Change is in the air at Walt Disney World Resort, as numerous attractions undergo refurbishment and updates. From fan-favorite thrill rides to beloved classics, these temporary closures ensure that Disney’s commitment to guest safety and attraction longevity remains a top priority.
For guests visiting Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Astro Orbiter are currently unavailable, while over at EPCOT, Test Track is receiving a fresh upgrade. Disney’s Animal Kingdom has said farewell to several attractions permanently, and soon, Grand Avenue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will see changes, including the retheme of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. With so much transformation underway, many wonder: why now?
The answer lies in two key factors. Walt Disney World Resort has been under increased scrutiny for not announcing a fifth theme park, especially with Universal Orlando Resort’s upcoming Epic Universe set to debut. Instead, Disney has opted to enhance and reimagine its existing offerings. Additionally, Disney Experiences (formerly Disney Parks, Experiences and Products) has faced past criticism for not following through on certain projects. Fans may recall the ambitious ‘blue sky’ concepts teased at D23 Expo 2022, which ultimately did not materialize. In response, Disney has focused on delivering confirmed, tangible projects that will reshape the resort.
Beyond these large-scale changes, Disney prioritizes routine attraction maintenance throughout the year to maintain safety and guest satisfaction. Now, the company has offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at how this essential work is carried out. Fox 35 Orlando detailed the vital role of Disney Central Shops, the facility where engineers, mechanics, and artists ensure attractions remain in top condition.
“Central Shops is where Disney engineers, mechanics, painters, and artists ensure rides, like the Mad Tea Party and Space Mountain, are safe and in tip-top shape,” the outlet reported. “After every 200,000 laps, which is about 3-5 years, each train of each ride at Walt Disney World is brought to Central Shops to be inspected, tested, repaired, and painted if needed.”
Director of Manufacturing Fredrick Cox Jr. further explained the process. “We do that to help make sure that from a safety perspective, everything is functioning properly. That there are no indications, no cracks in the chassis, and there are no issues with the brakes,” Cox Jr. said. “We do a complete teardown and do an entire rebuild, make it shiny, fix any kind of bodywork, any panels, and send it back out looking brand new.”
Each attraction undergoes an extensive 12-18 week refurbishment at Central Shops before an additional two weeks of testing ensures it’s ready for guests once more.
As refurbishments continue, the list of temporarily unavailable attractions remains notable. Test Track at EPCOT is in the midst of a refresh, while Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Astro Orbiter, and The Hall of Presidents remain closed at Magic Kingdom. The latter has yet to reopen following the election of President Donald Trump, leading to speculation that Disney may be reimagining the experience.
Thanks to Disney’s thorough maintenance and refurbishment efforts, guests can continue to experience the magic safely. What are your thoughts on these behind-the-scenes processes? Let us know!
