Big changes are on the horizon for Walt Disney World in 2025! If you’re planning a trip next year, it’s time to take note of some key refurbishments and closures happening across Disney’s parks and resorts. From hotel updates to major attraction transformations, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to keep the magic fresh.
One of the most talked-about closures? The temporary shutdown of the popular Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg — let’s dive into everything happening around the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Whispering Canyon Café: Closing for a Short but Important Refurbishment
One of Disney World’s most beloved (and rowdiest) restaurants, Whispering Canyon Café, is set to close for refurbishment from May 12 to May 21, 2025. Located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, this Western-themed eatery is famous for its hearty, all-you-can-eat skillets and hilarious cast member antics, where servers sass and joke with guests in good-natured fun.
Before the closure, Whispering Canyon Café will still offer its special Mother’s Day brunch on May 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Keep in mind that regular breakfast and lunch menus won’t be available during the brunch, so if you want to experience their classic fare, you’ll need to plan around those hours.
For those staying at Wilderness Lodge during the Café’s closure, there are plenty of other excellent dining options to choose from:
- Roaring Fork: A casual quick-service spot with comfort food and grab-and-go options.
- Geyser Point Bar & Grill: A beautiful open-air lounge with lakeside views and unique bites.
- Territory Lounge: Perfect for relaxing with cocktails and small plates in a rustic setting.
- Storybook Dining at Artist Point: A fan-favorite character meal featuring Snow White, The Evil Queen, and a few of the Seven Dwarfs.
While Disney hasn’t shared the specifics of the Whispering Canyon refurbishment, we’re hoping for some exciting upgrades while keeping the restaurant’s signature charm and energy intact.
Resort Refurbishments and Closures You Should Know About
Whispering Canyon Café isn’t the only Disney World staple getting some TLC next year. Several Disney resorts will also undergo refurbishments, which could affect pool access, room availability, and views.
Here’s the full list of 2025 resort updates:
- All-Star Movies Resort: The Fantasia Pool will close from January through April 2025 for routine maintenance, but the Duck Pond Pool will remain open.
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort: From January to June 2025, the Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool — one of Disney’s most beloved pool areas — will close for refurbishment. Leisure pools like the Tidal Pool will stay open.
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Room refurbishments are ongoing through September 2025, with intermittent closures of the Skybridge connecting Bay Lake Tower to the main resort.
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge: Mid-May through September 2025 will bring refurbishments to the Copper Creek area, though all amenities should remain accessible.
- Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: A resort-wide overhaul continues into 2025, including updates to the lobby and common spaces to keep the Grand Floridian’s elegance fresh and modern.
- Polynesian Village Resort: Enhancements and construction will continue through 2026, potentially impacting views and creating occasional noise.
- Pop Century Resort: Room refurbishments from March 2025 to February 2026 mean guests may experience some minor disruptions, though most amenities will stay open.
- Port Orleans – French Quarter and Riverside: Both resorts will see guest room updates throughout 2025, keeping these fan-favorite locations in tip-top shape.
Magic Kingdom: Balancing Refurbishments and Exciting New Additions
Magic Kingdom is in for a transformative year, with several beloved attractions closing for updates and new experiences on the horizon.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: This multi-year refurbishment kicks off January 6, 2025, and while we don’t have a reopening date yet, it’s sure to keep the classic ride running smoothly for years to come.
- Astro Orbiter: The Tomorrowland spinner closes on January 13, with a reopening planned for summer 2025.
- The Hall of Presidents: This Liberty Square staple closes January 20 for updates, with a reopening later in 2025.
What’s coming next?
- Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern: A swashbuckling new dining experience opens in late 2025.
- Cars-Themed Expansion: Frontierland will welcome Pixar’s Cars franchise, bringing Radiator Springs vibes to Disney World.
- Villains Land: Construction on the long-awaited Villains-themed area begins in 2025, adding an exciting and dark twist to Magic Kingdom.
Big Changes at Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is getting ready for a major transformation, with refurbishments and new attractions bringing fresh life to the park.
- Kali River Rapids: This water ride closes for maintenance starting January 6, and Disney has yet to announce a reopening date.
- DinoLand U.S.A. Reimagination: Construction starts in January 2025, marking the first phase of a complete overhaul of the land.
- Zootopia Show: Replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug, this immersive stage production opens in winter 2025.
DINOSAUR Ride: While it remains open through 2025, closure is expected in 2026, making way for a new experience.
EPCOT: The Transformation Continues
EPCOT’s long-awaited overhaul pushes forward in 2025, with fresh refurbishments and new experiences.
- Gran Fiesta Tour: This Mexico Pavilion boat ride closes January 6 through March 15 for updates.
Spaceship Earth Lounge: A sleek new lounge opens in spring 2025, offering a modern retreat inside - EPCOT’s iconic sphere.
- Test Track 3.0: An updated version of the fan-favorite ride launches in late summer 2025, featuring new design elements and enhanced thrills.
Hollywood Studios: Lights, Camera, New Attractions!
While Hollywood Studios doesn’t have any refurbishments on the schedule for 2025, it’s not staying quiet. New entertainment and themed lands are on the way!
- The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure: A brand-new stage show debuts in 2025, bringing Ariel’s story to life in a fresh way.
- Villains: Unfairly Ever After: This new attraction opens in 2025, celebrating Disney’s most notorious baddies.
- Monsters Inc. Land: Construction starts in 2025 on this new Pixar-themed area, sure to be a hit with fans of Mike and Sulley.
What This Means for Your 2025 Disney World Vacation
With so many changes on the horizon, advance planning is more important than ever. Whether you’re dreaming of visiting your favorite attractions or staying at one of Disney’s iconic resorts, knowing the closure and refurbishment schedule can help you avoid disappointment.
As for Whispering Canyon Café, we’ll be eagerly waiting for its reopening — and hoping the shenanigans and hearty fare remain better than ever. Stay tuned for more updates on all things Disney!
