Credit: Brian McGowan, UnsplashIt’s starting to feel like Walt Disney World is in a constant state of construction, refurbishment, or farewell.
If you’ve been trying to plan your dream trip lately, you’ve probably noticed something alarming—more and more beloved spots around the resort are either shut down for good or closed for refurbishment with no return date in sight.
And now, another location is joining the list.
Closures Are Stacking Up at Disney World
You’d think one or two closures would be manageable, right? But Walt Disney World has entered August 2025 with an almost overwhelming number of closures. The most noticeable? Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, which are now permanently closed. Those two were staples of the Magic Kingdom experience for decades, offering scenic boat rides and peaceful walk-through areas that gave guests a break from the crowds.
Right next door, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad remains out of commission for refurbishment. Disney hasn’t confirmed when it will reopen, but the current assumption is sometime in 2026. That’s a long wait for one of the park’s most iconic coasters.
In Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin recently shut down for what Disney is calling a “major refurbishment.” Work began in early August, and there’s no clear end date yet—just the expectation that it won’t be returning anytime this year. That’s a huge loss for families who love the interactive blaster-style ride.
Then there’s Muppet*Vision 3-D, a fan-favorite over at Hollywood Studios. That one’s not coming back at all. Disney quietly removed it from the park’s official website, and the building has reportedly already begun interior demolition. That’s not even mentioning all the closures and construction happening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom right now.
EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth Next
This month, EPCOT will also say goodbye—at least temporarily—to its park icon. Spaceship Earth is expected to close later, on August 25, for an extensive refurbishment. Disney hasn’t shared how long it’ll be offline.
This is the second time in recent years that Spaceship Earth has faced a potential overhaul. The first was announced pre-2020, but the pandemic paused those plans. Now, it seems Disney is finally moving forward, and that means guests won’t be able to ride the attraction for quite a while.
And Now, Another One Joins the List
According to a new report from WDWMAGIC, the Cabanas Pool at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort will close from August 17 through August 24, 2025, for routine maintenance. While this may seem like a smaller closure compared to attractions like Buzz Lightyear or Big Thunder Mountain, it’s still a major inconvenience for guests staying at the resort—especially during the peak of Florida’s summer heat.
The Cabanas Pool is one of the resort’s leisure pools, and guests staying in that section often prefer it because it’s quieter and more relaxing than the main pool. During the closure, Disney is directing guests to use the Lost City of Cibola Pool, the Casitas leisure pool, or the Ranchos leisure pool.
Construction noise is expected, and while Disney promises that the work should wrap up by August 25, that could still affect a full week of vacations.
So, What’s Actually Open?
With so many closures across the resort, it’s fair to ask—what’s left? There are plenty of attractions still open, and here are some of the highlights:
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TRON Lightcycle / Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Haunted Mansion are all operating as usual in Magic Kingdom (for now).
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EPCOT’s newer rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure are open and drawing massive crowds.
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Hollywood Studios still has Rise of the Resistance, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Tower of Terror to absorb some of the demand.
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Animal Kingdom still has rides like Avatar: Flight of Passage, Kali River Rapids, and Kilimanjaro Safaris.
A Pattern That’s Hard to Ignore
Disney has always rotated refurbishments—especially during slower seasons—but what we’re seeing now feels different. It’s not just about fixing broken animatronics or updating show lighting. These are full-on removals, complete overhauls, and in some cases, complete shutdowns with no confirmed replacements.
And while some of the closures are necessary, the sheer volume is starting to impact the guest experience. For guests visiting in late summer or early fall, it’s a maze of walls, construction zones, and “Temporarily Closed” signs.
It makes you wonder—what’s going to close next?
Because if this trend continues, the list is only going to grow.