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Disney World Confirms EPCOT Location Will Be Operated Differently for Foreseeable Future

It’s only January, but Walt Disney World Resort has already seen a wave of closures as the beloved destination prepares for massive transformations. These changes are shaping the future of Disney World, but not without temporary disruptions for guests.

Spaceship Earth at EPCOT inside of Disney World
Credit: Disney

This month, several attractions have closed their doors. EPCOT’s Test Track remains unavailable as its 2024 refurbishment continues, and more favorites joined the list across January 6 and 13, including Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom. The latter, now undergoing a lengthy year-plus renovation, has visibly entered the demolition phase. Guests have spotted parts of the coaster’s track being removed and transported across Frontierland.

Animal Kingdom saw even more significant changes on January 13, when three attractions—TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures—closed permanently. These closures mark the official start of Disney’s reimagining of DinoLand U.S.A. into Pueblo Esperanza, an area inspired by the Tropical Americas and set to feature elements from Encanto and Indiana Jones.

A detailed aerial illustration of the Frontierland Cars retheme at Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

While this is just the beginning of Disney’s ambitious plans for 2025, all eyes are on Magic Kingdom’s upcoming transformations. Frontierland is being overhauled to welcome Pixar’s Cars, a decision that sparked mixed reactions after its reveal at the 2024 D23 Expo. Fans are also eagerly anticipating the Disney Villains-themed area, which is arguably the most talked-about addition in the works.

But these aren’t the only changes happening around the Resort. Over at EPCOT, guests were greeted with an unexpected development.

“At EPCOT, guests have noticed a large sandwich board announcing that The Seas with Nemo & Friends will close at 7:00 p.m. this evening,” Kenny the Pirate reported. “Disney has not announced a reason for this early closure.”

The exterior of The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Credit: Disney

The official Walt Disney World website confirms that this earlier closing time is set to remain in place through at least March 18, with no explanation provided for the change. While the rest of EPCOT continues to operate until 9:00 p.m., The Seas with Nemo & Friends now closes two hours earlier indefinitely.

This fan-favorite attraction is home to SeaBase Aquarium, where guests can observe marine life, such as fish, sharks, and manatees. However, the manatees have been relocated to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, and sections of the exhibit are now curtained off.

Reports share the ongoing refurbishment at the EPCOT location, which could be behind the early closure. Rumored updates include walkway expansions, escalator upgrades, and enhanced safety measures for divers assisting guests with disabilities.

View of Spaceship Earth from World Showcase with buildings and trees in the foreground
Credit: Reinhard Link, Flickr

Despite these changes, EPCOT remains a must-visit park with attractions like Frozen Ever After in World Showcase and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in World Discovery. Still, it’s worth noting that not everything will be available until closing time.

Do these changes impact your Disney World plans? 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 »

4 Comments

  1. Of course it matters. I made plans last year to come to Disney world to ride the test track at Epcot and thunder mountain at kingdom. Maybe they should lower the price of things if we’re not getting what we we’re looking forward to and has been there forever. Or give us notice.

  2. These changes will just make me be more aware and I will adjust. Closures will NEVER keep me from visiting the parks

  3. Thanks please take passes for many years. We quit when march renewal comes. Goodbye Disney indefinitely!

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