Big changes are sweeping through Walt Disney World, and if you’re a fan of the park’s older attractions, it’s been a bit of an emotional roller coaster. Some longtime staples quietly vanished or prepared to shut their doors in the past year alone.
MuppetVision 3D is gone for good, and Tom Sawyer Island has been removed from the park map without warning. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is still on track—just not for long. That fan-favorite thrill ride will close at the end of 2025 as it undergoes a full retheme.
With all these updates, it’s easy to feel like the classics are slipping away. But despite the wave of closures and reimaginings, not everything is disappearing. One seasonal favorite is making its big return—and just in time to bring back some much-needed nostalgia.
Jungle Cruise Gets Its Jingle Back
That’s right—Jingle Cruise is officially returning to Magic Kingdom for the 2025 holiday season. This festive overlay of the classic Jungle Cruise attraction brings in a sleigh-full of fun. Seasonal puns, misplaced presents, decorated jungle docks, and new narration from the skippers who fully embrace the holiday chaos.
The ride path stays the same, but everything else—from the script to the scenery—gets a spirited makeover. It’s a ride many guests look forward to each November and December. Its return proves Disney isn’t done celebrating fan-favorite traditions just yet.
Festive Fun Spreads Across the Parks
Of course, Jingle Cruise is just one part of the holiday magic. Magic Kingdom is bringing back Frozen Holiday Surprise, which lights up Cinderella Castle. It features appearances by Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf in a nightly display.
EPCOT will once again host the International Festival of the Holidays starting November 28, complete with holiday kitchens around World Showcase, the beloved Candlelight Processional, and overlays like Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses.
At Hollywood Studios, the glitzy after-hours event Jollywood Nights returns with rare character sightings, themed entertainment, and seasonal snacks. And Animal Kingdom will continue its charming Merry Menagerie experience, featuring winter animal puppets and peaceful holiday projections on the Tree of Life.
More on the Way—Very Soon
While Disney has confirmed a lot, there are still some big announcements missing—like exact dates and pricing for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and more details for Jollywood Nights. Those updates are expected to arrive any day now, possibly this week or next.
So if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by all the closures, take heart—at least one holiday tradition is returning to bring a little joy (and a lot of puns) to your next Disney trip.
