Planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2025? With several exciting expansions on the horizon, the resort is set for a year of transformation. Announced at the D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event, new lands like Cars Land, Villains Land, Monsters, Inc. Land, and the Tropical Americas are creating buzz, but they also come with closures and re-theming of existing attractions.
Why These Changes Are Happening
Walt Disney World’s ongoing evolution is part of Disney’s commitment to bringing fresh storytelling and immersive experiences to guests. These changes will introduce brand-new lands and attractions, blending classic Disney magic with cutting-edge technology and innovative design.
Magic Kingdom
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Closed starting January 6, 2025, with reopening planned in 2026 featuring “a little bit of new magic. This is the first step in the major reconfiguration of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.
- Astro Orbiter: Closing January 13, 2025, through Summer 2025 for routine maintenance.
- Liberty Square Riverboat, Tom Sawyer Island, and Tom Sawyer Island Rafts: Permanently Closing for Magic Kingdom Expansion including Cars Land and Villains Land closure Date TBA.
- Hall of Presidents: Closing January 20, 2025, for updates, including adding the newest president.
EPCOT
- Test Track: Closed for reimagining since June 2024, reopening in summer 2025 with new designs and features.
- Gran Fiesta Tour: Closed January 6, 2025, reopening March 15, 2025.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is permanently closed, making way for the Villains Magic Mirror Stage Show, debuting in the summer of 2025.
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid: Reopening as “The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure” in summer 2025.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Retheming to The Muppets, no closing date announced.
- Muppet*Vision 3D and Muppet Courtyard: Closing permanently to make room for Monsters, Inc. Land, with no closing date announced either.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- It’s Tough to Be a Bug: Closing TBD, reopening as a Zootopia-themed attraction in winter 2025.
- Kali River Rapids: Closed January 6, 2025, reopening date TBA.
Dinoland USA: Permanently closing to make way for Tropical Americas.
- TriceraTop Spin and Dino-Rama: Permanently closing January 13, 2025, to make way for the new Tropical Americas-themed land, set to open in 2027.
- Dinosaur: retheming to Indiana Jones and incorporated into new Tropical Americas-themed land, set to open in 2027. No closing date for Dinosaur has been announced, speculation is 2026.
Resorts
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter: Guest room refurbishments ongoing May 2024 – Spring 2025.
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Major refurbishment ongoing September 2024 – September 2025.
- Yacht Club: Guest room refurbishments from January – May 2025.
- Stormalong Bay Pool: Closing January – May 2025 for routine maintenance, with alternate pools available for guests.
- Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort: Brief refurbishment January 12 – 25, 2025.
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Fantasia Pool Closed January 2025 – April 2025
Water Parks
- Typhoon Lagoon: Seasonal closure began November 4, 2024, reopening date TBA.
- Blizzard Beach: Is Open during Typhoon Lagoon’s closure.
Tips for Navigating Closures
- Stay Updated: Refurbishment schedules can change. Check the My Disney Experience app or Disney’s official website for updates.
- Plan Alternatives: Use closures as an opportunity to explore less-visited attractions or entertainment offerings.
- Resort Stays: If staying at a resort undergoing refurbishment, expect construction noise during daytime hours, but most amenities will remain available.
