Yesterday was a tough day for Walt Disney World. On October 2, 2024, 22 attractions across all four parks experienced temporary closures, leaving many guests frustrated and unsure of how to proceed with their day.
These closures came at inopportune moments, just as guests were hitting their stride in navigating the parks. The result? Long lines, frazzled guests, and a struggle to maintain the magic that Disney strives to deliver.
Magic Kingdom, the crown jewel of Disney World, was at the center of yesterday’s troubles. The Barnstormer was one of the first rides to experience downtime, but it was only the beginning. As the day progressed, several more beloved attractions, including Enchanted Tales with Belle and Mad Tea Party, faced temporary closures, frustrating guests who had planned to enjoy these rides during peak hours.
The situation escalated as popular attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train—a staple for many visitors—joined the list of rides going offline. By late afternoon, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad were also out of commission. These closures left many guests wondering whether they’d get to experience Magic Kingdom’s most iconic rides before the end of the day.
Perhaps the most significant blow came when TRON Lightcycle / Run, a new headliner attraction, went down, along with Pirates of the Caribbean and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. By 5 p.m., it was clear that Disney was dealing with a major operational challenge.
EPCOT didn’t fare much better. Frozen Ever After experienced several bouts of downtime throughout the day, leaving many guests disappointed. Attractions like Living with the Land and The Seas with Nemo and Friends also went offline, further limiting options for visitors. With Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure also facing technical difficulties, EPCOT guests found themselves contending with longer wait times at Soarin’ Around the World and Spaceship Earth.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, TriceraTop Spin and DINOSAUR were the main culprits, facing temporary closures that disrupted the park’s usual flow. Kali River Rapids, which has been down for refurbishment, added to the limited ride availability.
Even Disney’s Hollywood Studios wasn’t immune to the widespread issues. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance—arguably the most popular attraction in the park—faced temporary downtime, along with Slinky Dog Dash. These closures added to the growing frustration for guests who were already dealing with limited availability across other parks.
While ride closures are an expected part of theme park operations, the sheer number of attractions that went offline yesterday raised questions about Disney’s ability to handle peak guest demand. The temporary closures led to a ripple effect, with longer wait times for attractions that remained open. Though Disney offers perks like Lightning Lane and Early Theme Park Entry, these services weren’t enough to mitigate the widespread disruptions.
For guests planning future visits, it’s important to stay flexible and rely on real-time updates from the My Disney Experience app. While Disney World remains a top-tier destination, days like yesterday serve as a reminder that even the most well-oiled machine can experience hiccups.
