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In 2024, Walt Disney World Resort experienced a wave of closures and transformations across its theme parks, promising both excitement and adjustments for guests planning their magical vacations. These closures, while temporary, served as opportunities for Disney to refresh and innovate its offerings, ensuring that guests’ experiences remain captivating and memorable.
Credit: Becky Burkett
One notable closure that stirred anticipation among Disney enthusiasts is the closure of the iconic Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Scheduled for “routine maintenance” starting January 8, 2024, and set to reopen in the Summer of 2024.
This closure sparked speculation about potential rethemes and enhancements to the beloved roller coaster. While Disney remained tight-lipped about specific changes, fans eagerly awaited updates on the coaster’s future, pondering whether the exhilarating ride would retain its rock and roll flair or undergo a thematic makeover.
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EPCOT is also undergoing closures after new attractions like Journey of Water, Inspired By Moana, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind have taken over the Disney World park. Now, older attractions are in need of facelifts. One of EPCOT’s most popular attractions, Test Track, is rumored to close as early as July.
Test Track takes guests on a journey of reinvention. This attraction allows guests to draw and design inspiration from the original World of Motion to bring a new spirit of optimism to the ride. With Imagineers collaborating with Chevrolet teams, guests anticipated an enhanced and rejuvenated experience that merged history with innovation.
While the specifics of the refurbishment remained shrouded in mystery, Disney’s promise of a refreshed Test Track fueled excitement among fans eager to embark on this high-speed adventure once again.
Credit: Disney
Another attraction undergoing transformation was the cherished Country Bear Jamboree at Magic Kingdom. Since its debut in 1971, this classic show has entertained guests with its whimsical bear characters and toe-tapping melodies.
However, Disney announced plans to retheme the attraction as the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, infusing it with a fresh musical vibrancy inspired by Nashville performances and renowned country singers. While fans will miss the original show, they eagerly anticipated the revamped experience, which promised to blend nostalgia with contemporary country flair.
Credit: Becky Burkett
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the closure of It’s Tough To Be A Bug! will mark the end of an era for this immersive attraction. While the exact closure date remains undisclosed, Disney revealed plans to replace and retheme.
It’s Tough To Be A Bug! will be replaced with an exciting new experience inspired by the popular film Zootopia (2016). Set in the bustling metropolis inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, this upcoming addition aimed to transport guests into the vibrant world of Zootopia, offering an engaging and memorable experience for guests of all ages.
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Disney World guests heading to Disney’s Animal Kingdom believe the next closure will be DinoLand, U.S.A., which would be turned into possible Encanto (2021) Land, Zootopia Land, or even an Indiana Jones expansion.
All of these attractions closing for extended periods of time may make wait times longer, or guests will rush to return once they finally reopen. In late 2024, guests can expect the opening of the long-awaited Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
