If you’re planning a Disney World vacation in 2025, get ready for some big changes! Disney parks and resorts are gearing up for a wave of refurbishments, closures, and exciting new additions. One of the most surprising updates? The beloved Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is set for a temporary closure — and that’s just the start.
We’ve got the full breakdown of what’s closing, what’s changing, and what’s coming next year at Walt Disney World Resort.
Whispering Canyon Café: A Fan-Favorite Restaurant Gets a Facelift
If you love good food served with a side of playful chaos, you’ve probably dined at Whispering Canyon Café. Located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, this Western-themed restaurant is famous for its all-you-care-to-enjoy skillets and over-the-top antics from its cast members. From sassy service to unexpected pranks, the café has built a reputation for being one of Disney’s most entertaining dining experiences.
But if you’re planning a visit in May 2025, you might be out of luck. According to Disney’s official website, Whispering Canyon Café will be closed from May 12 through May 21, 2025, for refurbishment.
There’s a silver lining, though! The restaurant will still host its annual Mother’s Day brunch on May 11, running from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Just note that during the brunch, regular breakfast and lunch menus won’t be available — so make sure you book early if you want to enjoy this special meal.
While Whispering Canyon is closed, guests staying at Wilderness Lodge still have plenty of dining options:
- Roaring Fork: A quick-service spot with hearty meals and grab-and-go options.
- Geyser Point Bar & Grill: A lakeside eatery known for scenic views and creative cocktails.
- Territory Lounge: A cozy lounge perfect for small plates and unique drinks.
- Storybook Dining at Artist Point: A whimsical character dining experience featuring Snow White, the Evil Queen, and the Seven Dwarfs.
As for what changes are coming to Whispering Canyon, Disney hasn’t shared many details yet — but refurbishments like this often bring refreshed interiors, updated menus, and enhanced experiences. We’ll keep an eye out for more updates!
Every Disney World Resort Refurbishment and Closure in 2025
Beyond Whispering Canyon, several Disney World resorts are set for significant updates in 2025. Here’s what to expect:
- All-Star Movies Resort: The Fantasia Pool will be closed from January through April 2025 for routine maintenance. The Duck Pond Pool will remain open.
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort: The iconic Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool will close from January to June 2025, though the Tidal Pool and other leisure pools will remain accessible.
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Room refurbishments will continue through September 2025, with intermittent closures of the Skybridge connecting the tower to the main resort.
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge: Expect refurbishments from mid-May to September 2025. While there may be occasional disruptions, all resort amenities will remain open.
- Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Resort-wide refurbishments will continue throughout 2025, including updates to the lobby and common areas.
- Polynesian Village Resort: Construction related to the resort’s expansion and enhancements will carry on through 2026, with some view obstructions and noise expected.
- Pop Century Resort: Guest room updates will take place from March 2025 through February 2026, though most amenities will remain unaffected.
- Port Orleans – French Quarter and Riverside: Both resorts will undergo room refurbishments throughout 2025, helping these beloved resorts stay fresh and inviting.
Magic Kingdom’s Big Year of Transformations
Magic Kingdom is set for some exciting — and sometimes inconvenient — changes in 2025, as the park balances refurbishments of classic attractions with the addition of all-new experiences.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: The multi-year refurbishment kicks off on January 6, 2025, and there’s no set reopening date yet.
- Astro Orbiter: This Tomorrowland favorite will close on January 13, reopening in summer 2025.
- The Hall of Presidents: The Liberty Square staple closes on January 20, with a reopening later in the year.
New Magic Kingdom Experiences:
- Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern: Opening in late 2025, this new dining spot brings the world of Jack Sparrow to life.
- Cars-Themed Expansion in Frontierland: A new Pixar-themed land featuring characters from Cars is in the works.
- Villains Land: Construction on this long-rumored expansion will finally begin in 2025, adding dark and daring adventures to the park.
Animal Kingdom’s Wild New Additions
Disney’s Animal Kingdom will undergo some of the most dramatic changes of any Disney park in 2025, with both refurbishments and new attractions on the horizon.
- Kali River Rapids: The water ride will close for maintenance on January 6, and no reopening date has been announced yet.
- DinoLand U.S.A. Transformation: The massive overhaul of DinoLand kicks off in January 2025, setting the stage for an entirely reimagined land.
- Zootopia Show: Replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug, this immersive stage show debuts in winter 2025.
- DINOSAUR Ride: This fan-favorite attraction remains open through 2025, but its closure in 2026 will pave the way for new experiences.
EPCOT’s Ongoing Evolution
EPCOT’s multi-year transformation continues into 2025, bringing a mix of refurbishments and brand-new attractions.
- Gran Fiesta Tour: This Mexico Pavilion ride closes from January 6 to March 15 for routine maintenance.
- Spaceship Earth Lounge: Opening in spring 2025, this chic new lounge inside EPCOT’s icon offers a stylish retreat.
- Test Track 3.0: The next evolution of this high-speed ride launches in late summer 2025, with updated technology and design.
What’s New at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
Hollywood Studios won’t see many refurbishments in 2025, but new entertainment and lands are on the way!
- The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure: This stage show debuts in summer 2025, bringing Ariel’s undersea world to life.
- Villains: Unfairly Ever After: Opening in summer 2025, this brand-new attraction focuses on Disney’s most iconic villains.
- Monsters Inc. Land: Construction on this Pixar-inspired area will begin in 2025, adding a playful new world to explore.
Planning Ahead for Disney World’s 2025 Changes
With so many updates on the horizon, staying informed is key when planning a Disney World trip in 2025. While some closures and refurbishments might impact your visit, they often lead to exciting new enhancements and fresh experiences.
As for Whispering Canyon Café, we’ll be counting down the days until it reopens — and keeping our fingers crossed for some fun surprises when it does!
Keep checking back for the latest Disney news and updates!
