If you’re heading to Disney World this spring or summer, here’s the short version of what you need to know: Yes, some of your favorite attractions might be closed. And yes, it’s still worth going.
With new entertainment offerings, freshly refurbished spaces, and major expansions in the works, it’s a fascinating time to visit the parks—even if a few classics are behind construction walls.
Let’s run through what’s currently closed, what’s about to close, and how to adjust your trip plans around it all.
Attraction Closures You Should Know About (As of April 2025)
The closure list this spring and summer is a little heavier than usual thanks to some major projects in motion across all four parks.
- Magic Kingdom:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is undergoing a multi-year refurbishment and will not return until 2026. It’s one of the biggest closures in the park right now.
- Astro Orbiter is temporarily closed through summer 2025. The ride is getting a full mechanical overhaul.
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close in August 2025 for enhancements, with Disney targeting a 2026 reopening.
- Hall of Presidents is currently closed with no reopening date. It’s a routine refurb, not a reimagining.
- Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island are both expected to close permanently later this year, ahead of Cars Land and Villains Land construction.
- Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade has already been retired for good.
- EPCOT:
- Test Track is being completely reimagined. The closure started last summer and may extend through late summer or fall 2025. The new version is rumored to lean into the nostalgic feel of World of Motion.
- Animal Kingdom:
- It’s Tough to Be a Bug and TriceraTop Spin are permanently closed to make way for Zootopia and the Tropical Americas expansion.
- DINOSAUR and The Boneyard remain open for now but will close in 2026. DINOSAUR is expected to be re-themed to Indiana Jones Adventure.
- Hollywood Studios:
- Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy has ended its run.
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid has been officially retired. But good news: the new Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure debuts later this year, alongside a new Villains-themed stage show.
- Water Parks:
- Blizzard Beach will be closed from May 1 to May 20 for routine maintenance.
- Typhoon Lagoon reopens May 1. Both water parks will operate simultaneously starting May 21, a first since 2019.
There are also a few attractions on the “watch list” without confirmed refurb dates yet, like Spaceship Earth and Journey into Imagination at EPCOT. Keep an eye on announcements if you’re traveling later in the year.
Tips From a Frequent Visitor
You don’t have to be a Disney pro to navigate crowds and closures like one. Here are a few key strategies I use every time I visit:
- Buy Lightning Lane access in advance. Disney now offers three paid options: Single Pass, Multi Pass, and Premier Pass. You can book Multi and Single passes seven days in advance for Disney Resort guests and three days in advance for those not staying on Disney property.
- Don’t follow the rope-drop herd. Everyone rushes to the biggest rides first. Instead, tackle a couple mid-tier rides with no wait in the first 30 minutes. Save your Lightning Lane reservations for mid-morning when lines peak.
- Use the nighttime advantage. Magic Kingdom especially clears out after fireworks. If the park is open late, that’s your best chance at walking onto rides you couldn’t get to earlier.
- Mobile order all your meals. Do it well before you get hungry. Lunchtime slots can fill up at places like Columbia Harbour House or Satu’li Canteen. Pick your time early in the morning and avoid the chaos.
- Be flexible with park hopping. Use the app to monitor wait times. If EPCOT is slammed and Animal Kingdom looks light, make the switch.
- Utilize water parks. Starting May 21, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon will both be open. Perfect for a midday cool-down or a full water day when the theme parks feel packed.
- Accept that you won’t do it all. Even with a perfect plan, something might be down temporarily, or a ride may break. Don’t let it ruin your day. There’s always something unexpected around the corner that could be the highlight of your trip.
The truth is, while it can be a bummer to miss a favorite ride, Disney still delivers a whole lot of magic. With a little prep and the right mindset, your vacation can be every bit as fun—even if Big Thunder is taking a well-deserved nap until 2026.
