2025 is already shaping up to be a year of changes at Walt Disney World, and unfortunately for some guests, those changes come in the form of extensive closures.
Several beloved attractions are undergoing significant updates, leaving many park-goers to adjust their itineraries. From the iconic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom to the culturally rich Gran Fiesta Tour at EPCOT, refurbishments seem to be happening around every corner.
Just as guests were coming to terms with the ride closures, EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion is making waves with its own update. The Weinkeller, a small but well-loved spot known for its exceptional wine selection, has temporarily closed for renovations.
A Look at the Growing Refurbishment List
The trend of simultaneous closures began earlier this month. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed on January 6, 2025, as part of a massive project that will keep the attraction offline until 2026. Meanwhile, over at EPCOT, Gran Fiesta Tour shut down for a more standard maintenance period, aiming for a reopening just in time for the park’s popular Flower & Garden Festival in March.
These closures are joined by annual downtimes like Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom, which typically closes during the colder months due to lower demand. Add in the upcoming refurbishment of Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland and the Hall of Presidents update at Liberty Square, and it’s clear that 2025 is a big year for Disney’s maintenance team.
Weinkeller’s Temporary Farewell
Nestled in the Germany Pavilion along the World Showcase promenade, the Weinkeller is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. This cozy shop offers a wide selection of German wines by the glass or bottle, along with beer and liqueurs. However, the shop’s doors are currently closed to guests while new flooring is installed.
Disney has provided a temporary solution by relocating the menu to a mobile bar within the Stein Haus gift shop. Here, guests can still purchase bottles and savor their favorite drinks while soaking up the ambiance of the pavilion. While the location may be different, Disney’s commitment to maintaining guest satisfaction remains strong.
What This Means for Guests
The ongoing renovations highlight Disney’s push to modernize and maintain its attractions and dining locations. While many fans understand the need for updates, the number of closures occurring simultaneously has sparked some frustration. Visitors arriving for EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts will need to pivot their plans slightly—but with a bit of flexibility, the magic of Disney remains.
For those planning a trip, it’s essential to stay informed and keep an eye on Disney’s refurbishment calendar. Despite the closures, EPCOT’s World Showcase offers a plethora of experiences, from mouthwatering cuisine to cultural exhibits. And with updates like Weinkeller’s renovation underway, there’s hope that these refreshed locations will be even more spectacular when they reopen.
