Three iconic Walt Disney World attractions are about to go offline, marking the end of an era for some fan favorites and ushering in significant changes at the Orlando resort.
Closures and refurbishments are nothing new for Disney theme parks, where evolution is part of the magic. Still, even the most seasoned guests can feel the sting when a beloved ride temporarily—or permanently—shutters its gates. Now, as Walt Disney World steps into one of its most ambitious chapters yet, several attractions are making way for progress.
With sweeping updates on the horizon, Disney Experiences (formerly Disney Parks, Experiences and Products) is clearing the path for transformative new projects. From the dramatic reimagining of Frontierland to the complete overhaul of DinoLand U.S.A., change is coming to every corner of the Central Florida resort.
Since teasing “blue sky” concepts during the 2022 D23 Expo, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro has been rolling out updates at a steady pace. “Dirt is moving,” D’Amaro reminded fans at this year’s Ultimate Fan Event, assuring them that Disney’s big ideas are becoming reality. That said, he’s also acknowledged that “the company doesn’t always get it right,” striking a balance between ambition and reflection.
Among the projects is the transformation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand U.S.A. into the Tropical Americas. This reimagined area will feature Encanto and Indiana Jones-themed attractions, with the latter set to replace the popular DINOSAUR ride. Meanwhile, the Tree of Life Theater will debut Better Zoogether, a new Zootopia-inspired 3D experience that will replace It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
Magic Kingdom is also undergoing a dramatic evolution. Frontierland, as fans know it, is fading into history, with Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America making way for a Cars-themed land.
Also in development is the long-awaited Disney Villains land, which will offer a sinister new space dedicated to Disney’s most infamous characters. While details remain scarce, excitement is building around how many attractions this area will include.
However, this progress comes at a cost. In just one week, three beloved attractions across three different parks will operate for the final time before going offline for extended refurbishments—or permanent closures.
- January 6: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom) — Closing for a lengthy refurbishment, reopening in 2026 with “a little bit of new magic.”
- January 6: Kali River Rapids (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) — Seasonal closure, reopening in March 2025.
- January 6: Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros (EPCOT) — Closing for updates, reopening March 15, 2025.
It’s widely speculated that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will receive enhancements similar to those found at Disneyland Resort in California. As Magic Kingdom prepares for its new Disney Villains and Cars lands, the refurbishment seems like a logical step to refresh one of Frontierland’s cornerstone attractions.
Later in January, more closures are scheduled, including several permanent ones:
- January 13: TriceraTop Spin (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) — Permanently closing, signaling the start of DinoLand U.S.A.’s transformation.
- January 13: Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures and Fossil Fun Games (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) — Permanently closing.
- January 13: Astro Orbiter (Magic Kingdom) — Undergoing refurbishment, reopening summer 2025.
While these closures mark the end of the road for some attractions, others will stick around a bit longer. Disney recently confirmed that DINOSAUR will continue to operate through 2025, giving Guests one last chance to enjoy this fan-favorite ride.
As Walt Disney World looks ahead to a bold future, fans are left balancing their excitement for what’s next with the bittersweet reality of losing some iconic experiences. Whether you’re thrilled for the new lands or nostalgic for the classics, there’s no denying that this marks a pivotal moment for the resort.
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