News

Disney World Pulls the Plug on 16 Locations in a Single Week

https://insidethemagic.net/2025/09/disney-world-blizzard-beach-closed-2025-emd1/If you’re packing your bags for a magical vacation to Walt Disney World this October, you’ll want to go in with your eyes wide open. Between scheduled refurbishments, permanent closures, and new lands in development, several attractions and resort amenities are off-limits—some temporarily, others for good.

Tall, old-fashioned hotel building with “Hollywood Tower” sign, set against a dark, cloudy sky. The structure appears weathered and ominous, evoking a mysterious or haunted atmosphere.
Credit: Disney

But don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Here’s a full rundown of what’s currently closed across the parks and resorts, plus a glimpse at what’s on the horizon.

Resort Pool Closures This Fall

A large resort-style swimming pool with a waterslide, surrounded by lounge chairs, palm trees, and lush greenery at Animal Kingdom Lodge, with multi-story lodge buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.
Credit: Disney

A relaxing resort day might be on your itinerary, but be aware: a few hotel pools are undergoing touch-ups this fall. Disney’s Old Key West Resort – Miller’s Road Leisure Pool

Closed: Sept. 29 through late November

One of the resort’s smaller pools, the Miller’s Road Leisure Pool, is temporarily out of service. The good news? The Sandcastle Pool and two other leisure pools (Old Turtle Pond and South Point) remain open and ready for lounging.

All-Star Movies – Fantasia Kiddie Pool

Closed since Sept. 8; reopening expected late October

The kids’ splash zone is currently behind construction walls. Until it reopens, little ones can check out the main Fantasia Feature Pool or visit the kiddie pools at All-Star Music or All-Star Sports.

Animal Kingdom Lodge – Samawati Springs Pool Slide

Closed starting Sept. 8

The slide at Kidani Village’s Samawati Springs Pool is under refurbishment, though the main pool stays open. For a slide fix, guests can head over to Jambo House’s Uzima Springs Pool.

What’s Closed in the Parks (October 4–11, 2025)

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland.
Credit: Anna Fox (HarshLight), Flickr

Whether you’re chasing thrills or classic Disney nostalgia, here’s a look at what’s currently unavailable inside the four theme parks.

EPCOT

Spaceship Earth
Closed for routine maintenance since August 25. The ride and its Project Tomorrow post-show area are expected to reopen later this year.

Magic Kingdom

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Closed since August 4 and not reopening until sometime in 2026. A total overhaul is underway—new vehicles, improved interactivity, and an all-new scene are part of the reimagining.

Liberty Square Riverboat & 🏝️ Tom Sawyer Island
Both experiences closed permanently in July to make way for Piston Peak National Park, a new land themed after Planes: Fire & Rescue. Two new attractions are planned for this lush wilderness setting.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Currently offline for a massive refurbishment. Expect dramatic new scenes, including the glowing Rainbow Caverns. It’s set to return in 2026.

Tortuga Tavern
Temporarily unavailable. Construction walls were recently removed, but Disney hasn’t confirmed a reopening date.

Animal Kingdom

Kali River Rapids
Closed for its annual refurbishment, expected to reopen in December 2025. This downtime usually lines up with Florida’s cooler months.

DinoLand U.S.A. Transformation

Big changes are coming. The area is being replaced by Pueblo Esperanza, inspired by the Tropical Americas.

Already closed:

  • TriceraTop Spin

  • Fossil Fun Games

  • Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures

  • The Boneyard (permanently closed as of Sept. 2)

Remaining (for now): DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, and a few snack locations. The full area shuts down February 2, 2026.

It’s Tough to Be a Bug
Officially retired and replaced by Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, a new stage show opening November 7. Expect immersive effects, live performers, and appearances from Zootopia characters.

Hollywood Studios

Animation Courtyard
Shuttered as of September 25. It’s being transformed into Walt Disney Studios, a new land celebrating Disney animation history.

New experiences coming:

  • The Magic of Disney Animation (in place of Star Wars Launch Bay)

  • Drawn to Wonderland, a play area

  • A reimagined Disney Jr. Play and Dance!

Muppets Courtyard
A big goodbye to MuppetVision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s. The area is being reworked into a Monsters, Inc.-themed land. The Muppets will reportedly return in 2026 in a new form, replacing Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

Water Parks & Mini Golf

A young child wearing a blue hat, white shirt, and patterned swim trunks floats in a clear swimming pool on a white inner tube with blue writing at Disney Waterparks, smiling and looking up at the camera.
Credit: Disney

Blizzard Beach Water Park
Closed for seasonal maintenance as of Sept. 8. Typhoon Lagoon remains open.

Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Mini Golf
The Fantasia Fairways course is undergoing refurbishment through Nov. 7. The Gardens course is still open, but walk-ins only (no advance reservations). Want a guaranteed tee time? Head over to Winter Summerland.

Disney Resort Entertainment

Jellyrolls at Disney’s BoardWalk
This beloved piano bar closed permanently in April. While hints suggest it could return in a new location, Disney hasn’t made anything official.

Sure, it’s never ideal to hear that your favorite ride or hangout spot is closed—but most of these updates point to a brighter (and more thrilling) future at Walt Disney World. Whether it’s new lands, upgraded attractions, or themed overhauls, change is part of the Disney experience.

Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

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