Nobody likes hearing the words “closed for refurbishment” when they’re heading to Disney World, but it’s a reality you sometimes have to plan around. May 2025 isn’t the worst month for closures, but a few fan-favorite rides will definitely be off-limits—and in some cases, permanently gone.
Here’s a quick look at what you sadly won’t be able to ride this month:
Every Ride You Can’t Enjoy in May 2025
Magic Kingdom
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Astro Orbiter – Closed through summer 2025
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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Closed for major work until 2026
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Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade – Permanently closed
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Hall of Presidents – Temporarily closed for refurbishment
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Liberty Square Riverboat – Still open in early May but closing permanently later this year
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant Playground
EPCOT
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Test Track – Under major refurbishment, won’t reopen until late summer or possibly fall 2025
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
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Jedi Training Academy: Trials of the Temple – Permanently closed
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Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy – Permanently closed
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The Little Mermaid stage area – Closed until May 27 when a brand-new show opens
Animal Kingdom
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It’s Tough to Be a Bug – Permanently closed
Keep in mind that there is a ton of construction happening in Animal Kingdom right now. With DinoLand U.S.A. closing soon, we should expect that there will be a lot of construction walls up in the theme park for quite some time, including during the month of May.
Water Parks
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Blizzard Beach – Closed May 1-20, 2025 for refurbishment
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Typhoon Lagoon – Reopens May 1, so at least you still have an option to cool off!
The Bottom Line:
Even with a few closures, you’re still going to find tons of magic at Disney World this month. New shows are opening, the weather is heating up, and the parks are buzzing with excitement heading into summer. Just make sure to double-check those My Disney Experience app notifications while you’re there—you never know when something might reopen early (or take a surprise downtime)!
