If you’ve been visiting Walt Disney World for years, you’ve probably felt it—that slow but steady shift in the parks.
Attractions that once felt permanent now vanish without much notice. Quirky corners of the parks are giving way to bigger franchises. And what used to feel like a celebration of Disney’s full creative history now feels more focused on what’s popular in the moment.
It’s not all bad. There’s exciting new stuff on the way. But for many longtime fans, this current wave of updates feels a little more like an identity swap than a refresh.
Some of these changes are obvious, while others are flying under the radar. So let’s take a walk through the parks and look at what’s quietly being retired—and what that might mean for the future of Disney World.
Magic Kingdom
The changes in Magic Kingdom may not seem as dramatic at first glance, but a few major shifts are already underway that signal a major pivot. Frontierland, for instance, is losing its charm piece by piece. The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, an opening-day experience that once gave kids (and nostalgic adults) the joy of some old-timey fun, officially shut its doors in June 2024. It’s now being transformed into a Disney Vacation Club lounge—an undeniably useful space, but one that doesn’t exactly scream wild west whimsy.
Even more jarring is what’s happening around the Rivers of America. Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Belle Riverboat are slated to be absorbed into a brand-new Cars-themed land. That’s right—Radiator Springs is rolling into Magic Kingdom, and in doing so, it’s running over one of the last non-IP zones in the park.
Hollywood Studios
If there’s one park where the changes feel personal, it’s Hollywood Studios. Long known for its tributes to animation, film, and classic Hollywood, this park is now making room for a new generation of franchises—and not everyone’s thrilled about what’s being pushed out.
MuppetVision 3D* is the next in line to go. Scheduled to close in June 2025, the beloved Jim Henson attraction will be replaced by a new Monsters, Inc. Land experience. For many fans, MuppetVision* isn’t just a show—it’s a piece of Disney history, full of clever humor, practical effects, and heart. Losing it means losing one of the last major presences of the Muppets in any Disney World park.
And just across the park, Voyage of the Little Mermaid—which had been dark since 2020—is officially out. Disney confirmed it won’t return, and a new, more technologically advanced musical version will take its place later this year. The original show, with its puppetry and charm, served generations of Ariel fans. It’s bittersweet to see it replaced.
Animal Kingdom
The biggest transformation of all is happening at Animal Kingdom, where an entire land is going extinct—literally. DinoLand U.S.A., with its kitschy roadside theming and fossil-digging playgrounds, is being removed to make way for a Tropical Americas-themed area inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.
This isn’t just one or two rides going away—it’s nearly everything. The Boneyard, TriceraTop Spin, carnival games, shops, and all of Chester & Hester’s quirky theming are on their way out. While DINOSAUR may hang on for a while longer, it seems like the writing is on the wall.
It’s a bold reimagining of the space, no doubt. But for fans who appreciated Animal Kingdom’s more original concepts—and especially those who enjoyed its “weird” side—this one stings.
