As we ring in the New Year, it’s clear that Walt Disney World Resort is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in recent memory. The January 2025 closures are just the beginning of an era filled with exciting changes, as the Central Florida parks prepare for brand-new lands and massive overhauls. With so much shifting—including the complete revamp of Frontierland—Disney is making room for the future, but it comes at the cost of some fan favorites.
Fans have been eagerly following every step of Disney’s vision for the future of its theme parks since the 2022 D23 Expo. Over the last two years, Josh D’Amaro, head of Disney Experiences, has unveiled numerous additions and changes coming to Walt Disney World Resort, with many of the updates carrying significant price tags.
After a period of uncertainty surrounding the “blue sky” concepts shown in 2022, both the 2023 Destination D23 and the 2024 D23 Expo reassured fans that the plans are firmly in motion. As D’Amaro has repeatedly said, “dirt is moving,” signaling the progress of the resort’s transformation.
One of the most buzzed-about changes will be the reimagining of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The area will be reborn as Tropical Americas, bringing with it a unique blend of Encanto and Indiana Jones-themed attractions. A major highlight will be a Zootopia-inspired 3D show, Better Zoogether, replacing the beloved It’s Tough to Be a Bug! at the Tree of Life Theater.
However, the most talked-about change is the complete overhaul of Frontierland in Magic Kingdom. The beloved land will be replaced by a Cars-themed area, featuring Radiator Springs and multiple attractions suitable for all ages. With the removal of Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, the transformation marks a bold new direction for the park. Disney’s plans for Frontierland are supposedly strikingly different from the Cars land at Disneyland Resort’s California Adventure, offering a fresh take on the franchise.
In addition to the Cars reimagining, Magic Kingdom will also be adding a new area dedicated to Disney Villains—some of the most iconic and sinister characters to ever grace the screen. These ambitious projects will require multiple closures, some permanent and others temporary, starting in January 2025.
A wave of closures will impact all four theme parks, beginning with Magic Kingdom, where Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close for extensive renovations starting on January 6, 2025. Set to reopen in 2026, the updated ride promises to include “a little bit of new magic,” possibly similar to the Disneyland version.
Meanwhile, Tomorrowland’s Astro Orbiter will shut down for a lengthy refurbishment beginning January 13, 2025, with a reopening slated for the summer of that year. These closures are part of a larger wave, which includes some significant moves in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
TriceraTop Spin will permanently close on January 13, marking the beginning of the end for DinoLand U.S.A. The area will be replaced by the new Tropical Americas land, called the Pueblo Esperanza, which will feature the aforementioned Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions. Additionally, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures and Fossil Fun Games will close on January 13, with the signature DINOSAUR ride remaining open until the end of 2025.
At EPCOT, the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros will close on January 6, reportedly reopening on March 15, 2025, while Animal Kingdom’s Kali River Rapids will enter its seasonal closure on January 6, returning in March 2025.
As Disney World moves forward with these major changes, fans can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nostalgia. While the park will usher in incredible new experiences, the closures signal the end of an era for some beloved attractions. With so many rides closing in January, the question remains: will it still be worth a visit in 2025?
What’s your opinion on the upcoming closures? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
