Every time Disney announces a closure, fans can’t help but wonder which attraction will be next. With construction walls going up all over the parks, nothing feels entirely safe anymore.
Two rides in particular have been catching attention lately, and if the whispers are true, the days of these experiences could be numbered.
A Look Back at What’s Already Gone
Disney has never been shy about retiring classics.
- Just recently, Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America were shuttered, marking the end of a quieter corner of Magic Kingdom. Families once wandered through caves and bridges there, but the land is now drained and set aside for new projects.
- Then there’s Splash Mountain, which closed in January 2023. Its replacement, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, has been welcomed by some but still feels like a loss to those who grew up with the original.
- MuppetVision 3D at Hollywood Studios followed in June 2025, leaving behind decades of zany Muppet fun.
- And at Animal Kingdom, It’s Tough to Be a Bug was removed under the Tree of Life to make way for a Zootopia expansion.
Each of these closures shows Disney’s willingness to sacrifice nostalgia for progress.
Refurbishments or Replacements?
Some attractions aren’t gone—yet—but their extended refurbishments have fans worried. Spaceship Earth at EPCOT is closing this August for updates and will reopen in 2025. Details are scarce, but longtime guests wonder how much of its storytelling will remain.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also in for an extended downtime, stretching into 2026. Rumors suggest its refurbishment may go deeper than just the track. Meanwhile, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is undergoing some upgrades to fix its aging blasters and visuals. Even if the ride returns, fans expect it to feel very different.
Gran Fiesta Tour in the Spotlight
One of the strongest rumors centers on EPCOT’s Gran Fiesta Tour. Located in the Mexico pavilion, this slow-moving boat ride has charmed guests with Donald Duck and friends for years. However, many believe Disney is preparing to swap it out for a Coco (2017) makeover.
Imagine floating through the Land of the Dead with “Remember Me” filling the air—that’s many fans’ vision. While it sounds spectacular, it would mean bidding farewell to yet another quirky EPCOT original.
Carousel of Progress at Risk
Then there’s Carousel of Progress. Once a crown jewel of Tomorrowland, the rotating theater no longer draws the crowds it once did. Its “future” scene now looks dated, featuring most households that already have tech.
Rumors suggest Disney may update the attraction with a new final scene, smoother rotation, and upgraded animatronics. While that could refresh the experience, fans worry it could strip away the nostalgic feel Walt himself designed.
The Balance Between Past and Future
Disney World thrives on reinvention, but every new addition comes at the expense of something familiar. Whether Gran Fiesta Tour or Carousel of Progress is next, fans know change is inevitable. The question is whether Disney can keep the spirit of the past alive while building the future.
