Disney Quietly Altered Its Holiday Parties—And It’s Ruining the Magic

Disney fans wait all year for the chance to celebrate Halloween and Christmas inside the parks, but things feel… off this year. Sure, the decorations are still coming, and the parties are still on. But the behind-the-scenes reality? It’s a bit of a mess.

Major closures at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are changing the game for this year’s holiday events. You’ll want to pay close attention if you’re headed to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Jollywood Nights, or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The landscape you remember from past years has shifted, which might catch you off guard.

What’s Going On at Magic Kingdom?

It all started quietly, with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closing for refurbishment in January 2025. But instead of a quick fix, Disney confirmed the coaster would remain closed until sometime in 2026. That alone was enough to impact party night strategy—but it didn’t stop there.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is next on the chopping block, officially closing August 4, 2025. It’s being overhauled with new scenes, effects, and vehicles, but it now means one less indoor attraction during the busy fall and winter events.

Then came the big one: Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat closed on July 7, 2025. The reason? Disney is clearing the way for a Cars-inspired land, Piston Peak National Park, which will take up a considerable chunk of the park’s back end. And yes, the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade is gone too—permanently.

Guests now find themselves navigating construction walls, limited pathways, and heavier crowds in the already-busy holiday party zones.

Studios Shake-Up

Hollywood Studios is also getting a major facelift—just in time to complicate Jollywood Nights.

Muppet Vision 3D, a fan-favorite that debuted in 1991, officially closed on June 8, 2025. The same day, PizzeRizzo shut its doors, following Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, which had already closed in May. Disney confirmed the entire Muppets Courtyard is being reimagined for a new Monsters, Inc. land.

Also in flux: Star Wars Launch Bay. It’s set to close permanently on September 25, 2025, for a new attraction. It will be replaced by The Magic of Disney Animation, a walkthrough exhibit that will honor the studio’s animation legacy. This is excellent news in the long term, but it’s not so great news for those hoping to cool off or meet Darth Vader during a party night.

And then there’s Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. Disney hasn’t confirmed it yet, but insiders say a Muppets-themed retheme is coming—and that could mean it’ll shut down smack in the middle of the holiday rush.

Holiday Events Are Still Happening—But With Some Trade-Offs

You’ll still get fireworks, characters, snow on Main Street, U.S.A., and limited-time entertainment. But your overall experience? That’s going to look a little different this year.

Here’s how the closures are changing the game:

Construction Everywhere
You’ll weave through fencing, scaffolding, and bottlenecked pathways from Frontierland to Animation Courtyard. The parks feel more cramped, especially during peak party hours.

Fewer Food Choices
With restaurants like Mama Melrose’s and PizzeRizzo gone, guests may see longer waits for dining. Some seasonal snack carts may also be missing or harder to access.

Ride Closures Mean Longer Waits Elsewhere
Guests who can’t ride Big Thunder or Buzz will crowd other attractions. Expect standby lines for Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Slinky Dog Dash to climb higher than usual.

No Cool Down Spots
The Launch Bay closure eliminates a rare, spacious indoor area. During Jollywood Nights, this is a significant loss for families looking to recharge.

Parade Viewing May Be Tougher
Magic Kingdom’s construction around Rivers of America narrows the best parade viewing zones. You’ll need to grab your spot earlier than ever.

Lightning Lane Could Feel Less Useful
With fewer attractions available, Lightning Lane windows may be harder to book—and more competitive. The convenience factor is slipping.

Can You Still Have a Magical Time?

Totally. But it’s going to take more effort this year than usual.

If you’re heading to any of the big three holiday parties, here’s what to do:

• Arrive early to maximize lower crowds before the official party starts.

• Use the app to order meals on mobile and check wait times frequently.

• Book Lightning Lane as early as possible (if applicable).

• Don’t rely on nostalgia—embrace the new layout and plan accordingly.

The Trade-Off: Short-Term Frustration for Long-Term Gains

While these closures might feel frustrating, they’re laying the foundation for exciting changes. Piston Peak could become one of the most immersive areas at Magic Kingdom. The new Monsters, Inc. land will give Studios a fresh energy. And animation fans will probably fall in love with the reimagined Launch Bay.

But that’s all down the road. Right now? We’re in the awkward middle phase.

Magic Under Construction

Disney isn’t canceling holiday magic—it’s making it harder to find. If this is your first party in years, manage your expectations. You’ll notice the missing pieces if you’re a returning guest.

Still, there’s something kind of cool about being part of a transitional season. You’re catching Disney in a rare moment—the old is being peeled away and the new hasn’t yet arrived.

It might not be perfect. But it’ll be memorable.

And hey, you’ll have a great story to tell when Piston Peak opens and someone says, “Wasn’t this where Rivers of America used to be?”