the best way to avoid disappointment is to check the refurbishment calendar before your trip. Consider shifting your park strategy to focus on attractions that are still available or experiencing shorter waits due to the season. And if you were counting on Mickey’s PhilharMagic as a cool indoor break, this might be the perfect time to explore other shows like Carousel of Progress or Hall of Presidents.
The good news: most of these closures are temporary. And knowing Disney, they’ll return looking and feeling better than ever.