
The Walt Disney World Resort is showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to closures in 2025, and now another cherished part of Magic Kingdom is set to go dark later this month.
On January 6, Magic Kingdom bid farewell to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as it embarked on a massive refurbishment that will stretch well over a year. Disney promises “new magic” is on the horizon for the beloved attraction. Construction crews are already hard at work dismantling sections of the iconic roller coaster track, with some pieces seen towering above Frontierland as the transformation begins.
But Big Thunder isn’t the only closure shaking things up this January. Across Walt Disney World, other attractions are seeing temporary or permanent changes. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, for example, is undergoing significant shifts to make room for the new Tropical Americas land. Meanwhile, the seasonal shutdown of Kali River Rapids and maintenance work on Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros are also keeping things busy.
In another surprising move, Disney recently adjusted operations at EPCOT. The Seas with Nemo & Friends inside the World Nature neighborhood now closes at 7 p.m., two hours earlier than its usual time. While Disney hasn’t provided an official explanation, reports suggest this change could be tied to major updates being made inside the attraction’s interior.
Now, the latest news comes from Magic Kingdom, where the fan-favorite Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction will face a partial closure starting January 27, 2025.
“The indoor children’s playground in the Dumbo the Flying Elephant queue will close for refurbishment on January 27, 2025, and is expected to reopen in Spring 2025,” reads an update on the official Walt Disney World Resort website. “The attraction will remain open and available during this time.”
This means guests can still enjoy the ride itself, but the indoor playground in the queue area will be unavailable. The air-conditioned space, a hit with families, offers kids a chance to play and explore while parents catch a much-needed breather.
The announcement comes less than a year after the Storybook Circus area introduced the charming Smellephants on Parade update in May 2024. Guests can still grab a map and sticker sheet at Big Top Souvenirs and hunt for the adorable Smellephant statues scattered throughout Storybook Circus.
How do you feel about these updates at Walt Disney World Resort? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
I will say my grandkids and I enjoy the play area on Dumby the Flying Elephant ride and agree an update would be in order. After starting in lines through out the day, this playground let’s them run, climb and let off steam. Hopefully the renovation will provide similar equipment in that area. Note; please be cautious of any “escape” routes that the children can get out. My son-in and I kept a watch while I sat next to the exit.
Please keep the seating for tired adults.