Disney’s Latest Closure Streak Leaves Guests Uneasy About What the Future Holds
Disney World fans are feeling torn these days. Exciting new projects are on the horizon, yet more guests than ever are encountering broken rides, delayed openings, and attractions that shut down multiple times a day. That push-and-pull has guests wondering why Disney continues investing in massive expansions while its current rides struggle to stay open.
Discussions about this continue to trend across fan groups and social media platforms. People love the idea of fresh lands and new storytelling, but they can’t help but ask whether Disney should stabilize what exists before charging ahead.
Major Expansions Take Center Stage
There’s no question Disney is leaning hard into its biggest growth era in years. Rethemes, overhauls, and completely new lands are all in motion. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster remains one of the most discussed examples, with fans expecting a complete Muppets overhaul soon. Many see it as part of Disney’s shift toward embedding stronger intellectual property into aging attractions.
However, that retheme is only one piece of what’s to come.
The Disney Projects Guests Are Watching Closely
Disney’s upcoming expansions cover almost every corner of the resort. At Hollywood Studios, Imagineering is moving forward with a Monstropolis-themed area and the new Magic of Disney Animation interactive experience, which will replace Star Wars Launch Bay and Animation Courtyard.
Magic Kingdom is preparing its long-teased Villains land—an addition fans have begged for across multiple decades. Over at Animal Kingdom, the Tropical Americas project will finally overhaul DinoLand U.S.A. with experiences inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones. Frontierland is also expected to shift into its next evolution with the addition of Piston Peak, connected to Planes: Fire & Rescue.
These announcements have generated considerable excitement. Still, constant ride closures have added tension to the conversation.
Frequent Closures Stir Growing Frustration
Guests report a clear pattern across all four parks: rides that open hours late, attractions that shut down several times a day, and headliners that never reopen after an early-morning malfunction. Some guests have watched rides break down four or five times before dinner. When those closures involve major attractions, crowd levels spike instantly.
What used to feel like an occasional hiccup now appears far more routine. That shift has fueled the argument that Disney should strengthen its current infrastructure before expanding it.
EPCOT’s Troubles Continue
EPCOT has seen an especially noticeable streak of downtime. Spaceship Earth frequently experiences technical issues, resulting in extended periods of downtime. Test Track also sees long-lasting closures, which isn’t surprising given its complexity—but those breaks ripple across the entire park.
Even EPCOT’s newer rides aren’t exempt. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Frozen Ever After both face recurring malfunctions, sometimes lasting hours. When both go down on the same day, guests feel it immediately.
Magic Kingdom Isn’t Immune
Magic Kingdom attractions face similar problems. Space Mountain regularly experiences mid-day and late-day shutdowns. The Haunted Mansion has posted a string of closures that leave long lines waiting idly. Peter Pan’s Flight—despite its popularity—has been extremely temperamental. Even Journey of the Little Mermaid, one of the newer rides in the park, deals with surprising levels of downtime.
Other Parks Share the Same Story
Animal Kingdom’s smaller ride lineup makes each closure sting even more. Expedition Everest sees frequent interruptions, while DINOSAUR continues to experience technical issues. Even Avatar: Flight of Passage—a marquee attraction—breaks down more often than many expected.
Hollywood Studios, home to Disney’s most complex tech-heavy rides, struggles too. Rise of the Resistance remains famous for its instability. The Tower of Terror frequently operates at reduced capacity. Slinky Dog Dash and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway also see consistent closures that affect large chunks of the day.
Why Fans Want a Different Approach
Some believe age is the culprit, but the evidence doesn’t fully point that way. Newer rides, recent refurbishments, and headline attractions deal with breakdowns just as often as classics like Peter Pan’s Flight or Haunted Mansion.
Guests Wonder What Comes Next
As Disney World prepares for massive growth, fans are asking for balance. They want new lands and new experiences—and they’re excited for them—but they also wish that the park would prioritize reliability. Before introducing more rides to maintain, guests hope Disney will reinforce the ones they already love.
