Disney parks are always changing, but lately, some of the updates feel more like losses than gains. Beloved attractions are being replaced with shiny new IP-driven lands, leaving many fans wondering if the parks are losing touch with their nostalgic roots.
Here’s a rundown at the changes coming to Walt Disney World, beginning in 2025. We’ll start with one change that was made in 2024.
The closure of Splash Mountain to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has sparked mixed reactions. While the new ride celebrates The Princess and the Frog and brings fresh representation to the parks, many fans are still mourning the loss of Splash Mountain’s iconic songs, thrilling drop, and decades of memories. It’s hard to imagine Frontierland without it.
Magic Kingdom is also saying goodbye to Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America, which are set to be replaced by Cars and Villains-themed lands. While these additions could be exciting, the loss of these quiet, nostalgic areas feels like the end of an era for those who loved their simplicity and charm.
At Hollywood Studios, MuppetVision 3D is being retired to make way for a Monsters, Inc. land, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is swapping out Aerosmith for a Muppets-themed overlay.
While the Muppets deserve more representation, these changes feel like they’re erasing some of the humor and heart that made the park unique in its earlier years. And then there’s Animal Kingdom, where DinoLand U.S.A. is being replaced by a Tropical Americas-themed land featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones.
The new area will likely draw crowds, but fans will miss the quirky charm of DinoLand U.S.A. and the uncertainty surrounding the DINOSAUR ride is only adding to the frustration.
For longtime fans, these changes represent more than new attractions—they represent a loss of memories and tradition. Disney’s parks were built on the idea of blending nostalgia with innovation, but as more beloved attractions are replaced, it’s starting to feel like nostalgia is taking a backseat to marketable trends. While progress is part of what keeps Disney parks fresh, it’s worth asking if some of the magic is being lost along the way.
What do you think of these changes? Let us know in the comments!
