A new year is on the horizon, and with it comes sweeping changes at Walt Disney World Resort. January 2025 marks the beginning of a transformative chapter as the resort prepares for a mix of permanent and indefinite closures across its parks.
At the same time, Disney will operate the parks differently at the start of the year.
Since the announcements at D23 Expo 2022, Disney fans have been eagerly tracking updates from Disney Experiences leadership. Over the last two years, Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro has unveiled bold plans for Walt Disney World, with some of the resort’s biggest updates carrying significant trade-offs.
Initially met with skepticism following the conceptual “blue sky” announcements of 2022, Disney silenced doubts with concrete plans shared during 2023’s Destination D23 and 2024’s D23 Expo. D’Amaro’s confident declaration that “dirt is moving” confirms that these visions are officially in progress.
One major update is the transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into the Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This vibrant new area, known as Pueblo Esperanza, will bring Encanto and Indiana Jones to life with two marquee attractions and immersive experiences.
Additionally, “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!” at the Tree of Life Theater will be replaced by “Better Zoogether,” a 3D show themed on 2016’s Zootopia that will launch in the coming years.
The most controversial change is the overhaul of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. The park will bid farewell to Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, making way for a new Cars-themed land. This expansion, unique from Disneyland’s Cars Land, will feature attractions designed for guests of all ages.
Alongside Cars, Magic Kingdom will also debut a Disney Villains land—a long-anticipated addition that will showcase the company’s most iconic and dastardly characters.
But before these exciting developments unfold, January will see a wave of closures as Disney begins clearing the way for the future. Attractions across all four parks will shutter, with some closing permanently and others undergoing extensive refurbishment.
EPCOT’s Test Track and Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy are already closed, but January will add even more to the list. Magic Kingdom’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close for over a year, with its final ride set for January 5, 2025. When it reopens in 2026, Disney promises “a little bit of new magic,” hinting at an upgrade similar to Disneyland’s enhanced version.
Tomorrowland’s Astro Orbiter will also be shut down for refurbishment starting January 13. Its reopening is slated for the summer of 2025.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, January 13 marks the end of TriceraTop Spin, signaling the beginning of DinoLand U.S.A.’s transformation. Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures and Fossil Fun Games will also permanently close the following day. However, the iconic DINOSAUR ride will remain open until late 2025.
Kali River Rapids will temporarily close on January 6 for its seasonal refurbishment, with a reopening set for March 2025. Meanwhile, EPCOT’s Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros will also close on January 6, with plans to reopen on March 15, 2025.
Disney fans are buzzing with debates, wondering if 2025 might just be a “skip year” thanks to the wave of refurbishments on the horizon. It’s not just about attraction closures either—Disney recently unveiled changes to park operating hours that will impact your plans at Magic Kingdom. Let’s break it down:
Updated Magic Kingdom Hours
- January 5: Park closes at 11:00 p.m. (originally 9:00 p.m.)
- January 6–10: Park closes at 10:00 p.m. (originally 9:00 p.m.)
- January 11: Park closes at 11:00 p.m.
Extended Evening Hours
- January 8: Now 10:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. (instead of 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.)
These adjustments give Guests a little extra time to revel in the magic—perfect for those lingering holiday vibes. But there’s another twist: Magic Kingdom will close early on January 30, shutting its gates at 4:30 p.m. for what’s likely the much-anticipated annual cast member celebration.
For all its exciting changes, Walt Disney World is bidding farewell to numerous beloved attractions, and January’s closures feel particularly significant. With so much in flux, guests are left wondering: Is 2025 the right time to visit the Central Florida resort? These extended hours may be keeping fans baited.
What are your thoughts on these closures? Let Disney Dining know in the comments below!
Lots going on, and for some of it, I’m really excited! The new South and Central American land in Animal Kingdom will be a welcome change to the tired Hester and Chester’s, which personally was never a huge draw. Although I will miss Dinosaur, I am not adverse to bringing in Indiana Jones. I only wish they would consolidate it with the stunt show at Hollywood Studios by bringing it to Animal Kingdom, freeing up space for new IP in its original space. It is definitely time to give the Bug’s Life theater a new show. So glad Zootopia will be represented.
Very sad to see the Muppet Show close, but hope that Disney will bring it to th Muppets New location by Rock Rollercoaster. There is definitely room for development in that area, so to not bring it over would be a huge loss and disappointment. I will definitely miss visiting one of my favorite all time bands, Aerosmith, but a 25 year run is really respectable for a band that’s been steadily making hits since the 70s. Sine Steven Tyler has retired from touring, it only makes sense. It is only logical that a ride based n going to see them on tour be retired as well. I think the overlay of The Muppets will bring new life and excitement to the rude. I can’t wait to see how it turns out!. My only worry with the Studios is that they will one day try to retheme Tower of Terror, which would be the worst thing they could ever do!
I am looking forward to the new remaining of Test Track. I will always have fond memories of its 1st theming, but bringing in aspects of the original World of Motion attraction is a wonderful nod to the past.
I am excited for Villainsland. It’s been a long time coming and it’s time that our Disney Villains got their time in th spotlight. I only wish they would reconfigure where they are locating the land.. Considering that The Haunted Mansion is in Liberty Square, I would have rather seen the Villains take over that park real estate. The Liberty Belle should become an antebellum haunted cruise and a part of Villainsland.
On to Cars…. oh my! Cars does NOT belong in the Wild, Wild West! They are really stretching the storyline to fit their purposes!!! Carsland would be better served if they tied it into the New Fantasyland by reconfiguring the set up so Fantasyland continues past The Mad Tea Party into the area where the Tomorrowland Speedway is now. It wouldn’t take that much to make it work.
It’s going to be an interesting new few years with Disney implementing all of these changes. Out of all of these, I wonder how many will make it from concept to completion.
Like the changes for the tropical settings but man oh man do I hate the absolute crime of destroying Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island and the river boat! Terrible terrible, and for Cars! Not only does that ruin what is iconic setting and theme, but Cars ip easily is better suited to replace other areas. Really awful decision.
Personally, I still miss the Nautilus ride which was removed over 30 years ago. But agree with putting a ride in Tom Sawyer Island. Always thought that was kind of boring.
All I can say is Mr Disney would be very proud of what is accomplished over so many years … all I can say is he’s looking down on what is going on and he’s loving it… but most of all for the adults and the children they all love it no matter what goes on in Disney World…🙂❤️…
All the best
Dee!!!
We are travelling from the UK in 2025 and although there is going to be a lot of closures we are hoping that things like Test Track will be open for our visit as we missed it this year.
But we know that yes things are closed, but there is so much Disney magic that it will still be an amazing trip no matter what. We can still have a wonderful time, even if some things are closed because we can go and do something that we didn’t get to do this year in 2024 because we were focused on other things!
We haven’t been for such a long time and to get to go two years on the trot is amazing, so closures or no closures we are going to enjoy Disney and it’s all magic no matter what construction is going on!
Nice changes. It’s about time. But frankly, with all the closures, WDW should be reducing pricing fir the parks. Paying full price with that many attractions down is crazy. Especially with Epic Universe opening this summer at Universal.
I think it is great that Iger and Co. are destroying everything that Walt Disney built up. Everyone knows that Disney didn’t have a clue about how to run Disney parks and the current team are so much smarter.