Disney's Hollywood StudiosParks

The Magic Fades: Disney World Adds More Closures to Growing List

Is This Ride Gone Forever?

Disney World is closing another attraction, meaning guests are having fewer and fewer things to do when visiting the theme parks.

The Walt Disney World entrance in Orlando, Florida, where the Disney World pool are.
Credit: Inside the Magic

Disney World Attraction to Shutter: But for How Long?

The laughter, the giggles, the sound of Mickey’s unmistakable voice—it’s all going quiet, at least for a little while. Starting October 20, 2025, Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will temporarily close for refurbishment.

For many guests, the Mickey Shorts Theater is one of those delightful Disney surprises you stumble upon between thrill rides. It’s a cozy, air-conditioned escape filled with laughter and heart, located just steps from Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. So, when word spread that the theater would be closing again—just a year after its last refurbishment in spring 2024—fans couldn’t help but wonder what’s really happening behind the scenes.

Disney has called this a “temporary closure,” but as any Disney fan knows, those words often spark curiosity, excitement, and speculation in equal measure. Let’s break down what’s known, what’s next, and why this charming little theater means so much to fans.

Mickey Mouse in an artists outfit in front of Disney World Resort's Riviera Resort with guests inside as Disney World vacations change.
Credit: Disney

Disney Confirms the Closure, But Details Stay Quiet

According to Disney’s official refurbishment calendar, Vacation Fun will go dark on October 20 with plans to reopen “later this year.” No specific reopening date or details on the work being done have been released.

The show itself features a collection of Mickey Mouse shorts, animated in the same style as Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Guests watch the compilation in a comfortable theater before exiting into a photo area filled with vibrant, themed backdrops from the films—perfect for both families and Disney content creators looking for that classic Mickey aesthetic.

While the attraction is short and simple, it has a loyal fan base. It’s a quick, feel-good stop where guests can rest, laugh, and relive the timeless charm of Mickey and Minnie’s animated adventures.

Vacation Fun - An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie at Disney World.
Credit: Disney

How to Catch It Before It Closes

If your Hollywood Studios visit happens before October 20, this is your last chance (for now) to see Vacation Fun in its current form. To make the most of it, here are a few quick tips:

  • Stop in during midday: It’s the perfect place to cool off when wait times are long elsewhere.

  • Pair it with Runaway Railway: Both experiences complement each other and flow seamlessly for a full Mickey-themed mini-tour.

  • Don’t miss the photo ops: Each display ties back to a scene from the animated shorts—great for family albums or social media.

If your trip comes after the closure, don’t lose hope. Refurbishments like this often mean updates to visuals, projection systems, or audio quality. Still, the timing—and its proximity to other Mickey attractions—has fans wondering if Disney is cooking up something more substantial.

Disney's Hollywood Studios entrance, a Disney park.
Credit: Paul Hudson, Flickr

Insider Tips and Hidden Details

Frequent parkgoers know that the Mickey Shorts Theater is filled with subtle nods to Disney history. From the décor to the soundtrack, nearly every detail pays homage to the evolution of Mickey and Minnie over the decades.

Some eagle-eyed fans have spotted hints of deeper connections between this theater and the Runaway Railway, suggesting that the refurbishment could strengthen the storytelling link between the two. Others believe Disney may rotate in new shorts or seasonal content, keeping the attraction fresh for returning guests.

For those tracking refurbishment updates, keep an eye on the My Disney Experience app. Disney occasionally reopens attractions earlier than planned or tests updated versions before official announcements.

Minnie Mouse stands in front of the Hollywood & Vine restaurant at a Disney park, wearing a bright yellow dress adorned with colorful flowers and a pink bow on her head. The restaurant's art deco facade and lush greenery complete the backdrop at this Disney park.
Credit: Disney

Why Fans Care So Much

It’s easy to overlook smaller attractions at Walt Disney World, but for many, Vacation Fun captures the heart of what makes Disney special. It’s accessible, creative, and rooted in the company’s original magic—the joy of animation.

The attraction’s return in 2024 drew praise for its crisp visuals and nostalgic tone, and fans hope this year’s closure means more than maintenance. Whether it’s a refreshed lineup of shorts or a small story update, guests are eager to see what Mickey and Minnie have in store next.

Until then, the curtains close on one of Disney’s most heartfelt experiences—proving once again that even the smallest attractions can leave the biggest smiles.

Source: WDWMagic

Author

  • Emmanuel Detres

    Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

Emmanuel Detres

Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

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