Disney Is Saying Goodbye to Some of Its Most Iconic Florida Landmarks

Disney will most likely be saying goodbye to several iconic Florida landmarks this year.

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There’s no denying that 2025 will be a year for the history books, not just for Walt Disney World but for the Disneyland Resort in California as well, with both theme park locations undergoing extensive changes over the next decade, most of which start this year.

Work will begin soon on several of these projects, with Disneyland’s new Avatar land and Magic Kingdom’s upcoming Cars makeover being some of the most notable.

However, while Disney’s new projects always inspire excitement, the company’s current slate is arguably its most divisive yet, with Disney set to demolish, destroy, or replace several iconic landmarks and locations.

Upcoming Changes to Magic Kingdom

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Starting with perhaps the most controversial and largest change of all, Disney will soon begin transforming Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America into a new western-themed off-roading track in preparation for the park’s upcoming Cars-themed attraction.

Announced last year, this new ride will blend ride systems and technologies seen on other attractions like Test Track, only this time, offering guests a chance to explore the rugged outdoors. Disney has advertised this new attraction as an off-roading adventure, suggesting guests can expect a rough and bumpy ride.

However, the construction of this new attraction will mean the closure of Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America, which has become an iconic part of the park and Walt Disney World itself.

For decades, this man-made waterway has run through Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland and Liberty Square, offering guests an incredible view to soak in and enjoy.

The closure of Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America also means the closure of Tom Sawyer Island, an immersive, kid-friendly play area, and the Liberty Bell Riverboat, which takes guests on a scenic tour around the park.

Bye Bye Muppets

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Over at Hollywood Studios, Disney is already in the process of working to retheme Muppets Courtyard, an area where Jim Henson’s lovable puppet creatures currently call home. While there are a number of different iconic places here, Muppet*Vision 3D and Pizzerizzo have become fan favorites, serving as unofficial icons of the park itself.

Both of these locations are set to close soon as work begins on transforming the entire space into a new land based on Pixar’s Monsters Inc.

Not only will Muppets Courtyard be getting a refresh, but so will Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, another icon of Walt Disney World. While the ride itself will be staying, Aerosmith will headline the coaster no more, with The Muppets set to call Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster their new home.

This announcement came as quite a surprise to fans last year, but considering what’s happening with The Muppets’ own attraction, this seems like a nice compromise.

Exact timelines for these projects remain as fuzzy as Fozzy Bear’s fur, though Disney seems eager to get started quickly.

DinoLand Goes Extinct

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Guests have already seen sweeping changes hit DinoLand U.S.A. as Disney also moves to transform this area. The prehistoric land has entertained, dazzled, and inspired guests for decades at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, offering visitors a chance to explore some of nature’s most fascinating creatures.

The land featured three attractions, two of which have already closed permanently as Disney works to transform it into something entirely new. This project was also announced last year, though it likely did not come as quite a shock as Disney’s plans for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, as DinoLand has long been a controversial spot at the resort.

Half of DinoLand closed permanently earlier this year, with the rest set to close in early 2026. DINOSAUR, the land’s “E-ticket” ride, will remain open through the end of the year, with Disney officially confirming the attraction will go extinct in 2026.

While controversial, DinoLand has also become an iconic part of Walt Disney World for guests keen on exploring dinosaurs. Eventually, DinoLand will become a new area inspired by South America. This new land will house three new attractions, one of which will be inspired by Encanto.

DINOSAUR will turn into an Indiana Jones-based adventure similar to what is seen at Disneyland.

Are you sad to see these places go? Are you looking forward to Disney World’s new rides and attractions?