Thanksgiving week is one of those times at Walt Disney World when you can practically feel the energy shift the moment you step onto property. The crowds become thicker, the walkways busier, and every ride closure suddenly matters a whole lot more than it did a month ago. And this year, Disney fans heading into the holiday week are dealing with some surprisingly big losses—especially when it comes to those major attractions that help keep the parks moving.
If you’re heading to Disney World for Thanksgiving, this guide breaks down what’s closed in each park and how those closures will likely reshape crowd flow during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.
Magic Kingdom: Big Closures, Bigger Effects
Magic Kingdom always feels the holiday rush first, and losing multiple high-capacity attractions only amplifies it.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has been down since August for a major refresh, and it won’t be back anytime soon. Normally, this Tomorrowland staple absorbs a lot of guests throughout the day, and without it, you can expect heavier pressure on Space Mountain, PeopleMover, and even Carousel of Progress as families look for alternatives.
Then you have the permanent closure of Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and the entire Rivers of America area. These walk-around spaces usually help break up crowds, especially on peak holiday afternoons. Their absence funnels everyone right back into the main walkways, which means Liberty Square and Frontierland could get congested quickly as the day progresses.
And we can’t ignore the giant missing piece: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. With the coaster closed until 2026, thrill-seekers will add more demand to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON Lightcycle / Run, creating longer Lightning Lane return times and higher standby waits.
Thanksgiving impact: Expect Magic Kingdom to feel “full” earlier in the day. Rope drop and late nights become key for smoother touring.
Animal Kingdom: Limited Capacity, Limited Escape Routes
Animal Kingdom may not have as many headliners, but it relies heavily on every attraction it has. So closures here have a noticeable impact.
Kali River Rapids being down through December removes a major people-eater, especially when the weather warms up. Meanwhile, Harambe Market is closed for refurbishment, taking away a reliable food location that usually pulls big lines around lunch.
But the biggest shift is happening in DinoLand U.S.A., where multiple attractions—including TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and several snack spots—have closed permanently to make way for the upcoming Tropical Americas land. With part of the park essentially off-limits, guests cluster more in Asia, Discovery Island, and Pandora.
Thanksgiving impact: Expect heavier crowds around Na’vi River Journey and Kilimanjaro Safaris, plus longer waits for snacks and quick service meals.
Hollywood Studios: Fewer Indoor Options During a Busy Week
Hollywood Studios is also dealing with multiple closures at the worst possible time.
Vacation Fun is closed for refurbishment, and the entire Animation Courtyard area—including Disney Jr. Play & Dance! and Star Wars Launch Bay—is behind construction walls. These experiences usually help soak up families during hot afternoons or unexpected rain. Without them, you’ll see more people heading toward Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge earlier in the day.
The loss of Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo, both now permanently closed, removes more indoor escapes—something Thanksgiving week guests often rely on.
Thanksgiving impact: Indoor attractions will reach capacity quickly. Expect Sunset Boulevard and Galaxy’s Edge to feel busier than usual.
Blizzard Beach & Resort Closures: Minor but Noticeable
With Blizzard Beach closed, Typhoon Lagoon becomes the only water park option—meaning more crowds over there on warm days. Resort pool and slide refurbishments at Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, and Animal Kingdom Lodge may also push more guests into the parks earlier in the day.
Navigating Thanksgiving Week with Fewer E-Tickets
Here’s your best strategy to handle the closures:
Use showtimes to your advantage.
Festival of the Lion King, Frozen Sing-Along, and Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage offer reliable crowd relief.
Prioritize evenings.
The parks always thin out at night—especially during holiday weeks with early morning fatigue.
Expect bottlenecks and plan around them.
Magic Kingdom walkways will clog. Hollywood Studios will cluster in Toy Story Land. Animal Kingdom mornings will be intense.
With a little planning and flexibility, you can still enjoy an amazing Thanksgiving week—just know that this year’s ride lineup may shift your typical approach.
