A new year brings fresh changes, and at Walt Disney World Resort, January 2025 marks the start of a transformative era as the parks prepare to say goodbye to cherished attractions and hello to bold new possibilities.
Disney is diving into what may be its most ambitious evolution yet. With groundbreaking additions and emotional farewells, the Central Florida destination is being reimagined for the next generation of magic seekers.
Ever since the D23 Expo 2022, fans have eagerly followed Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro’s announcements. Over the past two years, D’Amaro has unveiled plans to usher Walt Disney World into its next chapter, and as he famously stated, “dirt is moving.” Every promise made at the Expo is now becoming a reality.
Among the most talked-about changes is the reimagining of DinoLand U.S.A. into the Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This new land will spotlight the Encanto and Indiana Jones franchises and be known as the “Pueblo Esperanza.” Designed to immerse guests in the spirit of the Tropical Americas, the area promises a vibrant and colorful experience that will reshape the park.
At the Tree of Life Theater, It’s Tough to Be a Bug! will make way for a Zootopia-inspired 3D show, Better Zoogether, bringing a modern touch to Animal Kingdom’s offerings.
Over at Magic Kingdom, the changes are even more dramatic. Frontierland, as fans know it, will soon be a memory, with Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America transforming into a Cars-themed land. While not a copy of Disneyland’s Radiator Springs, this new area will feature all-ages attractions and exciting updates.
But the biggest reveal is the long-awaited Disney Villains land, an expansion that promises to enchant guests who’ve always rooted for the baddies.
These changes also mean saying farewell to several beloved attractions. On January 5, 2025, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad gave guests its final thrill before closing for a lengthy refurbishment. The iconic Frontierland coaster will return in 2026, boasting updates that Disney says will add “a little bit of new magic.”
Other closures include Kali River Rapids and EPCOT’s Gran Fiesta Tour, both of which entered seasonal maintenance on January 6. They’re set to reopen in March, just in time for spring break crowds.
This weekend will bring another round of closures, with January 12 marking the last day for several attractions at Walt Disney World. At Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland’s Astro Orbiter will temporarily close on January 13 for refurbishment, with plans to reopen in summer 2025.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will see permanent closures for TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Games.
TriceraTop Spin, which has been a DinoLand staple since 2001, will take its final flight, while Fossil Fun Games and Chester & Hester’s iconic gift shop will also bid farewell. The closures have already prompted changes in the park, including the relocation of the Goofy and Pluto meet-and-greet.
Notably, DINOSAUR will remain operational through late 2025, giving guests more time to enjoy the prehistoric favorite before further changes come to Animal Kingdom.
While January’s closures are bittersweet, they mark the start of Disney’s ambitious plans for the future. As the resort embraces this bold new vision, some fans are left wondering—will 2025 still be the perfect year to visit the Most Magical Place on Earth?
What do you think of these changes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
