Credit: Sarah Larson, Inside the MagicSome of Walt Disney World’s most recognizable attractions have entertained visitors for decades, but even the most beloved rides can’t escape the effects of time.
Over the past several years, Disney has invested heavily in updating older attractions, replacing outdated technology, and introducing new experiences across its four theme parks. While some improvements have been welcomed, others have left longtime fans concerned about the future of their favorite rides.
Now, several additional classics are showing signs that they could benefit from significant attention.
From aging special effects to unreliable ride systems and scenes that haven’t kept up with modern technology, these attractions have become frequent subjects of discussions about what Disney should improve next.
Although Disney hasn’t confirmed closure dates for every attraction on this list, four familiar experiences stand out as potential candidates for future shutdowns and major refurbishments.
Disney World Is Already Making Major Changes to Its Classic Attractions
Walt Disney World has demonstrated that even its most established attractions aren’t immune to major changes.
At Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress closed in July 2026 for an extensive refurbishment that will introduce new decades, updated scenes, and a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic figure. The attraction is expected to reopen in late spring 2027.
Meanwhile, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin recently underwent a major transformation, receiving handheld blasters, interactive targets, updated vehicles, and improvements throughout its scenes.
EPCOT is also preparing for significant changes, with Disney announcing updates to two of its most recognizable attractions.
These projects demonstrate that Disney is willing to temporarily remove popular experiences from its lineup to improve them for future generations.
However, several other attractions could arguably use similar attention, especially as guests continue noticing aging features and operational problems.
1. Space Mountain Could Face Its Biggest Refurbishment in Decades
Space Mountain has been a Magic Kingdom staple since 1975, but the legendary roller coaster is beginning to show its age.
The Tomorrowland attraction was groundbreaking when it debuted, sending guests racing through darkness aboard a futuristic indoor coaster.
More than 50 years later, however, the experience feels considerably different compared to Disney World’s newer thrill rides.
One of the biggest complaints involves the ride’s roughness. Unlike Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, which features smooth movements and advanced ride technology, Space Mountain delivers sharp turns and sudden jolts that some visitors find uncomfortable.
Its aging track and ride vehicles have become frequent subjects of criticism among longtime Disney fans.
The attraction’s special effects could also benefit from improvements. While the darkness remains essential to its appeal, newer lighting technology, enhanced projections, and updated audio could make the experience more immersive.
Operational reliability is another concern.
Space Mountain has experienced periods of unexpected downtime, sometimes leaving guests unable to ride for extended periods.
Rumors have circulated about a possible major refurbishment beginning in 2027, although Disney has not confirmed those plans.
A substantial project could involve replacing sections of track, modernizing ride vehicles, improving special effects, or addressing aging mechanical components.
For many fans, the goal wouldn’t necessarily be to reinvent Space Mountain. Instead, they want Disney to preserve the attraction’s identity while making it more comfortable and reliable.
Considering the coaster’s age and popularity, a lengthy refurbishment wouldn’t be particularly surprising.
2. ‘it’s a small world’ Is Showing Its Age Throughout Fantasyland
Few Disney World attractions carry as much history as “it’s a small world.”
The Fantasyland boat ride has welcomed guests since Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, offering a peaceful journey through colorful scenes representing cultures around the world.
However, maintaining an attraction with hundreds of moving figures, elaborate scenery, and extensive lighting presents considerable challenges.
Over the years, guests have noticed problems involving malfunctioning Audio-Animatronics, worn decorations, and lighting effects that don’t always operate as intended.
Some figures have appeared motionless, while others have experienced mechanical problems that interrupt their familiar movements.
The attraction has also faced concerns about visible deterioration, including worn surfaces and aging materials around guest-facing areas.
These issues don’t necessarily mean the ride is unsafe or approaching permanent closure. However, they raise questions about how much longer Disney can rely on smaller maintenance projects.
A comprehensive refurbishment could allow Imagineers to restore damaged scenery, improve lighting, repair aging figures, and update mechanical components.
Disney could also address portions of the attraction that have become visibly worn after decades of daily operation.
Importantly, many fans aren’t asking Disney to replace the experience with something entirely different.
The attraction’s familiar music, colorful environments, and message of international friendship remain central to its appeal.
Instead, visitors want to see the classic restored to its original quality.
Disney has not announced a major closure for “it’s a small world,” but its age and maintenance needs make it a reasonable candidate for future improvements.
3. Spaceship Earth Is Preparing for a Major Transformation
Spaceship Earth is one of the most recognizable attractions at Walt Disney World, and its future is already beginning to take shape.
The EPCOT attraction opened in 1982 and has undergone several changes throughout its history.
Its current version takes guests through the development of human communication, beginning with ancient civilizations and continuing into the modern era.
However, portions of the experience have become noticeably outdated.
The attraction’s final scenes and interactive elements reflect an earlier vision of technology, while certain effects and displays could benefit from modern improvements.
Visitors have also raised concerns about the attraction’s overall condition.
Recently, guests questioned maintenance around Spaceship Earth after noticing lighting problems on the attraction’s exterior.
While those complaints don’t establish problems with the ride system itself, they have contributed to broader discussions about the condition of EPCOT’s iconic centerpiece.
Unlike several other attractions on this list, Spaceship Earth already has an officially announced reimagining.
During D23 in August 2026, Disney confirmed plans to update the attraction’s storyline, placing greater emphasis on human connection and bringing its technological narrative into the internet age and beyond.
The project follows an earlier overhaul that Disney announced in 2019 but later postponed.
Disney has also been updating the attraction’s exterior, demonstrating that improvements are already underway.
However, the company hasn’t announced when Spaceship Earth will close for its interior transformation.
Depending on the extent of the changes, the attraction could require an extended shutdown.
For longtime EPCOT fans, the biggest question is how much of the familiar experience will survive.
4. Journey Into Imagination With Figment Needs More Than Minor Improvements
Journey Into Imagination With Figment has remained one of EPCOT’s most debated attractions for years.
While Figment himself remains incredibly popular, the current ride has struggled to earn the same affection as the pavilion’s original experience.
The original Journey Into Imagination opened in 1983, introducing visitors to Figment and Dreamfinder through elaborate scenes celebrating creativity.
However, Disney replaced that experience in 1999 before introducing the current version in 2002.
Since then, fans have repeatedly criticized the attraction’s outdated effects, relatively simple environments, and storyline.
The current ride takes guests through the Imagination Institute, where Dr. Nigel Channing attempts to demonstrate how the senses influence imagination.
Although the attraction includes several memorable moments, much of its technology feels dated compared to newer Disney experiences.
Its practical effects, lighting, and scenery could benefit from substantial modernization.
Some visitors also believe the ride lacks the elaborate storytelling that made the original attraction so memorable.
Fortunately, Disney has already confirmed that Dreamfinder will return alongside Figment in a future update.
That announcement has generated excitement among longtime EPCOT fans who have spent years requesting the character’s return.
However, Disney hasn’t explained exactly how Dreamfinder will fit into the attraction or how extensively the existing scenes will change.
A major refurbishment could give Imagineers the opportunity to replace aging effects, introduce more advanced figures, and develop a stronger storyline.
For many fans, this represents an opportunity to restore the creativity that once defined the pavilion.
The company has not announced an official closure date, but the confirmed changes suggest the current experience won’t remain untouched forever.
Could More Disney World Classics Be Next?
These four attractions represent different challenges facing Walt Disney World as its older experiences continue aging.
Space Mountain could benefit from mechanical and technological improvements, while “it’s a small world” needs continued attention to its extensive collection of figures and scenery.
Spaceship Earth and Journey Into Imagination With Figment, meanwhile, already have confirmed changes coming, although Disney has not revealed their closure schedules.
And they aren’t the only attractions generating discussion.
Tomorrowland Speedway continues facing criticism over its gasoline-powered vehicles and outdated concept, while other longtime favorites occasionally experience operational problems that raise questions about future maintenance.
Disney has already shown its willingness to modernize classic Magic Kingdom attractions rather than leave them unchanged indefinitely.
Still, there is an important difference between an attraction needing improvements and Disney deciding to replace it entirely.
For many longtime visitors, preserving these experiences is just as important as updating them.
The challenge for Disney will be finding a balance between protecting the attractions that helped establish Walt Disney World’s identity and ensuring they continue meeting guests’ expectations.
With major construction projects already underway across the resort, another round of classic attraction refurbishments could eventually become part of Disney World’s ongoing transformation.
For now, visitors can continue enjoying these four attractions, but their familiar experiences may not remain exactly the same in the years ahead.
