A new year, a new chapter for Walt Disney World Resort. That’s certainly the vibe as we look ahead to the slate of permanent and indefinite closures set to reshape the parks in January 2025. With the resort gearing up for its most ambitious transformation in years, including brand-new lands and total revamps (“RIP Frontierland”), the Central Florida Disney parks must clean the house before diving into the future.
Since the D23 Expo in 2022, Disney fans have been eagerly watching as the company rolled out its grand vision for the Disney Experiences brand. Over the last two years, Josh D’Amaro, chief of Disney Experiences, has outlined numerous additions and upgrades for Walt Disney World Resort, some of which come at a high price.
After the 2022 event left fans questioning whether Disney would actually bring their ambitious “blue sky” ideas to life, both the 2023 Destination D23 and the 2024 D23 Expo finally put those questions to rest. As D’Amaro put it, “dirt is moving,” signaling that all the plans are very much in progress.
One of the most anticipated changes is the overhaul of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The new Tropical Americas area will see the Encanto and Indiana Jones franchises take center stage, bringing with them two major attractions. Additionally, It’s Tough to be a Bug! will be replaced by a Zootopia-inspired 3D show, Better Zoogether, at the Tree of Life Theater.
But perhaps the most polarizing change will be the complete reimagining of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. The much-loved area will be reworked to feature the Cars of Radiator Springs, with Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America being removed. The new Cars-themed land will include several attractions for all ages, distinct from Disneyland Resort’s version.
In addition to the Cars makeover, Magic Kingdom will also welcome a brand-new area dedicated to Disney Villains, featuring some of the most iconic and evil characters ever to grace the screen. But before these monumental transformations take hold, several attractions will close their doors for good or temporarily in January.
Along with the already closed Test Track at EPCOT and Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a number of other attractions will shutter.
At Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close for an extensive refurbishment starting January 6, 2025. The Frontierland favorite will undergo a major update, with the ride set to return in 2026 sporting “a little bit of new magic,” possibly in the same vein as its West Coast counterpart at Disneyland.
Also in Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland’s Astro Orbiter will undergo a lengthy refurbishment starting January 13, with a planned reopening in the summer of 2025.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, TriceraTop Spin will permanently close on January 13, marking the beginning of the end for DinoLand U.S.A., which will eventually be reimagined as the Tropical Americas-themed land. Other closures include Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures and Fossil Fun Games, both of which will shut down on January 13. Surprisingly, the DINOSAUR ride will remain operational through the end of 2025.
Further closures include Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom, which will enter its seasonal shutdown on January 6 and return sometime in March 2025. Over at EPCOT, the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros will close on January 6 and is expected to reopen on March 15, 2025.
While Disney World continues to evolve and expand, it also sees the loss of many beloved attractions. With January’s closures coming thick and fast, it begs the question: is it still worth visiting the resort in 2025?
What’s your take on the upcoming wave of closures? Let us know in the comments below!
