Credit: Inside the MagicWalt Disney World has seen its fair share of closures recently, with several beloved attractions undergoing refurbishments or shutting down permanently to make way for new experiences.
Guests visiting Magic Kingdom have had to adjust to the closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which began its extensive refurbishment in January and won’t return until 2026. Over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, MuppetVision 3D is on its way out, set to close this summer as the park prepares for a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been saying goodbye to DinoLand U.S.A. in phases, with the area being transformed into a Tropical Americas-inspired land featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions.
Disney World Has Finally Reopened One Attraction
With all these closures, guests have been eager for some good news—and they finally got it.
After several weeks of being off-limits, the Maharajah Jungle Trek bat exhibit at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has officially reopened.
This exhibit, a hidden gem within the park, is part of the Maharajah Jungle Trek, a self-guided walkthrough attraction that immerses guests in the beauty and culture of Southeast Asia. The trail is home to several animal species, including tigers, gibbons, and exotic birds, making it one of the most unique experiences in Animal Kingdom.
The bat exhibit, one of the highlights of the trek, allows guests to observe these fascinating creatures through large viewing windows. The exhibit had been closed since February 17, and while Disney’s website hadn’t reflected its reopening, visitors on March 10 were welcomed back inside to watch the bats in their natural habitat.
This exhibit offers a rare opportunity to learn about fruit bats, including the Malayan flying fox, one of the largest bat species in the world.
The refurbishment was relatively short compared to some of the other ongoing changes at Disney World, but its reopening is a welcome sight for guests who enjoy the park’s animal-focused experiences. With so many closures happening around Disney World, the return of this exhibit is a reminder that while attractions may go down for maintenance, they often come back better than ever.
2025 Disney World Refurbishment Calendar
Magic Kingdom
-
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: This iconic coaster closed in January 2025, for a comprehensive refurbishment, including new track installations. The attraction is slated to reopen in 2026 with enhanced features.
-
The Hall of Presidents: Closed on January 20, 2025, to update the attraction with newly-inaugurated President Trump.
EPCOT
-
Test Track: The attraction closed on June 17, 2024, for a reimagining inspired by the original World of Motion ride. It’s scheduled to reopen in late Summer 2025.
-
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros: This one has been closed for refurbishment for several weeks, but is slated to reopen this weekend.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
-
Muppet*Vision 3D: Scheduled to close on June 7, 2025, to make way for a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land. The Muppets will transition to the reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, replacing the Aerosmith theme.
-
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Set to undergo a transformation to feature the Muppets alongside music stars in a rockin’ music festival theme. Specific closure dates for this refurbishment have yet to be announced.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama: Closed in January, to pave the way for a new Tropical Americas-themed attraction inspired by Encanto and the Indiana Jones franchise. The construction is expected to be completed by 2027.
- It’s Tough to be a Bug!: The attraction, inside the Tree of Life, is slated to close permanently on March 17, 2025. A Zootopia-themed show will take its place, reportedly set to open in late 2025.
What do you think of all the closures happening at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments!