New year, new era. That’s the energy at Walt Disney World Resort as January 2025 kicks off a wave of permanent and temporary closures alongside updated park hours.
As the resort dives into its boldest transformation yet—welcoming all-new lands while saying goodbye to beloved staples—Disney’s Central Florida parks are gearing up for sweeping changes, setting the stage for a reimagined future.
Ever since the reveal at the 2022 D23 Expo, Disney fans have eagerly tracked updates to the Disney Experiences brand. Over two years, Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro has rolled out plans for Walt Disney World Resort’s massive overhaul. But with big changes come big sacrifices.
Skeptics doubted the ambitious “blue sky” ideas floated in 2022, but back-to-back reveals at 2023’s Destination D23 and 2024’s D23 Expo erased any uncertainty. As D’Amaro confidently declared, “Dirt is moving.” And now, Disney has confirmed these projects are full steam ahead.
One headline-making update is the transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Imagineers are hard at work creating Tropical Americas featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones. The land, titled Pueblo Esperanza, will boast two marquee attractions and immersive experiences.
Another major change is the closure of It’s Tough to Be a Bug! at the Tree of Life Theater, which will make way for Better Zoogether, a 3D experience inspired by Disney’s 2016 hit Zootopia.
Perhaps the most polarizing change is that Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park will be reimagined as Pixar’s Cars. The new area will completely replace Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, bringing unique attractions unlike anything at Disneyland’s Cars Land.
Magic Kingdom is also gearing up for a highly anticipated Disney Villains-themed land that will spotlight the most sinister characters in Disney’s roster.
With so many updates, some fans are already debating whether 2025 might be a skip year due to the heavy refurbishments. Not only will attractions see closures, but Disney has also announced adjusted park operating hours, including for Magic Kingdom. As WDW Magic points out:
- January 5: Closing extended from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- January 6–10: Closing extended from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- January 11: Closing extended from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Extended Evening Hours
- January 8: Evening hours now 10:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. (previously 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.)
Updated Operating Hours
- January 5: 9:00 am – 11:00 p.m.
- January 6–10: 9:00 am – 10:00 p.m.
- January 11: 9:00 am – 11:00 p.m.
These hours allow guests to soak in the magic for a little longer, especially those extending their holiday vacations. However, Magic Kingdom will close early at 4:30 p.m. on January 30 for a private event, likely the annual cast member celebration.
With these schedule shifts comes a long list of closures across all four parks in January.
In Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will shutter for a massive year-long refurbishment starting January 6, 2025. Disney promises the updated ride will feature “a little bit of new magic” when it reopens in 2026, potentially resembling Disneyland’s enhanced version.
Meanwhile, Tomorrowland’s Astro Orbiter will close on January 13 and reopen in summer 2025.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, TriceraTop Spin will take its last ride on January 12, as DinoLand U.S.A. begins its transformation. Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures and Fossil Fun Games will permanently close on January 13, though the iconic DINOSAUR attraction will remain operational until late 2025.
Elsewhere, Kali River Rapids will close on January 6 for its seasonal refurbishment and return in March 2025. EPCOT’s Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros will also undergo a temporary closure from January 6 to March 15, 2025.
How do you feel about these updated hours and attraction closures? Will you visit in 2025? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
