Is it worth visiting anymore? That’s the sentiment bubbling up in Disney fan groups, forums, and social media threads across the internet. The year 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most controversial in Disney World history—and guests aren’t keeping quiet.
You’ve got fans mourning beloved attractions. Others are angry about how fast Disney is pushing out classic experiences to make room for flashy IP. And some are just overwhelmed by the sheer number of things closing, changing, or “under refurbishment.”
Here’s what’s fueling the fire—and why so many Disney loyalists are speaking out.
“This Doesn’t Feel Like Disney Anymore”
One of the biggest complaints? The permanent closures of legacy attractions that hold deep nostalgic value. Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat—both deeply connected to Walt Disney’s vision for the park—will be gone after July 6.
In their place? A Cars-themed area. The transformation into Piston Peak National Park may attract younger guests, but for many longtime fans, it’s a jarring departure from the park’s Americana roots.
And that’s not even counting the ongoing closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the upcoming overhaul of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, or the indefinite shutdown of the Hall of Presidents.
“It’s like we’re losing what made Magic Kingdom… magical,” one fan posted in a popular Facebook group.
Animal Kingdom: Dinoland’s Demolition
Over at Animal Kingdom, the vibe is similar. A full land is vanishing in slow motion.
It’s Tough to Be a Bug! is already closed. The Boneyard is next. And DINOSAUR will likely close in early 2026 to become an Indiana Jones-themed ride. To some, it’s progress. To others, it’s erasure.
There’s also the debut of the Zootopia: Better Zoogether Tree of Life show expected by late November 2025. It’s tied to the release of Zootopia 2, so you can see the synergy at play. But it’s clear the park is shifting from nature and conservation to character-driven spectacle—and fans are noticing.
Hollywood Studios: Muppets on the Move, Monsters Taking Over
If there’s one park that seems like it’s in the middle of a total reboot, it’s Hollywood Studios.
Muppet*Vision 3-D? Closed. PizzeRizzo and Mama Melrose’s? Also closed. That entire corner of the park is being leveled for a Monsters Inc. land. At the same time, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is being replaced in 2026 by a Muppets-themed version.
While these changes bring in fresh appeal, they also fuel the argument that Disney is discarding legacy attractions for trendier intellectual property. For many, it feels like there’s no room for subtlety or nostalgia anymore—just IP, IP, IP.
Fan Reactions: Concern, Nostalgia, and a Whole Lot of Frustration
Online, the reaction has been swift and emotional. “It’s like they’re bulldozing the soul of the parks,” one Reddit user wrote. “Everything is IP now.”
Others are calling on Disney to slow down and consider what made the parks timeless in the first place—quiet corners, classic rides, and experiences that weren’t tied to a franchise.
Whether or not the company listens remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the fans are paying attention—and they’re not thrilled with what they’re seeing in 2025.
