Magic Kingdom Park

Another January Closure Strikes Magic Kingdom–Here’s the Latest

Walt Disney World Resort is ramping up its closures in 2025, with yet another section of Magic Kingdom about to go dark before the month is out.

Cinderella Castle viewed from Tomorrowland at dusk
Credit: Jeff Krause, Flickr

Earlier this month, Magic Kingdom saw the closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, marking the beginning of a massive refurbishment project that will span over a year. Disney has teased the addition of some “new magic” to the iconic roller coaster, and construction crews have wasted no time. Already, portions of the track are being removed, with towering pieces visible above Frontierland.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Disney World has seen its fair share of closures this January. From the permanent removal of certain attractions in Disney’s Animal Kingdom to prepare for the new Tropical Americas land, to seasonal closures like Kali River Rapids and the ongoing maintenance of Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, change is in full swing at The Most Magical Place on Earth.

The exterior of The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Credit: Disney

Recently, EPCOT guests were met with another operational shift: the early closure of The Seas with Nemo & Friends inside the World Nature neighborhood. The attraction, including the popular SeaBase Aquarium, is now closing at 7 p.m. instead of its usual 9 p.m. While Disney has yet to provide an official explanation, sources suggest the change might be tied to significant updates underway within the attraction.

The latest update, however, comes from Magic Kingdom. Starting January 27, 2025, the beloved Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction will experience a partial closure.

“The indoor children’s playground in the Dumbo the Flying Elephant queue will close for refurbishment on January 27, 2025, and is expected to reopen in Spring 2025,” states the official Walt Disney World Resort website. “The attraction will remain open and available during this time.”

Smellephants on Parade at Disney World
Credit: Disney

While the ride itself will remain operational, the indoor playground—an essential part of the queue—will be off-limits. This air-conditioned play area has long been a favorite among families, offering kids a space to run, climb, and burn off energy while parents get a moment to relax.

This news comes less than a year after Storybook Circus saw the Smellephants on Parade update in May 2024. Guests can still grab a map and sticker sheet from Big Top Souvenirs to embark on a scavenger hunt for the whimsical Smellephant statues scattered around the area.

What do you think about the upcoming changes at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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