As guests prepare for their festive vacations at Walt Disney World Resort, they’ll find a theme park destination that’s balancing holiday celebration with major development. Starting just before Christmas, every day is forecasted to reach peak capacity, making the period the most crowded of the year, and closures across the parks will have a noticeable impact on how families experience their holiday trips.
One of the most striking changes is taking place in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland. Tom Sawyer Island, a playground of caves, trails, and pirate adventures, closed forever on July 7, 2025, paving the way for Piston Peak National Park from the Cars universe. The Rivers of America, which surrounded the island, shut down on the same day. The Liberty Belle Riverboat, a fixture of Frontierland and Liberty Square since the park’s opening, made its final voyage before the river began draining in mid-July.
Nearby, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad also closed earlier this year on January 6, 2025. The beloved runaway mine train coaster will return in 2026 with new enhancements and will eventually join expanded offerings tied to the aforementioned Cars Land and Villains Land. Since 1980, its high-speed ride through Tumbleweed has been a key highlight of Frontierland, which is now being reimagined for the future.
In Tomorrowland, young space rangers have temporarily lost their mission against Emperor Zurg. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed on August 4, 2025, and will reopen in 2026 with major updates. Disney has confirmed additions, including new vehicles, handheld blasters, refreshed targets throughout the ride, and a new character named Buddy. Since 1998, it has remained one of Tomorrowland’s most popular family attractions.
Families visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom this December may also notice the absence of Kali River Rapids, which is undergoing its yearly refurbishment. The ride went offline on October 6, 2025, and is anticipated to reopen before the end of the year. Its earlier maintenance helps prepare for DinoLand U.S.A.’s departure in February 2026, ensuring the park is ready for shifting guest interest.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, more major transitions are underway. Disney Jr. Play & Dance!, a show beloved by preschoolers and their families, held its final performance on September 25, 2025. It will be replaced in 2026 by The Magic of Disney Animation. Star Wars Launch Bay also closed that same month permanently, ending character greetings with Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and others from the Star Wars galaxy.
For guests who traditionally count on certain attractions to help manage crowds or offer quiet moments, these closures represent a major shift. With fewer places for visitors to disperse, wait times could rise across the board during the final days of the year. Attractions like Big Thunder Mountain, Tom Sawyer Island, and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin have long provided balance, especially during Christmas visits. Their absence may influence how families navigate their days in the parks.
Yet there’s opportunity for strategic planning. Early December still offers a more relaxed atmosphere and a chance to enjoy holiday decorations and entertainment before peak attendance begins. For many, this might be the best window of time to take in the season’s magic.
What are your thoughts on these holiday-season closures at Walt Disney World Resort? Let us know below!
