With the holidays in full swing at Walt Disney World Resort, it’s easy to lose sight of the transformative changes coming in 2025. Between the Thanksgiving rush and the Christmas magic, the parks are bustling with excitement. But soon, major updates will begin reshaping the parks, leaving fans to say goodbye—at least temporarily—to some beloved attractions.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is leading the charge into 2025 with the closure of three locations within DinoLand U.S.A., set for January 13, 2025. The extensive retheme, which was announced at this year’s D23 Expo, will breathe new life into the area. However, fans of the thrilling DINOSAUR attraction can breathe a sigh of relief—the ride will remain open throughout 2025 despite speculation about its closure.
Over at EPCOT, anticipation builds as the revamped Test Track, now under the sponsorship of General Motors, prepares for its debut in late summer 2025. The beloved high-speed ride will return with fresh updates, marking another milestone in Disney’s ongoing park-wide renovations.
The spotlight, however, is firmly on Magic Kingdom, where a fan-favorite attraction is preparing to close its gates for an extended refurbishment.
In just one month, Magic Kingdom’s iconic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close indefinitely for what Disney is calling its most significant refurbishment yet. The coaster, nestled in the heart of Frontierland, will officially shut down on January 6, 2025, with no reopening date set until 2026. According to Disney, when the attraction returns, it will feature “a little bit of new magic.”
The announcement has sparked speculation among Disney fans, many of whom believe the updates will resemble enhancements made to the Disneyland version of the ride over a decade ago. Those changes included improved visual effects, new audio-animatronics, and updated storytelling elements.
Disney has already begun preparations for Big Thunder Mountain’s transformation. According to WDWMagic, a recent permit was filed with Disney Imagineering partner Elite AV Systems Inc. and will expire on December 3, 2025.
The report also notes prior permits involving Coastal Steel Inc. for general construction and DPR Construction for structural work, the latter of which will extend through March 13, 2026. The timeline suggests a lengthy refurbishment, with work potentially lasting well into 2026 despite Disney’s stated reopening goal.
The changes to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are just one piece of Frontierland’s reimagining. As unveiled during D23, Magic Kingdom’s expansion plans include the addition of a Cars-themed area, replacing Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America. The revamped land will feature a blend of classic and modern Disney stories, anchored by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and multiple new Cars attractions.
However, these ambitious plans have faced obstacles. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), which replaced the Reedy Creek Improvement District under Governor Ron DeSantis’s leadership, recently requested a 60-day extension in discussions with Disney over the expansion. Despite these delays, Disney remains committed to moving forward with its vision for Frontierland’s future.
The updates across Walt Disney World are part of Disney’s ongoing effort to balance its storied legacy with a fresh appeal for new generations. Speaking at the INBOUND festival in Boston, Disney Parks Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro acknowledged the challenges of this balancing act. Disney does not always get it right, D’Amaro admitted, but he emphasized that the company’s developments are designed to captivate future audiences.
As Big Thunder Mountain prepares for its year-long closure, fans are left wondering if the wait will be worth the updates. Will the “new magic” enhance the beloved coaster, or will nostalgia prevail?
What are your thoughts on the closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the future of Frontierland? Share your opinions in the comments below!
