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Noticeable Removal Documented at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

A series of significant projects are currently unfolding across Walt Disney World Resort, ushering in a wave of changes that have guests talking.

A carousel at Magic Kingdom theme park with Cinderella Castle in the background.
Credit: Disney Dining

From the removal of signage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to coaster track sections soaring through the air at Magic Kingdom, 2025 appears to be a pivotal year for Disney World. As Universal Orlando gears up for the grand debut of Epic Universe, Disney’s numerous refurbishments seem to be ramping up. While no direct connection has been confirmed, the timing has fueled speculation among theme park enthusiasts.

On January 6, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom shut down for an extended period, adding to the list of major attractions currently undergoing enhancements. Construction teams were seen moving in rapidly, with sections of track being hoisted by cranes above the park. Disney has since stated that the beloved Frontierland coaster will make its return in 2026 with “a little bit of new magic.”

Meanwhile, Frontierland itself is poised for a significant evolution in the coming years. The upcoming arrival of Pixar’s Cars franchise—announced during last year’s D23 Expo—has sparked debate among Disney fans. The inclusion of Radiator Springs in the area is expected to bring a fresh new vibe, leaving many curious about how the changes will blend with the existing theme.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Credit: Disney

But Frontierland isn’t the only area seeing closures. Across the park in Tomorrowland, another iconic ride, Astro Orbiter, is also temporarily unavailable. Disney has indicated that the attraction is slated to reopen by summer 2025, but for now, the landscape looks markedly different. A crane was recently spotted in the area, and recent reports confirm the attraction’s distinct silhouette has all but vanished.

Photos from WDWMagic reveal that Astro Orbiter’s recognizable planetary features have been completely taken down, leaving only the structural framework behind.

“A large crane, brought in at the start of the refurbishment, was used to remove the planets over the weekend,” WDWMagic reported. “Based on past refurbishments, including the 2014 update, it’s likely the crane will be temporarily removed once this phase of work is complete.”

“It is expected to return later in the refurbishment to reinstall the planets and finalize other thematic elements of the attraction,” they added.

The sun gleams off Astro Orbiter
Credit: Disney

Astro Orbiter’s absence will undoubtedly catch the attention of park visitors over the next few months. The ride has been a longstanding feature of Magic Kingdom’s skyline, sharing space with landmarks such as Space Mountain and Cinderella Castle. Without its vibrant planetary elements, Tomorrowland may feel somewhat different in the interim.

Elsewhere at Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom is seeing progress with the construction of its new Tropical Americas-themed area, set to replace DinoLand U.S.A. Several experiences in the area have already closed, and Imagineers have now embarked on the next stage of this transformation.

What do you think about Astro Orbiter’s temporary closure at Magic Kingdom? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

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