Every new project at Disney World seems to come with a trade-off. While guests love fresh attractions, many wonder what will vanish in return. Two long-running rides are at the center of new speculation and may not be around for long.
Recent Losses Still Fresh
It’s not surprising fans are worried. In just a few years, Disney has retired several staples.
1) Splash Mountain shut down in 2023 and is now transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
2) Muppet Vision 3D left Hollywood Studios in June 2025 after decades of wacky Muppet antics.
3) Over at Magic Kingdom, Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America have closed as part of larger construction efforts.
4) Animal Kingdom’s It’s Tough to Be a Bug has also been scrapped, with Zootopia already taking its place.
Each of these changes has chipped away at the nostalgic side of Disney World.
Attractions Under Construction
Along with closures, extended refurbishments raise eyebrows. EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth will close this August, reopening sometime in 2025. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad began refurbishing in January 2025, stretching well into 2026. And Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is receiving much-needed updates, though it could look very different once finished.
These projects show that even when rides don’t close outright, Disney isn’t afraid to transform them.
Gran Fiesta Tour’s Future
The ride most fans are buzzing about is EPCOT’s Gran Fiesta Tour. Nestled in the Mexico pavilion, it takes guests on a boat journey with Donald Duck and The Three Caballeros. Yet, for years, rumors have suggested Disney might retheme it as a Coco attraction.
Many guests are excited by the thought of colorful Land of the Dead scenes and music from Coco. But others fear it would be another example of Disney erasing a unique EPCOT gem for an IP-driven replacement.
Carousel of Progress Speculation
The second ride in question is Tomorrowland’s Carousel of Progress. It’s a piece of Disney history, initially created by Walt himself. But its futuristic finale feels dated now, showing technology like VR and voice-activated gadgets that no longer amaze audiences.
Rumors suggest an update could add a brand-new future scene or even replace the animatronics with smoother, more advanced figures. Some fans would welcome these improvements, but others worry about losing the nostalgic touches that make the Carousel so special.
Disney’s Cycle of Change
Every closure sparks mixed emotions. Fans grieve the loss of old favorites but also line up for the new adventures. If Gran Fiesta Tour or Carousel of Progress is next, it won’t be the first or last time Disney makes tough choices.
Disney's real challenge is finding balance: keeping the parks modern while preserving the magic of their past.
