Walt Disney World is in the midst of a massive transformation, with several iconic attractions undergoing changes—and one of its most beloved rides appears to be next in line.
From Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World is undergoing a wave of refurbishments in 2025, marking one of the most significant periods of change for the resort in years. Among the most striking updates is the overhaul of Frontierland’s Rivers of America. Disney has officially received approval to remove the historic waterway and Tom Sawyer Island to make way for a Cars-themed expansion. This bold shift will also see the closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for a lengthy refurbishment, set to last through 2026.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is undergoing its own major changes, as DinoLand U.S.A. makes way for the newly announced Pueblo Esperanza. With attractions like TriceraTop Spin already demolished, the land—expected to open in 2027—recently secured construction approval from the South Florida Water Management District.
Elsewhere, EPCOT’s Test Track is being reimagined, It’s Tough to Be a Bug! at Animal Kingdom is closing permanently, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is planning changes to both Muppet*Vision 3D and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. With so many refurbishments underway, many Disney guests may delay visits until these refreshed attractions reopen.
One of the latest developments is the potential refurbishment of Liberty Square’s Haunted Mansion. A newly filed permit suggests that work on the attraction will be completed by October 31, 2025, though Disney has yet to announce the details. Many fans are wondering whether the changes will mirror those made at Disneyland, where the attic bride scene featuring Constance Hatchaway was recently reimagined.
Speaking with the Los Angeles Times, Disneyland’s Walt Disney Imagineering creative director Kim Irvine explained the shift in storytelling. “We thought, what if we change the story back a little bit to the original story that the Imagineers had about a lost bride in the attic mourning the loss of her husbands? It was a sad thing,” she said. “It was a story about lost love.”
Irvine further elaborated on Disney’s responsibility to be mindful of cultural sensitivities:
“The bride that used to be in there was an axe murderer, and in this day and age we have to be really careful about the sensitivities of people.”
She acknowledged that some fans may resist the change but reiterated that evolving the attraction is part of the Imagineering team’s work:
“We were celebrating someone chopping off her husband’s heads, and it was a weird story. I know the fans — some will like it and some will say, ‘Oh, you changed something again.’ That’s our job. That’s what we’re here for.”
Her comments align with remarks made by Disney Experiences chief Josh D’Amaro at last year’s INBOUND festival in Boston, where he emphasized that while Disney may not always get everything right, it continues striving to enhance its experiences for future generations.
In addition to the potential Haunted Mansion changes, Liberty Square’s Hall of Presidents is also in flux. The attraction closed following the election of Donald Trump as the 47th President, and speculation is swirling about how Disney will handle his return to office. While Disney has historically updated the attraction with each new president, signs suggest that this refurbishment may bring more substantial changes. Given Trump’s divisive policies, some believe the company may shift the attraction’s focus entirely.
With Universal Orlando Resort preparing to open its highly anticipated Epic Universe, many theme park enthusiasts are wondering whether Disney will respond with a long-rumored fifth park. For now, Disney appears focused on modernizing its existing attractions, but the industry remains eager to see if the company will make a larger move to maintain its competitive edge.
Are you in favor of the Haunted Mansion changes? How do you think Disney should handle The Hall of Presidents update? Let us know in the comments below!
