This Walt Disney World trip refurbishment calendar lists the closure schedule for 2025-2026 at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios & Animal Kingdom. Sights shut for routine upkeep, security upgrades, enhancements, and reimaginings. (Up to date August 25, 2025.)
Whereas nobody desires attraction downtime throughout their journey to Walt Disney World, refurbishments are essential to preserve the rides wanting good (and secure!) for future guests. Often, there are solely a handful of simultaneous closures, plus new sights being constructed. Observe that the record under consists of a number of refurbishments which have both been scheduled last-minute, prolonged, or are longer than regular.
For those who’re visiting Walt Disney World within the subsequent couple of years, you’ll most likely encounter extra trip closures than up to now. There are already a few main sights on the refurbishment calendar that might be closed between now and 2026. And these aren’t the one sights more likely to go down for lengthy closures within the subsequent 12 months, Walt Disney World made main bulletins on the newest D23 Expo. That building will begin in early 2025, and necessitate quite a lot of trip closures.
Previous to this, Walt Disney World had not been doing almost sufficient preventative upkeep or trip refurbishments through the low season over the previous couple of years. In consequence, you can even anticipate loads of unplanned downtime. Since this occurs on account of rides breaking downtime, you’ll be able to’t actually plan for it (therefore it being “unplanned”), however we nonetheless point out this since you ought to put together for rides to go offline throughout your journey. If something is a “must-ride” for you, you’ll want to prioritize it and provides your self a buffer simply in case it breaks down throughout your days at Walt Disney World.
There’s additionally numerous building occurring, albeit not almost as a lot as even a couple of years in the past. That’s largely as a result of Walt Disney World is now in between improvement cycles, one simply ended with the completion of the EPCOT overhaul and opening of Tiana’s Bayou Journey. The subsequent has simply begun with Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom; work will likewise quickly start on Automobiles Land at Magic Kingdom and Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios in Summer season 2025.
If you’d like the entire newest updates on attraction closures and trip refurbishments–subscribe to our free Walt Disney World electronic mail e-newsletter. We additionally share different information and on-the-ground stories from the parks, when reductions are launched, and way more.
Right here is the present schedule of Walt Disney World refurbishments to sights, when the closure begins, and when the refurbishment will conclude, up to date as of August 25, 2025:
Animal Kingdom
- DINOSAUR – TBD closure date in 2026 (doubtless January 2026)
- It’s Robust to Be a Bug – Completely closed
- The Boneyard – Completely closing on September 2, 2025
- TriceraTop Spin – Completely closed
- Zootopia: Higher Zoogether – Formally opening on November 7, 2025
Building is now underway on the Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, which is able to exchange Dinoland USA. Partitions areup across the Dino-Rama half of this growth, which was the roadside carnival space of the land. Tropical Americas will characteristic Encanto and Indiana Jones sights, and the growth will open in 2027.
The Encanto darkish trip is being constructed on the previous Primeval Whirl web site, whereas Indiana Jones Journey might be a reimagining of DINOSAUR. Because the former is a recent construct, it’s going to take longer to assemble. We now know that this implies Dinosaur is secure by at the very least the tip of 2025.
Nonetheless, in a brand new replace, Walt Disney World has accelerated the Boneyard’s extinction occasion, and the final day to expertise that children play space is now September 1, 2025. Beforehand, this was to stay open by the tip of 2025.
Whereas there’s presently no change to every other timelines, we may see Restaurantosaurus going seasonal, shuttering in August and September earlier than reopening for Fall Break by New Yr’s. DINOSAUR is nearly definitely secure till the second week of January 2026. (This isn’t official and even rumor; it’s purely speculative on our half.)
Elsewhere in Animal Kingdom, Zootopia Tree of Life Present is changing It’s Robust to Be a Bug, which completely closed this spring. A gap date for Zootopia: Higher Zoogether has now been zoonounced, and it’ll debut on November 7, 2025. Walt Disney World has already confirmed that there might be AP and DVC previews previous to this; we’d anticipate these to start by late October, maybe earlier.
Magic Kingdom
- Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad – Closed till 2026
- Buzz Lightyear’s House Ranger Spin – Closing for enhancements till 2026
- Liberty Sq. Riverboat – Completely closed
- Starlight Night time Parade – Now performing
- Tom Sawyer Island – Completely closed
- Walt Disney World Railroad – Working in shuttle mode for subsequent few years
The excellent news is that there are usually not many routine refurbishments at Walt Disney World proper now. Usually, the August and September low season could be prime candidates for transient, routine closures. As a substitute, there are a handful of lengthier ones, however we nonetheless anticipated further upkeep tasks on prime of the reimaginings.
Talking of the larger closures, there have been a number of main closures in Magic Kingdom that began in early July to make method for the Piston Peak Nationwide Park space primarily based on Automobiles. The Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and Liberty Sq. Riverboat are all now closed.
Together with that, “shuttle mode” operations of the Walt Disney World Railroad has begun as a consequence of Frontierland Station closing on a short lived foundation for Automobiles and Villains Land building.
On a constructive word, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night time Away has now debuted to excessive demand that’ll solely get stronger throughout Get together Season, peaking from October by December. See Greatest Starlight Night time Parade Spots & Tricks to Beat Crowds for viewing suggestions.
Now that summer season has ended, Buzz Lightyear’s House Ranger Spin is closed for a significant overhaul that’ll modernize the blaster attraction. It formally closed on August 4 and reopens someday in 2026.
Talking of 2026 reopenings, Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad is Closed for Refurbishment at Magic Kingdom till subsequent 12 months! Work has been progressing on this undertaking shortly, with the entire observe changed and crews now engaged on refurbishing the present scenes. It’s anticipated that trip envelope testing will start within the coming weeks–however there’s nonetheless a protracted solution to go earlier than this undertaking is completed.
This BTMRR multi-year closure is notable as a result of there nearly definitely might be overlap, at the very least partly, with this undertaking and work to fill within the Rivers of America and start Automobiles building. Amongst different issues, this can embrace connecting BTMRR and Villains Land with Liberty Sq. and Fantasyland.
EPCOT
- ¡Celebración Encanto! – Prolonged indefinitely
- Spaceship Earth – Closed August 25, 2025 by TBD
- Take a look at Observe – Now open!
Over at EPCOT, Take a look at Observe 3.0 formally reopened after a full month of previews. The third incarnation of the favored thrill trip is extra in style than ever, making it the #2 precedence at rope drop and #1 for Lightning Lane Multi-Move.
The largest information of all, although is that Spaceship Earth is lastly getting a refurbishment. It closed on August 25, 2025 and reopen later this 12 months–most likely round Thanksgiving since Pageant of the Holidays is the busiest time of the 12 months at EPCOT.
As we’ve been discussing for years, Spaceship Earth is lengthy overdue for observe and trip system upkeep. Nonetheless, that is nearly definitely not that closure. Walt Disney World has indicated that Spaceship Earth will reopen later in 2025, and the entire points with SSE would doubtless take over a 12 months of downtime to handle.
Notably, Journey into Creativeness can also be a few decade overdue for a redo. It’s doable that Spaceship Earth is getting the quick-fix ‘duct tape’ therapy now for a couple of months so it could possibly coast for the following couple of years, with Journey into Creativeness getting a correct reimagining in 2026. This might very effectively be wishful considering on our half, although.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney Jr. Play and Dance! – Closed briefly till 2026
- Villains Unfairly Ever After Present – Now Open!
- The Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey – Now Open!
- Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith – Completely closes in 2026
- Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets – Opens in 2026
- Star Wars Launch Bay – Completely closing on September 25, 2025
The large new improvement is that Animation Courtyard might be reimagined into the Walt Disney Studios and can shut briefly on September 25, 2025. Two sights inside this “land” will stay open throughout that point: Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey and Walt Disney Presents. Disney Jr. Play & Dance is already briefly closed as a consequence of Cool Child Summer season, nevertheless it’ll return in 2026–most likely with a brand new identify and present, nevertheless it’ll be the identical concept.
Then there’s Star Wars Launch Bay, which was beforehand ‘The Magic of Disney Animation.’ That may shut completely to develop into…The Magic of Disney Animation (once more). What’s outdated is new once more! Nothing of worth is being misplaced with the demise of Launch Bay, which was at all times meant to be a short lived, stopgap resolution till Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened.
That occurred again in 2019, however the entire COVID factor stored Launch Bay hanging on by a thread longer than anticipated. It’s doubtless that the meet & greets in Launch Bay might be relocated elsewhere, though it might not occur instantly. And it most likely gained’t be to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, oddly sufficient. (Obtained all of that?!)
MuppetVision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano are all now formally closed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Muppets Courtyard space is ready to get replaced by the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster and Monstropolis miniland, with an unannounced present taking on the MuppetVision 3D theater and new eating places changing the prevailing ones.
The Muppets are movin’ proper alongside to Sundown Boulevard. Walt Disney World has now introduced that Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith is formally set to shut in 2026 for its trip reimagining. On the identical time, they’ve revealed that the reimagined Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets will open in 2026.
The above submit gives speculative closing & reopening date ranges, however the backside line is that we anticipate that undertaking to take 6 months or much less. (I’d like to be incorrect and it take a full 11 months!) Regardless, this nearly essentially means a cut-off date within the first half of the 12 months for the Aerosmith model and a gap date within the second half of 2026 for the Muppet Mayhem version.
Outdoors Theme Parks
- Disney Skyliner – Closed January 25 by January 31, 2026
- Blizzard Seaside Water Park – Closing for season on September 8, 2025
Each Blizzard Seaside and Hurricane Lagoon water parks are open for the summer season season, by September 7, 2025. Which means that, for the primary time since 2019, Walt Disney World has all 6 parks—all 4 theme parks and a couple of water parks—open on the identical time.
Following the summer season, Walt Disney World has introduced that Blizzard Seaside will shut on September 8, 2025. It’s anticipated that Hurricane Lagoon will then shut in mid-November, at which level Blizzard Seaside will reopen for the vacation season. Each water parks are anticipated to be open concurrently once more in 2026–however whether or not that begins for spring break or summer season is an open query at this level.
Lastly, there’s the Disney Skyliner Gondolas Closure in Winter 2026. This can be a routine refurbishment that normally happens yearly, so it’s not significantly noteworthy or unsurprising. And fortunately, Walt Disney World supplied loads of discover. Nonetheless, as defined at size in that submit, we don’t suggest staying at a Skyliner resort through the downtime.
For resort work, please see our 2025-2026 Walt Disney World Resort Building & Refurbishments. If you’re apprehensive that any of resort resort renovations will influence your keep, right here’s a basic rule to remember: room refurbishments not often influence resort stays. These happen in particular clusters, and also you’ll not often discover the work being achieved.
Now, right here’s a little bit of my philosophy regarding refurbishments…
Basic Ideas on Refurbishments
When information comes out about any refurbishment, my quick response is at all times, “that is nice–it means they’re really doing one thing to the attraction!” My thoughts races with the probabilities of how sights may very well be improved or plussed by Walt Disney Imagineering. Though we’d miss it on our subsequent Walt Disney World go to, I’m at all times excited.
In studying suggestions from others, I’ve found this angle places me within the minority. Others on-line fume about this, and the way it might alter or influence their trip plans. The saying “trip ruined” has attained near-meme standing amongst some followers, and that felt apt for a number of the complaints. I can perceive the angle. Assessing the scope of the refurbishment upfront, scheduling liberal refurbishment dates, and opening early (under-promising and over-delivering) is at all times preferable to the choice.
I also can perceive that there’s different pent-up frustration at play right here, starting from radio-silence on tasks to Walt Disney World’s tardiness in releasing park hours whereas anticipating company to plan a number of months upfront. Neither of those strikes by Disney, amongst others, are defensible. At finest, this communication is poor visitor service. At worst, it’s demonstrative of a contemptible perspective in the direction of company.
Nonetheless, I stay of the mindset that this refurbishment extension–and different present refurbishments–is doubtlessly an excellent factor. Among the many most vocal followers upset in regards to the extension are those that are like me: company who go to Walt Disney World at the very least every-other 12 months. We’re enjoying the ‘lengthy’ fandom sport.
From my perspective, investing within the long-term high quality of an attraction is much extra necessary than the momentary satisfaction I’ll get out of using it on my subsequent go to. I get excited when interested by methods rides may very well be plussed, bettering the expertise for years to come back. This is the reason it at all times perplexes me when regulars contend that their trip might be ruined as a result of their favourite attraction might be closed.
If it’s your favourite attraction and also you’re lively within the Disney fan neighborhood, which means you’ve been to Walt Disney World earlier than and doubtless will go to once more. It will thus stand to cause that you’d need one thing you like to get the TLC it deserves, and proceed to enhance.
DINOSAUR works as an excellent instance right here. This attraction was once referred to as Countdown to Extinction (“CTX”) earlier than an ill-advised film tie-in was added. Throughout that period, DINOSAUR had a litany of further results, a lot of its AAs had higher performance, and the attraction was, as a complete, extra spectacular.
If you’re a long-term fan, would you reasonably expertise DINOSAUR each single 12 months with 66% of the consequences working, or each single 12 months minus one with 95% of the consequences working? For me, the reply to that’s simple. I’ll take a superior long run expertise each time. (That that is even a reputable query for long-time followers speaks to the ‘prompt gratification’ nature of issues at this time, however that’s effectively past the scope of this submit.)
Past that, there’s the way more compelling justification for normal refurbishments: they’re important for the security of sights. Whereas we consider these sights as all enjoyable and video games that supply a secure sense of exhilaration, that’s when they’re correctly maintained.
It’s disagreeable to consider, however there have been a number of preventable deaths within the historical past of Disney’s parks. Throughout a darkish period of Disneyland historical past, improper upkeep was the reason for demise on Massive Thunder Mountain (fortunately, Paul Pressler’s reign of terror is over). Years of neglect at Disneyland Paris have led to incidents of harm that may very well be attributed to a scarcity of upkeep (once more, this has been addressed).
This isn’t meant to scare anybody or provoke an emotional response; the very fact is that Disney’s worldwide security report is sterling as in comparison with different park operators. It’s nonetheless necessary to do not forget that these enjoyable, ‘magical’ locations additionally exist in the actual world and use numerous doubtlessly harmful components if security shouldn’t be considered as key. (Or, in Disney’s case, one of many “5 Keys.”)
In relation to upkeep that’s not important to the secure operation of an attraction, we’re left to ponder what quantity of present high quality must be accepted. If following a strict Nunisian practitioner of the 4 Keys, present is one other paramount consideration, and it ought to at all times be 100%. That is good company propaganda, however I feel the sensible actuality is that 100% is an unworkably excessive threshold in lots of circumstances.
I feel we now have seen this play out with Expedition Everest. Followers joke in regards to the “Disco Yeti” and lament the truth that this jaw-dropping Audio Animatronics determine has not labored in almost a decade. There are quite a few theories as to why the Yeti hasn’t been mounted; what every of those share is that there are large-scale issues and no fast fixes.
Fixing the Yeti would require a closure of at the very least 6 months, and be fairly costly. The working Yeti is really a powerful sight to behold (and one most of you most likely haven’t seen in A-mode except you rode over a decade in the past), however the attraction continues to be spectacular with the Disco Yeti. At this level, it’s doubtless that Disney has decided the closure would take too lengthy, price an excessive amount of, and the development wouldn’t be definitely worth the funding.
There’s additionally the truth that Animal Kingdom is missing in rides. Even after the opening of Pandora – World of Avatar, the park nonetheless is heavy on exhibits and animal reveals and light-weight on rides. Taking one of many park’s flagship rides down for six months to a 12 months to repair one Audio Animatronics determine that company see for 1-2 seconds may not be definitely worth the sacrifice.
As a staunch proponent of present high quality, I’ve a tough time accepting the identical argument for any attraction in Magic Kingdom, a park with a veritable “mountain vary” and numerous slate of different sights. In reality, the identical goes for each citadel park. These parks have sufficient sights to choose up the slack if 1-2 sights must be taken offline concurrently with out ruining any holidays.
Visitors are understandably involved when it seems an inordinate variety of sights are closing throughout their trip. Walt Disney World holidays are usually not low-cost and are sometimes as soon as in a lifetime experiences. First-timers definitely don’t wish to miss out on experiences about which they’ve learn in depth hype.
Nonetheless, the issue with a “not throughout my trip” perspective like that is that it’s at all times going to be somebody’s (or tens of 1000’s of someones) trip. If sights with present high quality points don’t shut for refurbishments for worry of some company throughout a time-limited window lacking out, all company in perpetuity are going to have a lesser expertise.
Operating an attraction with damaged results is barely going to compound issues, and finally a single damaged impact will flip into myriad damaged results. Think about this state of affairs park-wide, performed out to its pure penalties. That’s not precisely what I’d name the “Disney Distinction.”
Once more, DINOSAUR is an efficient instance right here. If it’s your first go to and also you expertise DINOSAUR with 66% of the consequences working, you gained’t know what you’re lacking. Using it is going to, little doubt, be superior to not using it. Nonetheless, I’m guessing your satisfaction ranking of the attraction wouldn’t be almost as excessive, and also you may query why so many individuals love the attraction, and why Disney was lazy with a lot empty, darkish house. (Or, maybe you gained’t: when you solely ever eat pet food, you gained’t know what you’re lacking in a pleasant steak.)
The factor is, if Disney wouldn’t shut DINOSAUR throughout your trip so that you don’t miss out on it, chances are high that they might lengthen the identical “courtesy” for different company, and it might be customary working process to by no means shut something throughout anybody’s trip.
The top results of this might be a park stuffed with “66% sights” and first-timers could be left questioning why there was a lot hype about Walt Disney World, within the first place. For those who’re studying this as a lifelong fan, take into account the chance that you just wouldn’t have develop into a lifelong fan if this had been really Disney’s modus operandi. (In reality, I’d argue that Walt Disney World is trending on this path, dragging its toes on a number of mandatory refurbishments, with the inaction being predicated upon quick time period visitor satisfaction or cost-savings.)
This may sound like we’re making use of ‘heavy’ Rawlsian idea to the lighthearted matter of theme parks, however philosophy isn’t price a rattling if it could possibly’t be utilized to theme parks. 😉
A variety of this may appear to be an effort to absolve Disney of blame on the subject of refurbishments, however this isn’t the case. Disney has introduced numerous the visitor unrest regarding refurbishments upon itself. The primary difficulty is that Disney has quite a few parks which have opened within the final 20 years with incomplete slates of sights, making it tough to justify taking sights offline for refurbishment. So the first step, a completely impractical step at this level, could be to open theme parks which can be full on day one.
Failing that, Disney may keep away from numerous the visitor backlash regarding refurbishments if they might schedule extra 3-4 day refurbishments of sights to proactively tackle issues with preventative upkeep. Though this might not completely negate the necessity for prolonged refurbishments, it might enhance present high quality throughout the board and assist keep away from numerous conditions the place sights must abruptly shut as a result of they’re in dire want of upkeep. Furthermore, a 3-4 day refurbishment is shorter than the period of most holidays, permitting vacationers to successfully plan across the refurbishment.
On this case, each events planning forward would forestall these “trip ruined!” complaints. Don’t fear, Disney, we followers are resilient: we’ll nonetheless discover one thing else to complain about. 😉
Joking apart, I understand that’s a troublesome line to attract between an excusable refurbishment and a frustratingly irritating one. Even when you subscribe to the a point of the ‘philosophy’ I’m advancing, there is no such thing as a bright-line rule. It’s nonetheless going to quantity to a price judgment about what ought to ‘set off’ a necessity for refurbishment, what number of sights must be down concurrently throughout Walt Disney World, and what occasions of 12 months are perfect for which refurbishments.
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Your Ideas
Any questions in regards to the present refurbishments at Walt Disney World? What do you consider refurbishments on the Disney Parks? Are you extra involved about an improved long-term expertise, or do you assume “not throughout my trip!”? The place do you draw the road? Some other components you assume are price contemplating? As talked about, we predict this can be a dialog, so please share your ‘refurbishment philosophy’, or every other ideas or questions you have got, within the feedback!
This Walt Disney World trip refurbishment calendar lists the closure schedule for 2025-2026 at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios & Animal Kingdom. Sights shut for routine upkeep, security upgrades, enhancements, and reimaginings. (Up to date August 25, 2025.)
Whereas nobody desires attraction downtime throughout their journey to Walt Disney World, refurbishments are essential to preserve the rides wanting good (and secure!) for future guests. Often, there are solely a handful of simultaneous closures, plus new sights being constructed. Observe that the record under consists of a number of refurbishments which have both been scheduled last-minute, prolonged, or are longer than regular.
For those who’re visiting Walt Disney World within the subsequent couple of years, you’ll most likely encounter extra trip closures than up to now. There are already a few main sights on the refurbishment calendar that might be closed between now and 2026. And these aren’t the one sights more likely to go down for lengthy closures within the subsequent 12 months, Walt Disney World made main bulletins on the newest D23 Expo. That building will begin in early 2025, and necessitate quite a lot of trip closures.
Previous to this, Walt Disney World had not been doing almost sufficient preventative upkeep or trip refurbishments through the low season over the previous couple of years. In consequence, you can even anticipate loads of unplanned downtime. Since this occurs on account of rides breaking downtime, you’ll be able to’t actually plan for it (therefore it being “unplanned”), however we nonetheless point out this since you ought to put together for rides to go offline throughout your journey. If something is a “must-ride” for you, you’ll want to prioritize it and provides your self a buffer simply in case it breaks down throughout your days at Walt Disney World.
There’s additionally numerous building occurring, albeit not almost as a lot as even a couple of years in the past. That’s largely as a result of Walt Disney World is now in between improvement cycles, one simply ended with the completion of the EPCOT overhaul and opening of Tiana’s Bayou Journey. The subsequent has simply begun with Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom; work will likewise quickly start on Automobiles Land at Magic Kingdom and Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios in Summer season 2025.
If you’d like the entire newest updates on attraction closures and trip refurbishments–subscribe to our free Walt Disney World electronic mail e-newsletter. We additionally share different information and on-the-ground stories from the parks, when reductions are launched, and way more.
Right here is the present schedule of Walt Disney World refurbishments to sights, when the closure begins, and when the refurbishment will conclude, up to date as of August 25, 2025:
Animal Kingdom
- DINOSAUR – TBD closure date in 2026 (doubtless January 2026)
- It’s Robust to Be a Bug – Completely closed
- The Boneyard – Completely closing on September 2, 2025
- TriceraTop Spin – Completely closed
- Zootopia: Higher Zoogether – Formally opening on November 7, 2025
Building is now underway on the Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, which is able to exchange Dinoland USA. Partitions areup across the Dino-Rama half of this growth, which was the roadside carnival space of the land. Tropical Americas will characteristic Encanto and Indiana Jones sights, and the growth will open in 2027.
The Encanto darkish trip is being constructed on the previous Primeval Whirl web site, whereas Indiana Jones Journey might be a reimagining of DINOSAUR. Because the former is a recent construct, it’s going to take longer to assemble. We now know that this implies Dinosaur is secure by at the very least the tip of 2025.
Nonetheless, in a brand new replace, Walt Disney World has accelerated the Boneyard’s extinction occasion, and the final day to expertise that children play space is now September 1, 2025. Beforehand, this was to stay open by the tip of 2025.
Whereas there’s presently no change to every other timelines, we may see Restaurantosaurus going seasonal, shuttering in August and September earlier than reopening for Fall Break by New Yr’s. DINOSAUR is nearly definitely secure till the second week of January 2026. (This isn’t official and even rumor; it’s purely speculative on our half.)
Elsewhere in Animal Kingdom, Zootopia Tree of Life Present is changing It’s Robust to Be a Bug, which completely closed this spring. A gap date for Zootopia: Higher Zoogether has now been zoonounced, and it’ll debut on November 7, 2025. Walt Disney World has already confirmed that there might be AP and DVC previews previous to this; we’d anticipate these to start by late October, maybe earlier.
Magic Kingdom
- Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad – Closed till 2026
- Buzz Lightyear’s House Ranger Spin – Closing for enhancements till 2026
- Liberty Sq. Riverboat – Completely closed
- Starlight Night time Parade – Now performing
- Tom Sawyer Island – Completely closed
- Walt Disney World Railroad – Working in shuttle mode for subsequent few years
The excellent news is that there are usually not many routine refurbishments at Walt Disney World proper now. Usually, the August and September low season could be prime candidates for transient, routine closures. As a substitute, there are a handful of lengthier ones, however we nonetheless anticipated further upkeep tasks on prime of the reimaginings.
Talking of the larger closures, there have been a number of main closures in Magic Kingdom that began in early July to make method for the Piston Peak Nationwide Park space primarily based on Automobiles. The Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and Liberty Sq. Riverboat are all now closed.
Together with that, “shuttle mode” operations of the Walt Disney World Railroad has begun as a consequence of Frontierland Station closing on a short lived foundation for Automobiles and Villains Land building.
On a constructive word, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night time Away has now debuted to excessive demand that’ll solely get stronger throughout Get together Season, peaking from October by December. See Greatest Starlight Night time Parade Spots & Tricks to Beat Crowds for viewing suggestions.
Now that summer season has ended, Buzz Lightyear’s House Ranger Spin is closed for a significant overhaul that’ll modernize the blaster attraction. It formally closed on August 4 and reopens someday in 2026.
Talking of 2026 reopenings, Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad is Closed for Refurbishment at Magic Kingdom till subsequent 12 months! Work has been progressing on this undertaking shortly, with the entire observe changed and crews now engaged on refurbishing the present scenes. It’s anticipated that trip envelope testing will start within the coming weeks–however there’s nonetheless a protracted solution to go earlier than this undertaking is completed.
This BTMRR multi-year closure is notable as a result of there nearly definitely might be overlap, at the very least partly, with this undertaking and work to fill within the Rivers of America and start Automobiles building. Amongst different issues, this can embrace connecting BTMRR and Villains Land with Liberty Sq. and Fantasyland.
EPCOT
- ¡Celebración Encanto! – Prolonged indefinitely
- Spaceship Earth – Closed August 25, 2025 by TBD
- Take a look at Observe – Now open!
Over at EPCOT, Take a look at Observe 3.0 formally reopened after a full month of previews. The third incarnation of the favored thrill trip is extra in style than ever, making it the #2 precedence at rope drop and #1 for Lightning Lane Multi-Move.
The largest information of all, although is that Spaceship Earth is lastly getting a refurbishment. It closed on August 25, 2025 and reopen later this 12 months–most likely round Thanksgiving since Pageant of the Holidays is the busiest time of the 12 months at EPCOT.
As we’ve been discussing for years, Spaceship Earth is lengthy overdue for observe and trip system upkeep. Nonetheless, that is nearly definitely not that closure. Walt Disney World has indicated that Spaceship Earth will reopen later in 2025, and the entire points with SSE would doubtless take over a 12 months of downtime to handle.
Notably, Journey into Creativeness can also be a few decade overdue for a redo. It’s doable that Spaceship Earth is getting the quick-fix ‘duct tape’ therapy now for a couple of months so it could possibly coast for the following couple of years, with Journey into Creativeness getting a correct reimagining in 2026. This might very effectively be wishful considering on our half, although.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney Jr. Play and Dance! – Closed briefly till 2026
- Villains Unfairly Ever After Present – Now Open!
- The Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey – Now Open!
- Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith – Completely closes in 2026
- Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets – Opens in 2026
- Star Wars Launch Bay – Completely closing on September 25, 2025
The large new improvement is that Animation Courtyard might be reimagined into the Walt Disney Studios and can shut briefly on September 25, 2025. Two sights inside this “land” will stay open throughout that point: Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey and Walt Disney Presents. Disney Jr. Play & Dance is already briefly closed as a consequence of Cool Child Summer season, nevertheless it’ll return in 2026–most likely with a brand new identify and present, nevertheless it’ll be the identical concept.
Then there’s Star Wars Launch Bay, which was beforehand ‘The Magic of Disney Animation.’ That may shut completely to develop into…The Magic of Disney Animation (once more). What’s outdated is new once more! Nothing of worth is being misplaced with the demise of Launch Bay, which was at all times meant to be a short lived, stopgap resolution till Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened.
That occurred again in 2019, however the entire COVID factor stored Launch Bay hanging on by a thread longer than anticipated. It’s doubtless that the meet & greets in Launch Bay might be relocated elsewhere, though it might not occur instantly. And it most likely gained’t be to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, oddly sufficient. (Obtained all of that?!)
MuppetVision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano are all now formally closed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Muppets Courtyard space is ready to get replaced by the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster and Monstropolis miniland, with an unannounced present taking on the MuppetVision 3D theater and new eating places changing the prevailing ones.
The Muppets are movin’ proper alongside to Sundown Boulevard. Walt Disney World has now introduced that Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith is formally set to shut in 2026 for its trip reimagining. On the identical time, they’ve revealed that the reimagined Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets will open in 2026.
The above submit gives speculative closing & reopening date ranges, however the backside line is that we anticipate that undertaking to take 6 months or much less. (I’d like to be incorrect and it take a full 11 months!) Regardless, this nearly essentially means a cut-off date within the first half of the 12 months for the Aerosmith model and a gap date within the second half of 2026 for the Muppet Mayhem version.
Outdoors Theme Parks
- Disney Skyliner – Closed January 25 by January 31, 2026
- Blizzard Seaside Water Park – Closing for season on September 8, 2025
Each Blizzard Seaside and Hurricane Lagoon water parks are open for the summer season season, by September 7, 2025. Which means that, for the primary time since 2019, Walt Disney World has all 6 parks—all 4 theme parks and a couple of water parks—open on the identical time.
Following the summer season, Walt Disney World has introduced that Blizzard Seaside will shut on September 8, 2025. It’s anticipated that Hurricane Lagoon will then shut in mid-November, at which level Blizzard Seaside will reopen for the vacation season. Each water parks are anticipated to be open concurrently once more in 2026–however whether or not that begins for spring break or summer season is an open query at this level.
Lastly, there’s the Disney Skyliner Gondolas Closure in Winter 2026. This can be a routine refurbishment that normally happens yearly, so it’s not significantly noteworthy or unsurprising. And fortunately, Walt Disney World supplied loads of discover. Nonetheless, as defined at size in that submit, we don’t suggest staying at a Skyliner resort through the downtime.
For resort work, please see our 2025-2026 Walt Disney World Resort Building & Refurbishments. If you’re apprehensive that any of resort resort renovations will influence your keep, right here’s a basic rule to remember: room refurbishments not often influence resort stays. These happen in particular clusters, and also you’ll not often discover the work being achieved.
Now, right here’s a little bit of my philosophy regarding refurbishments…
Basic Ideas on Refurbishments
When information comes out about any refurbishment, my quick response is at all times, “that is nice–it means they’re really doing one thing to the attraction!” My thoughts races with the probabilities of how sights may very well be improved or plussed by Walt Disney Imagineering. Though we’d miss it on our subsequent Walt Disney World go to, I’m at all times excited.
In studying suggestions from others, I’ve found this angle places me within the minority. Others on-line fume about this, and the way it might alter or influence their trip plans. The saying “trip ruined” has attained near-meme standing amongst some followers, and that felt apt for a number of the complaints. I can perceive the angle. Assessing the scope of the refurbishment upfront, scheduling liberal refurbishment dates, and opening early (under-promising and over-delivering) is at all times preferable to the choice.
I also can perceive that there’s different pent-up frustration at play right here, starting from radio-silence on tasks to Walt Disney World’s tardiness in releasing park hours whereas anticipating company to plan a number of months upfront. Neither of those strikes by Disney, amongst others, are defensible. At finest, this communication is poor visitor service. At worst, it’s demonstrative of a contemptible perspective in the direction of company.
Nonetheless, I stay of the mindset that this refurbishment extension–and different present refurbishments–is doubtlessly an excellent factor. Among the many most vocal followers upset in regards to the extension are those that are like me: company who go to Walt Disney World at the very least every-other 12 months. We’re enjoying the ‘lengthy’ fandom sport.
From my perspective, investing within the long-term high quality of an attraction is much extra necessary than the momentary satisfaction I’ll get out of using it on my subsequent go to. I get excited when interested by methods rides may very well be plussed, bettering the expertise for years to come back. This is the reason it at all times perplexes me when regulars contend that their trip might be ruined as a result of their favourite attraction might be closed.
If it’s your favourite attraction and also you’re lively within the Disney fan neighborhood, which means you’ve been to Walt Disney World earlier than and doubtless will go to once more. It will thus stand to cause that you’d need one thing you like to get the TLC it deserves, and proceed to enhance.
DINOSAUR works as an excellent instance right here. This attraction was once referred to as Countdown to Extinction (“CTX”) earlier than an ill-advised film tie-in was added. Throughout that period, DINOSAUR had a litany of further results, a lot of its AAs had higher performance, and the attraction was, as a complete, extra spectacular.
If you’re a long-term fan, would you reasonably expertise DINOSAUR each single 12 months with 66% of the consequences working, or each single 12 months minus one with 95% of the consequences working? For me, the reply to that’s simple. I’ll take a superior long run expertise each time. (That that is even a reputable query for long-time followers speaks to the ‘prompt gratification’ nature of issues at this time, however that’s effectively past the scope of this submit.)
Past that, there’s the way more compelling justification for normal refurbishments: they’re important for the security of sights. Whereas we consider these sights as all enjoyable and video games that supply a secure sense of exhilaration, that’s when they’re correctly maintained.
It’s disagreeable to consider, however there have been a number of preventable deaths within the historical past of Disney’s parks. Throughout a darkish period of Disneyland historical past, improper upkeep was the reason for demise on Massive Thunder Mountain (fortunately, Paul Pressler’s reign of terror is over). Years of neglect at Disneyland Paris have led to incidents of harm that may very well be attributed to a scarcity of upkeep (once more, this has been addressed).
This isn’t meant to scare anybody or provoke an emotional response; the very fact is that Disney’s worldwide security report is sterling as in comparison with different park operators. It’s nonetheless necessary to do not forget that these enjoyable, ‘magical’ locations additionally exist in the actual world and use numerous doubtlessly harmful components if security shouldn’t be considered as key. (Or, in Disney’s case, one of many “5 Keys.”)
In relation to upkeep that’s not important to the secure operation of an attraction, we’re left to ponder what quantity of present high quality must be accepted. If following a strict Nunisian practitioner of the 4 Keys, present is one other paramount consideration, and it ought to at all times be 100%. That is good company propaganda, however I feel the sensible actuality is that 100% is an unworkably excessive threshold in lots of circumstances.
I feel we now have seen this play out with Expedition Everest. Followers joke in regards to the “Disco Yeti” and lament the truth that this jaw-dropping Audio Animatronics determine has not labored in almost a decade. There are quite a few theories as to why the Yeti hasn’t been mounted; what every of those share is that there are large-scale issues and no fast fixes.
Fixing the Yeti would require a closure of at the very least 6 months, and be fairly costly. The working Yeti is really a powerful sight to behold (and one most of you most likely haven’t seen in A-mode except you rode over a decade in the past), however the attraction continues to be spectacular with the Disco Yeti. At this level, it’s doubtless that Disney has decided the closure would take too lengthy, price an excessive amount of, and the development wouldn’t be definitely worth the funding.
There’s additionally the truth that Animal Kingdom is missing in rides. Even after the opening of Pandora – World of Avatar, the park nonetheless is heavy on exhibits and animal reveals and light-weight on rides. Taking one of many park’s flagship rides down for six months to a 12 months to repair one Audio Animatronics determine that company see for 1-2 seconds may not be definitely worth the sacrifice.
As a staunch proponent of present high quality, I’ve a tough time accepting the identical argument for any attraction in Magic Kingdom, a park with a veritable “mountain vary” and numerous slate of different sights. In reality, the identical goes for each citadel park. These parks have sufficient sights to choose up the slack if 1-2 sights must be taken offline concurrently with out ruining any holidays.
Visitors are understandably involved when it seems an inordinate variety of sights are closing throughout their trip. Walt Disney World holidays are usually not low-cost and are sometimes as soon as in a lifetime experiences. First-timers definitely don’t wish to miss out on experiences about which they’ve learn in depth hype.
Nonetheless, the issue with a “not throughout my trip” perspective like that is that it’s at all times going to be somebody’s (or tens of 1000’s of someones) trip. If sights with present high quality points don’t shut for refurbishments for worry of some company throughout a time-limited window lacking out, all company in perpetuity are going to have a lesser expertise.
Operating an attraction with damaged results is barely going to compound issues, and finally a single damaged impact will flip into myriad damaged results. Think about this state of affairs park-wide, performed out to its pure penalties. That’s not precisely what I’d name the “Disney Distinction.”
Once more, DINOSAUR is an efficient instance right here. If it’s your first go to and also you expertise DINOSAUR with 66% of the consequences working, you gained’t know what you’re lacking. Using it is going to, little doubt, be superior to not using it. Nonetheless, I’m guessing your satisfaction ranking of the attraction wouldn’t be almost as excessive, and also you may query why so many individuals love the attraction, and why Disney was lazy with a lot empty, darkish house. (Or, maybe you gained’t: when you solely ever eat pet food, you gained’t know what you’re lacking in a pleasant steak.)
The factor is, if Disney wouldn’t shut DINOSAUR throughout your trip so that you don’t miss out on it, chances are high that they might lengthen the identical “courtesy” for different company, and it might be customary working process to by no means shut something throughout anybody’s trip.
The top results of this might be a park stuffed with “66% sights” and first-timers could be left questioning why there was a lot hype about Walt Disney World, within the first place. For those who’re studying this as a lifelong fan, take into account the chance that you just wouldn’t have develop into a lifelong fan if this had been really Disney’s modus operandi. (In reality, I’d argue that Walt Disney World is trending on this path, dragging its toes on a number of mandatory refurbishments, with the inaction being predicated upon quick time period visitor satisfaction or cost-savings.)
This may sound like we’re making use of ‘heavy’ Rawlsian idea to the lighthearted matter of theme parks, however philosophy isn’t price a rattling if it could possibly’t be utilized to theme parks. 😉
A variety of this may appear to be an effort to absolve Disney of blame on the subject of refurbishments, however this isn’t the case. Disney has introduced numerous the visitor unrest regarding refurbishments upon itself. The primary difficulty is that Disney has quite a few parks which have opened within the final 20 years with incomplete slates of sights, making it tough to justify taking sights offline for refurbishment. So the first step, a completely impractical step at this level, could be to open theme parks which can be full on day one.
Failing that, Disney may keep away from numerous the visitor backlash regarding refurbishments if they might schedule extra 3-4 day refurbishments of sights to proactively tackle issues with preventative upkeep. Though this might not completely negate the necessity for prolonged refurbishments, it might enhance present high quality throughout the board and assist keep away from numerous conditions the place sights must abruptly shut as a result of they’re in dire want of upkeep. Furthermore, a 3-4 day refurbishment is shorter than the period of most holidays, permitting vacationers to successfully plan across the refurbishment.
On this case, each events planning forward would forestall these “trip ruined!” complaints. Don’t fear, Disney, we followers are resilient: we’ll nonetheless discover one thing else to complain about. 😉
Joking apart, I understand that’s a troublesome line to attract between an excusable refurbishment and a frustratingly irritating one. Even when you subscribe to the a point of the ‘philosophy’ I’m advancing, there is no such thing as a bright-line rule. It’s nonetheless going to quantity to a price judgment about what ought to ‘set off’ a necessity for refurbishment, what number of sights must be down concurrently throughout Walt Disney World, and what occasions of 12 months are perfect for which refurbishments.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about accommodations on our Walt Disney World Resorts Opinions web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Opinions. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Journey Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every thing it’s worthwhile to know!
Your Ideas
Any questions in regards to the present refurbishments at Walt Disney World? What do you consider refurbishments on the Disney Parks? Are you extra involved about an improved long-term expertise, or do you assume “not throughout my trip!”? The place do you draw the road? Some other components you assume are price contemplating? As talked about, we predict this can be a dialog, so please share your ‘refurbishment philosophy’, or every other ideas or questions you have got, within the feedback!
This Walt Disney World trip refurbishment calendar lists the closure schedule for 2025-2026 at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios & Animal Kingdom. Sights shut for routine upkeep, security upgrades, enhancements, and reimaginings. (Up to date August 25, 2025.)
Whereas nobody desires attraction downtime throughout their journey to Walt Disney World, refurbishments are essential to preserve the rides wanting good (and secure!) for future guests. Often, there are solely a handful of simultaneous closures, plus new sights being constructed. Observe that the record under consists of a number of refurbishments which have both been scheduled last-minute, prolonged, or are longer than regular.
For those who’re visiting Walt Disney World within the subsequent couple of years, you’ll most likely encounter extra trip closures than up to now. There are already a few main sights on the refurbishment calendar that might be closed between now and 2026. And these aren’t the one sights more likely to go down for lengthy closures within the subsequent 12 months, Walt Disney World made main bulletins on the newest D23 Expo. That building will begin in early 2025, and necessitate quite a lot of trip closures.
Previous to this, Walt Disney World had not been doing almost sufficient preventative upkeep or trip refurbishments through the low season over the previous couple of years. In consequence, you can even anticipate loads of unplanned downtime. Since this occurs on account of rides breaking downtime, you’ll be able to’t actually plan for it (therefore it being “unplanned”), however we nonetheless point out this since you ought to put together for rides to go offline throughout your journey. If something is a “must-ride” for you, you’ll want to prioritize it and provides your self a buffer simply in case it breaks down throughout your days at Walt Disney World.
There’s additionally numerous building occurring, albeit not almost as a lot as even a couple of years in the past. That’s largely as a result of Walt Disney World is now in between improvement cycles, one simply ended with the completion of the EPCOT overhaul and opening of Tiana’s Bayou Journey. The subsequent has simply begun with Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom; work will likewise quickly start on Automobiles Land at Magic Kingdom and Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios in Summer season 2025.
If you’d like the entire newest updates on attraction closures and trip refurbishments–subscribe to our free Walt Disney World electronic mail e-newsletter. We additionally share different information and on-the-ground stories from the parks, when reductions are launched, and way more.
Right here is the present schedule of Walt Disney World refurbishments to sights, when the closure begins, and when the refurbishment will conclude, up to date as of August 25, 2025:
Animal Kingdom
- DINOSAUR – TBD closure date in 2026 (doubtless January 2026)
- It’s Robust to Be a Bug – Completely closed
- The Boneyard – Completely closing on September 2, 2025
- TriceraTop Spin – Completely closed
- Zootopia: Higher Zoogether – Formally opening on November 7, 2025
Building is now underway on the Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, which is able to exchange Dinoland USA. Partitions areup across the Dino-Rama half of this growth, which was the roadside carnival space of the land. Tropical Americas will characteristic Encanto and Indiana Jones sights, and the growth will open in 2027.
The Encanto darkish trip is being constructed on the previous Primeval Whirl web site, whereas Indiana Jones Journey might be a reimagining of DINOSAUR. Because the former is a recent construct, it’s going to take longer to assemble. We now know that this implies Dinosaur is secure by at the very least the tip of 2025.
Nonetheless, in a brand new replace, Walt Disney World has accelerated the Boneyard’s extinction occasion, and the final day to expertise that children play space is now September 1, 2025. Beforehand, this was to stay open by the tip of 2025.
Whereas there’s presently no change to every other timelines, we may see Restaurantosaurus going seasonal, shuttering in August and September earlier than reopening for Fall Break by New Yr’s. DINOSAUR is nearly definitely secure till the second week of January 2026. (This isn’t official and even rumor; it’s purely speculative on our half.)
Elsewhere in Animal Kingdom, Zootopia Tree of Life Present is changing It’s Robust to Be a Bug, which completely closed this spring. A gap date for Zootopia: Higher Zoogether has now been zoonounced, and it’ll debut on November 7, 2025. Walt Disney World has already confirmed that there might be AP and DVC previews previous to this; we’d anticipate these to start by late October, maybe earlier.
Magic Kingdom
- Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad – Closed till 2026
- Buzz Lightyear’s House Ranger Spin – Closing for enhancements till 2026
- Liberty Sq. Riverboat – Completely closed
- Starlight Night time Parade – Now performing
- Tom Sawyer Island – Completely closed
- Walt Disney World Railroad – Working in shuttle mode for subsequent few years
The excellent news is that there are usually not many routine refurbishments at Walt Disney World proper now. Usually, the August and September low season could be prime candidates for transient, routine closures. As a substitute, there are a handful of lengthier ones, however we nonetheless anticipated further upkeep tasks on prime of the reimaginings.
Talking of the larger closures, there have been a number of main closures in Magic Kingdom that began in early July to make method for the Piston Peak Nationwide Park space primarily based on Automobiles. The Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and Liberty Sq. Riverboat are all now closed.
Together with that, “shuttle mode” operations of the Walt Disney World Railroad has begun as a consequence of Frontierland Station closing on a short lived foundation for Automobiles and Villains Land building.
On a constructive word, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night time Away has now debuted to excessive demand that’ll solely get stronger throughout Get together Season, peaking from October by December. See Greatest Starlight Night time Parade Spots & Tricks to Beat Crowds for viewing suggestions.
Now that summer season has ended, Buzz Lightyear’s House Ranger Spin is closed for a significant overhaul that’ll modernize the blaster attraction. It formally closed on August 4 and reopens someday in 2026.
Talking of 2026 reopenings, Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad is Closed for Refurbishment at Magic Kingdom till subsequent 12 months! Work has been progressing on this undertaking shortly, with the entire observe changed and crews now engaged on refurbishing the present scenes. It’s anticipated that trip envelope testing will start within the coming weeks–however there’s nonetheless a protracted solution to go earlier than this undertaking is completed.
This BTMRR multi-year closure is notable as a result of there nearly definitely might be overlap, at the very least partly, with this undertaking and work to fill within the Rivers of America and start Automobiles building. Amongst different issues, this can embrace connecting BTMRR and Villains Land with Liberty Sq. and Fantasyland.
EPCOT
- ¡Celebración Encanto! – Prolonged indefinitely
- Spaceship Earth – Closed August 25, 2025 by TBD
- Take a look at Observe – Now open!
Over at EPCOT, Take a look at Observe 3.0 formally reopened after a full month of previews. The third incarnation of the favored thrill trip is extra in style than ever, making it the #2 precedence at rope drop and #1 for Lightning Lane Multi-Move.
The largest information of all, although is that Spaceship Earth is lastly getting a refurbishment. It closed on August 25, 2025 and reopen later this 12 months–most likely round Thanksgiving since Pageant of the Holidays is the busiest time of the 12 months at EPCOT.
As we’ve been discussing for years, Spaceship Earth is lengthy overdue for observe and trip system upkeep. Nonetheless, that is nearly definitely not that closure. Walt Disney World has indicated that Spaceship Earth will reopen later in 2025, and the entire points with SSE would doubtless take over a 12 months of downtime to handle.
Notably, Journey into Creativeness can also be a few decade overdue for a redo. It’s doable that Spaceship Earth is getting the quick-fix ‘duct tape’ therapy now for a couple of months so it could possibly coast for the following couple of years, with Journey into Creativeness getting a correct reimagining in 2026. This might very effectively be wishful considering on our half, although.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney Jr. Play and Dance! – Closed briefly till 2026
- Villains Unfairly Ever After Present – Now Open!
- The Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey – Now Open!
- Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith – Completely closes in 2026
- Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets – Opens in 2026
- Star Wars Launch Bay – Completely closing on September 25, 2025
The large new improvement is that Animation Courtyard might be reimagined into the Walt Disney Studios and can shut briefly on September 25, 2025. Two sights inside this “land” will stay open throughout that point: Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey and Walt Disney Presents. Disney Jr. Play & Dance is already briefly closed as a consequence of Cool Child Summer season, nevertheless it’ll return in 2026–most likely with a brand new identify and present, nevertheless it’ll be the identical concept.
Then there’s Star Wars Launch Bay, which was beforehand ‘The Magic of Disney Animation.’ That may shut completely to develop into…The Magic of Disney Animation (once more). What’s outdated is new once more! Nothing of worth is being misplaced with the demise of Launch Bay, which was at all times meant to be a short lived, stopgap resolution till Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened.
That occurred again in 2019, however the entire COVID factor stored Launch Bay hanging on by a thread longer than anticipated. It’s doubtless that the meet & greets in Launch Bay might be relocated elsewhere, though it might not occur instantly. And it most likely gained’t be to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, oddly sufficient. (Obtained all of that?!)
MuppetVision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano are all now formally closed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Muppets Courtyard space is ready to get replaced by the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster and Monstropolis miniland, with an unannounced present taking on the MuppetVision 3D theater and new eating places changing the prevailing ones.
The Muppets are movin’ proper alongside to Sundown Boulevard. Walt Disney World has now introduced that Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith is formally set to shut in 2026 for its trip reimagining. On the identical time, they’ve revealed that the reimagined Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets will open in 2026.
The above submit gives speculative closing & reopening date ranges, however the backside line is that we anticipate that undertaking to take 6 months or much less. (I’d like to be incorrect and it take a full 11 months!) Regardless, this nearly essentially means a cut-off date within the first half of the 12 months for the Aerosmith model and a gap date within the second half of 2026 for the Muppet Mayhem version.
Outdoors Theme Parks
- Disney Skyliner – Closed January 25 by January 31, 2026
- Blizzard Seaside Water Park – Closing for season on September 8, 2025
Each Blizzard Seaside and Hurricane Lagoon water parks are open for the summer season season, by September 7, 2025. Which means that, for the primary time since 2019, Walt Disney World has all 6 parks—all 4 theme parks and a couple of water parks—open on the identical time.
Following the summer season, Walt Disney World has introduced that Blizzard Seaside will shut on September 8, 2025. It’s anticipated that Hurricane Lagoon will then shut in mid-November, at which level Blizzard Seaside will reopen for the vacation season. Each water parks are anticipated to be open concurrently once more in 2026–however whether or not that begins for spring break or summer season is an open query at this level.
Lastly, there’s the Disney Skyliner Gondolas Closure in Winter 2026. This can be a routine refurbishment that normally happens yearly, so it’s not significantly noteworthy or unsurprising. And fortunately, Walt Disney World supplied loads of discover. Nonetheless, as defined at size in that submit, we don’t suggest staying at a Skyliner resort through the downtime.
For resort work, please see our 2025-2026 Walt Disney World Resort Building & Refurbishments. If you’re apprehensive that any of resort resort renovations will influence your keep, right here’s a basic rule to remember: room refurbishments not often influence resort stays. These happen in particular clusters, and also you’ll not often discover the work being achieved.
Now, right here’s a little bit of my philosophy regarding refurbishments…
Basic Ideas on Refurbishments
When information comes out about any refurbishment, my quick response is at all times, “that is nice–it means they’re really doing one thing to the attraction!” My thoughts races with the probabilities of how sights may very well be improved or plussed by Walt Disney Imagineering. Though we’d miss it on our subsequent Walt Disney World go to, I’m at all times excited.
In studying suggestions from others, I’ve found this angle places me within the minority. Others on-line fume about this, and the way it might alter or influence their trip plans. The saying “trip ruined” has attained near-meme standing amongst some followers, and that felt apt for a number of the complaints. I can perceive the angle. Assessing the scope of the refurbishment upfront, scheduling liberal refurbishment dates, and opening early (under-promising and over-delivering) is at all times preferable to the choice.
I also can perceive that there’s different pent-up frustration at play right here, starting from radio-silence on tasks to Walt Disney World’s tardiness in releasing park hours whereas anticipating company to plan a number of months upfront. Neither of those strikes by Disney, amongst others, are defensible. At finest, this communication is poor visitor service. At worst, it’s demonstrative of a contemptible perspective in the direction of company.
Nonetheless, I stay of the mindset that this refurbishment extension–and different present refurbishments–is doubtlessly an excellent factor. Among the many most vocal followers upset in regards to the extension are those that are like me: company who go to Walt Disney World at the very least every-other 12 months. We’re enjoying the ‘lengthy’ fandom sport.
From my perspective, investing within the long-term high quality of an attraction is much extra necessary than the momentary satisfaction I’ll get out of using it on my subsequent go to. I get excited when interested by methods rides may very well be plussed, bettering the expertise for years to come back. This is the reason it at all times perplexes me when regulars contend that their trip might be ruined as a result of their favourite attraction might be closed.
If it’s your favourite attraction and also you’re lively within the Disney fan neighborhood, which means you’ve been to Walt Disney World earlier than and doubtless will go to once more. It will thus stand to cause that you’d need one thing you like to get the TLC it deserves, and proceed to enhance.
DINOSAUR works as an excellent instance right here. This attraction was once referred to as Countdown to Extinction (“CTX”) earlier than an ill-advised film tie-in was added. Throughout that period, DINOSAUR had a litany of further results, a lot of its AAs had higher performance, and the attraction was, as a complete, extra spectacular.
If you’re a long-term fan, would you reasonably expertise DINOSAUR each single 12 months with 66% of the consequences working, or each single 12 months minus one with 95% of the consequences working? For me, the reply to that’s simple. I’ll take a superior long run expertise each time. (That that is even a reputable query for long-time followers speaks to the ‘prompt gratification’ nature of issues at this time, however that’s effectively past the scope of this submit.)
Past that, there’s the way more compelling justification for normal refurbishments: they’re important for the security of sights. Whereas we consider these sights as all enjoyable and video games that supply a secure sense of exhilaration, that’s when they’re correctly maintained.
It’s disagreeable to consider, however there have been a number of preventable deaths within the historical past of Disney’s parks. Throughout a darkish period of Disneyland historical past, improper upkeep was the reason for demise on Massive Thunder Mountain (fortunately, Paul Pressler’s reign of terror is over). Years of neglect at Disneyland Paris have led to incidents of harm that may very well be attributed to a scarcity of upkeep (once more, this has been addressed).
This isn’t meant to scare anybody or provoke an emotional response; the very fact is that Disney’s worldwide security report is sterling as in comparison with different park operators. It’s nonetheless necessary to do not forget that these enjoyable, ‘magical’ locations additionally exist in the actual world and use numerous doubtlessly harmful components if security shouldn’t be considered as key. (Or, in Disney’s case, one of many “5 Keys.”)
In relation to upkeep that’s not important to the secure operation of an attraction, we’re left to ponder what quantity of present high quality must be accepted. If following a strict Nunisian practitioner of the 4 Keys, present is one other paramount consideration, and it ought to at all times be 100%. That is good company propaganda, however I feel the sensible actuality is that 100% is an unworkably excessive threshold in lots of circumstances.
I feel we now have seen this play out with Expedition Everest. Followers joke in regards to the “Disco Yeti” and lament the truth that this jaw-dropping Audio Animatronics determine has not labored in almost a decade. There are quite a few theories as to why the Yeti hasn’t been mounted; what every of those share is that there are large-scale issues and no fast fixes.
Fixing the Yeti would require a closure of at the very least 6 months, and be fairly costly. The working Yeti is really a powerful sight to behold (and one most of you most likely haven’t seen in A-mode except you rode over a decade in the past), however the attraction continues to be spectacular with the Disco Yeti. At this level, it’s doubtless that Disney has decided the closure would take too lengthy, price an excessive amount of, and the development wouldn’t be definitely worth the funding.
There’s additionally the truth that Animal Kingdom is missing in rides. Even after the opening of Pandora – World of Avatar, the park nonetheless is heavy on exhibits and animal reveals and light-weight on rides. Taking one of many park’s flagship rides down for six months to a 12 months to repair one Audio Animatronics determine that company see for 1-2 seconds may not be definitely worth the sacrifice.
As a staunch proponent of present high quality, I’ve a tough time accepting the identical argument for any attraction in Magic Kingdom, a park with a veritable “mountain vary” and numerous slate of different sights. In reality, the identical goes for each citadel park. These parks have sufficient sights to choose up the slack if 1-2 sights must be taken offline concurrently with out ruining any holidays.
Visitors are understandably involved when it seems an inordinate variety of sights are closing throughout their trip. Walt Disney World holidays are usually not low-cost and are sometimes as soon as in a lifetime experiences. First-timers definitely don’t wish to miss out on experiences about which they’ve learn in depth hype.
Nonetheless, the issue with a “not throughout my trip” perspective like that is that it’s at all times going to be somebody’s (or tens of 1000’s of someones) trip. If sights with present high quality points don’t shut for refurbishments for worry of some company throughout a time-limited window lacking out, all company in perpetuity are going to have a lesser expertise.
Operating an attraction with damaged results is barely going to compound issues, and finally a single damaged impact will flip into myriad damaged results. Think about this state of affairs park-wide, performed out to its pure penalties. That’s not precisely what I’d name the “Disney Distinction.”
Once more, DINOSAUR is an efficient instance right here. If it’s your first go to and also you expertise DINOSAUR with 66% of the consequences working, you gained’t know what you’re lacking. Using it is going to, little doubt, be superior to not using it. Nonetheless, I’m guessing your satisfaction ranking of the attraction wouldn’t be almost as excessive, and also you may query why so many individuals love the attraction, and why Disney was lazy with a lot empty, darkish house. (Or, maybe you gained’t: when you solely ever eat pet food, you gained’t know what you’re lacking in a pleasant steak.)
The factor is, if Disney wouldn’t shut DINOSAUR throughout your trip so that you don’t miss out on it, chances are high that they might lengthen the identical “courtesy” for different company, and it might be customary working process to by no means shut something throughout anybody’s trip.
The top results of this might be a park stuffed with “66% sights” and first-timers could be left questioning why there was a lot hype about Walt Disney World, within the first place. For those who’re studying this as a lifelong fan, take into account the chance that you just wouldn’t have develop into a lifelong fan if this had been really Disney’s modus operandi. (In reality, I’d argue that Walt Disney World is trending on this path, dragging its toes on a number of mandatory refurbishments, with the inaction being predicated upon quick time period visitor satisfaction or cost-savings.)
This may sound like we’re making use of ‘heavy’ Rawlsian idea to the lighthearted matter of theme parks, however philosophy isn’t price a rattling if it could possibly’t be utilized to theme parks. 😉
A variety of this may appear to be an effort to absolve Disney of blame on the subject of refurbishments, however this isn’t the case. Disney has introduced numerous the visitor unrest regarding refurbishments upon itself. The primary difficulty is that Disney has quite a few parks which have opened within the final 20 years with incomplete slates of sights, making it tough to justify taking sights offline for refurbishment. So the first step, a completely impractical step at this level, could be to open theme parks which can be full on day one.
Failing that, Disney may keep away from numerous the visitor backlash regarding refurbishments if they might schedule extra 3-4 day refurbishments of sights to proactively tackle issues with preventative upkeep. Though this might not completely negate the necessity for prolonged refurbishments, it might enhance present high quality throughout the board and assist keep away from numerous conditions the place sights must abruptly shut as a result of they’re in dire want of upkeep. Furthermore, a 3-4 day refurbishment is shorter than the period of most holidays, permitting vacationers to successfully plan across the refurbishment.
On this case, each events planning forward would forestall these “trip ruined!” complaints. Don’t fear, Disney, we followers are resilient: we’ll nonetheless discover one thing else to complain about. 😉
Joking apart, I understand that’s a troublesome line to attract between an excusable refurbishment and a frustratingly irritating one. Even when you subscribe to the a point of the ‘philosophy’ I’m advancing, there is no such thing as a bright-line rule. It’s nonetheless going to quantity to a price judgment about what ought to ‘set off’ a necessity for refurbishment, what number of sights must be down concurrently throughout Walt Disney World, and what occasions of 12 months are perfect for which refurbishments.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about accommodations on our Walt Disney World Resorts Opinions web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Opinions. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Journey Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every thing it’s worthwhile to know!
Your Ideas
Any questions in regards to the present refurbishments at Walt Disney World? What do you consider refurbishments on the Disney Parks? Are you extra involved about an improved long-term expertise, or do you assume “not throughout my trip!”? The place do you draw the road? Some other components you assume are price contemplating? As talked about, we predict this can be a dialog, so please share your ‘refurbishment philosophy’, or every other ideas or questions you have got, within the feedback!
This Walt Disney World trip refurbishment calendar lists the closure schedule for 2025-2026 at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios & Animal Kingdom. Sights shut for routine upkeep, security upgrades, enhancements, and reimaginings. (Up to date August 25, 2025.)
Whereas nobody desires attraction downtime throughout their journey to Walt Disney World, refurbishments are essential to preserve the rides wanting good (and secure!) for future guests. Often, there are solely a handful of simultaneous closures, plus new sights being constructed. Observe that the record under consists of a number of refurbishments which have both been scheduled last-minute, prolonged, or are longer than regular.
For those who’re visiting Walt Disney World within the subsequent couple of years, you’ll most likely encounter extra trip closures than up to now. There are already a few main sights on the refurbishment calendar that might be closed between now and 2026. And these aren’t the one sights more likely to go down for lengthy closures within the subsequent 12 months, Walt Disney World made main bulletins on the newest D23 Expo. That building will begin in early 2025, and necessitate quite a lot of trip closures.
Previous to this, Walt Disney World had not been doing almost sufficient preventative upkeep or trip refurbishments through the low season over the previous couple of years. In consequence, you can even anticipate loads of unplanned downtime. Since this occurs on account of rides breaking downtime, you’ll be able to’t actually plan for it (therefore it being “unplanned”), however we nonetheless point out this since you ought to put together for rides to go offline throughout your journey. If something is a “must-ride” for you, you’ll want to prioritize it and provides your self a buffer simply in case it breaks down throughout your days at Walt Disney World.
There’s additionally numerous building occurring, albeit not almost as a lot as even a couple of years in the past. That’s largely as a result of Walt Disney World is now in between improvement cycles, one simply ended with the completion of the EPCOT overhaul and opening of Tiana’s Bayou Journey. The subsequent has simply begun with Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom; work will likewise quickly start on Automobiles Land at Magic Kingdom and Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios in Summer season 2025.
If you’d like the entire newest updates on attraction closures and trip refurbishments–subscribe to our free Walt Disney World electronic mail e-newsletter. We additionally share different information and on-the-ground stories from the parks, when reductions are launched, and way more.
Right here is the present schedule of Walt Disney World refurbishments to sights, when the closure begins, and when the refurbishment will conclude, up to date as of August 25, 2025:
Animal Kingdom
- DINOSAUR – TBD closure date in 2026 (doubtless January 2026)
- It’s Robust to Be a Bug – Completely closed
- The Boneyard – Completely closing on September 2, 2025
- TriceraTop Spin – Completely closed
- Zootopia: Higher Zoogether – Formally opening on November 7, 2025
Building is now underway on the Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, which is able to exchange Dinoland USA. Partitions areup across the Dino-Rama half of this growth, which was the roadside carnival space of the land. Tropical Americas will characteristic Encanto and Indiana Jones sights, and the growth will open in 2027.
The Encanto darkish trip is being constructed on the previous Primeval Whirl web site, whereas Indiana Jones Journey might be a reimagining of DINOSAUR. Because the former is a recent construct, it’s going to take longer to assemble. We now know that this implies Dinosaur is secure by at the very least the tip of 2025.
Nonetheless, in a brand new replace, Walt Disney World has accelerated the Boneyard’s extinction occasion, and the final day to expertise that children play space is now September 1, 2025. Beforehand, this was to stay open by the tip of 2025.
Whereas there’s presently no change to every other timelines, we may see Restaurantosaurus going seasonal, shuttering in August and September earlier than reopening for Fall Break by New Yr’s. DINOSAUR is nearly definitely secure till the second week of January 2026. (This isn’t official and even rumor; it’s purely speculative on our half.)
Elsewhere in Animal Kingdom, Zootopia Tree of Life Present is changing It’s Robust to Be a Bug, which completely closed this spring. A gap date for Zootopia: Higher Zoogether has now been zoonounced, and it’ll debut on November 7, 2025. Walt Disney World has already confirmed that there might be AP and DVC previews previous to this; we’d anticipate these to start by late October, maybe earlier.
Magic Kingdom
- Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad – Closed till 2026
- Buzz Lightyear’s House Ranger Spin – Closing for enhancements till 2026
- Liberty Sq. Riverboat – Completely closed
- Starlight Night time Parade – Now performing
- Tom Sawyer Island – Completely closed
- Walt Disney World Railroad – Working in shuttle mode for subsequent few years
The excellent news is that there are usually not many routine refurbishments at Walt Disney World proper now. Usually, the August and September low season could be prime candidates for transient, routine closures. As a substitute, there are a handful of lengthier ones, however we nonetheless anticipated further upkeep tasks on prime of the reimaginings.
Talking of the larger closures, there have been a number of main closures in Magic Kingdom that began in early July to make method for the Piston Peak Nationwide Park space primarily based on Automobiles. The Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and Liberty Sq. Riverboat are all now closed.
Together with that, “shuttle mode” operations of the Walt Disney World Railroad has begun as a consequence of Frontierland Station closing on a short lived foundation for Automobiles and Villains Land building.
On a constructive word, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night time Away has now debuted to excessive demand that’ll solely get stronger throughout Get together Season, peaking from October by December. See Greatest Starlight Night time Parade Spots & Tricks to Beat Crowds for viewing suggestions.
Now that summer season has ended, Buzz Lightyear’s House Ranger Spin is closed for a significant overhaul that’ll modernize the blaster attraction. It formally closed on August 4 and reopens someday in 2026.
Talking of 2026 reopenings, Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad is Closed for Refurbishment at Magic Kingdom till subsequent 12 months! Work has been progressing on this undertaking shortly, with the entire observe changed and crews now engaged on refurbishing the present scenes. It’s anticipated that trip envelope testing will start within the coming weeks–however there’s nonetheless a protracted solution to go earlier than this undertaking is completed.
This BTMRR multi-year closure is notable as a result of there nearly definitely might be overlap, at the very least partly, with this undertaking and work to fill within the Rivers of America and start Automobiles building. Amongst different issues, this can embrace connecting BTMRR and Villains Land with Liberty Sq. and Fantasyland.
EPCOT
- ¡Celebración Encanto! – Prolonged indefinitely
- Spaceship Earth – Closed August 25, 2025 by TBD
- Take a look at Observe – Now open!
Over at EPCOT, Take a look at Observe 3.0 formally reopened after a full month of previews. The third incarnation of the favored thrill trip is extra in style than ever, making it the #2 precedence at rope drop and #1 for Lightning Lane Multi-Move.
The largest information of all, although is that Spaceship Earth is lastly getting a refurbishment. It closed on August 25, 2025 and reopen later this 12 months–most likely round Thanksgiving since Pageant of the Holidays is the busiest time of the 12 months at EPCOT.
As we’ve been discussing for years, Spaceship Earth is lengthy overdue for observe and trip system upkeep. Nonetheless, that is nearly definitely not that closure. Walt Disney World has indicated that Spaceship Earth will reopen later in 2025, and the entire points with SSE would doubtless take over a 12 months of downtime to handle.
Notably, Journey into Creativeness can also be a few decade overdue for a redo. It’s doable that Spaceship Earth is getting the quick-fix ‘duct tape’ therapy now for a couple of months so it could possibly coast for the following couple of years, with Journey into Creativeness getting a correct reimagining in 2026. This might very effectively be wishful considering on our half, although.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney Jr. Play and Dance! – Closed briefly till 2026
- Villains Unfairly Ever After Present – Now Open!
- The Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey – Now Open!
- Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith – Completely closes in 2026
- Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets – Opens in 2026
- Star Wars Launch Bay – Completely closing on September 25, 2025
The large new improvement is that Animation Courtyard might be reimagined into the Walt Disney Studios and can shut briefly on September 25, 2025. Two sights inside this “land” will stay open throughout that point: Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey and Walt Disney Presents. Disney Jr. Play & Dance is already briefly closed as a consequence of Cool Child Summer season, nevertheless it’ll return in 2026–most likely with a brand new identify and present, nevertheless it’ll be the identical concept.
Then there’s Star Wars Launch Bay, which was beforehand ‘The Magic of Disney Animation.’ That may shut completely to develop into…The Magic of Disney Animation (once more). What’s outdated is new once more! Nothing of worth is being misplaced with the demise of Launch Bay, which was at all times meant to be a short lived, stopgap resolution till Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened.
That occurred again in 2019, however the entire COVID factor stored Launch Bay hanging on by a thread longer than anticipated. It’s doubtless that the meet & greets in Launch Bay might be relocated elsewhere, though it might not occur instantly. And it most likely gained’t be to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, oddly sufficient. (Obtained all of that?!)
MuppetVision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano are all now formally closed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Muppets Courtyard space is ready to get replaced by the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster and Monstropolis miniland, with an unannounced present taking on the MuppetVision 3D theater and new eating places changing the prevailing ones.
The Muppets are movin’ proper alongside to Sundown Boulevard. Walt Disney World has now introduced that Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring Aerosmith is formally set to shut in 2026 for its trip reimagining. On the identical time, they’ve revealed that the reimagined Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets will open in 2026.
The above submit gives speculative closing & reopening date ranges, however the backside line is that we anticipate that undertaking to take 6 months or much less. (I’d like to be incorrect and it take a full 11 months!) Regardless, this nearly essentially means a cut-off date within the first half of the 12 months for the Aerosmith model and a gap date within the second half of 2026 for the Muppet Mayhem version.
Outdoors Theme Parks
- Disney Skyliner – Closed January 25 by January 31, 2026
- Blizzard Seaside Water Park – Closing for season on September 8, 2025
Each Blizzard Seaside and Hurricane Lagoon water parks are open for the summer season season, by September 7, 2025. Which means that, for the primary time since 2019, Walt Disney World has all 6 parks—all 4 theme parks and a couple of water parks—open on the identical time.
Following the summer season, Walt Disney World has introduced that Blizzard Seaside will shut on September 8, 2025. It’s anticipated that Hurricane Lagoon will then shut in mid-November, at which level Blizzard Seaside will reopen for the vacation season. Each water parks are anticipated to be open concurrently once more in 2026–however whether or not that begins for spring break or summer season is an open query at this level.
Lastly, there’s the Disney Skyliner Gondolas Closure in Winter 2026. This can be a routine refurbishment that normally happens yearly, so it’s not significantly noteworthy or unsurprising. And fortunately, Walt Disney World supplied loads of discover. Nonetheless, as defined at size in that submit, we don’t suggest staying at a Skyliner resort through the downtime.
For resort work, please see our 2025-2026 Walt Disney World Resort Building & Refurbishments. If you’re apprehensive that any of resort resort renovations will influence your keep, right here’s a basic rule to remember: room refurbishments not often influence resort stays. These happen in particular clusters, and also you’ll not often discover the work being achieved.
Now, right here’s a little bit of my philosophy regarding refurbishments…
Basic Ideas on Refurbishments
When information comes out about any refurbishment, my quick response is at all times, “that is nice–it means they’re really doing one thing to the attraction!” My thoughts races with the probabilities of how sights may very well be improved or plussed by Walt Disney Imagineering. Though we’d miss it on our subsequent Walt Disney World go to, I’m at all times excited.
In studying suggestions from others, I’ve found this angle places me within the minority. Others on-line fume about this, and the way it might alter or influence their trip plans. The saying “trip ruined” has attained near-meme standing amongst some followers, and that felt apt for a number of the complaints. I can perceive the angle. Assessing the scope of the refurbishment upfront, scheduling liberal refurbishment dates, and opening early (under-promising and over-delivering) is at all times preferable to the choice.
I also can perceive that there’s different pent-up frustration at play right here, starting from radio-silence on tasks to Walt Disney World’s tardiness in releasing park hours whereas anticipating company to plan a number of months upfront. Neither of those strikes by Disney, amongst others, are defensible. At finest, this communication is poor visitor service. At worst, it’s demonstrative of a contemptible perspective in the direction of company.
Nonetheless, I stay of the mindset that this refurbishment extension–and different present refurbishments–is doubtlessly an excellent factor. Among the many most vocal followers upset in regards to the extension are those that are like me: company who go to Walt Disney World at the very least every-other 12 months. We’re enjoying the ‘lengthy’ fandom sport.
From my perspective, investing within the long-term high quality of an attraction is much extra necessary than the momentary satisfaction I’ll get out of using it on my subsequent go to. I get excited when interested by methods rides may very well be plussed, bettering the expertise for years to come back. This is the reason it at all times perplexes me when regulars contend that their trip might be ruined as a result of their favourite attraction might be closed.
If it’s your favourite attraction and also you’re lively within the Disney fan neighborhood, which means you’ve been to Walt Disney World earlier than and doubtless will go to once more. It will thus stand to cause that you’d need one thing you like to get the TLC it deserves, and proceed to enhance.
DINOSAUR works as an excellent instance right here. This attraction was once referred to as Countdown to Extinction (“CTX”) earlier than an ill-advised film tie-in was added. Throughout that period, DINOSAUR had a litany of further results, a lot of its AAs had higher performance, and the attraction was, as a complete, extra spectacular.
If you’re a long-term fan, would you reasonably expertise DINOSAUR each single 12 months with 66% of the consequences working, or each single 12 months minus one with 95% of the consequences working? For me, the reply to that’s simple. I’ll take a superior long run expertise each time. (That that is even a reputable query for long-time followers speaks to the ‘prompt gratification’ nature of issues at this time, however that’s effectively past the scope of this submit.)
Past that, there’s the way more compelling justification for normal refurbishments: they’re important for the security of sights. Whereas we consider these sights as all enjoyable and video games that supply a secure sense of exhilaration, that’s when they’re correctly maintained.
It’s disagreeable to consider, however there have been a number of preventable deaths within the historical past of Disney’s parks. Throughout a darkish period of Disneyland historical past, improper upkeep was the reason for demise on Massive Thunder Mountain (fortunately, Paul Pressler’s reign of terror is over). Years of neglect at Disneyland Paris have led to incidents of harm that may very well be attributed to a scarcity of upkeep (once more, this has been addressed).
This isn’t meant to scare anybody or provoke an emotional response; the very fact is that Disney’s worldwide security report is sterling as in comparison with different park operators. It’s nonetheless necessary to do not forget that these enjoyable, ‘magical’ locations additionally exist in the actual world and use numerous doubtlessly harmful components if security shouldn’t be considered as key. (Or, in Disney’s case, one of many “5 Keys.”)
In relation to upkeep that’s not important to the secure operation of an attraction, we’re left to ponder what quantity of present high quality must be accepted. If following a strict Nunisian practitioner of the 4 Keys, present is one other paramount consideration, and it ought to at all times be 100%. That is good company propaganda, however I feel the sensible actuality is that 100% is an unworkably excessive threshold in lots of circumstances.
I feel we now have seen this play out with Expedition Everest. Followers joke in regards to the “Disco Yeti” and lament the truth that this jaw-dropping Audio Animatronics determine has not labored in almost a decade. There are quite a few theories as to why the Yeti hasn’t been mounted; what every of those share is that there are large-scale issues and no fast fixes.
Fixing the Yeti would require a closure of at the very least 6 months, and be fairly costly. The working Yeti is really a powerful sight to behold (and one most of you most likely haven’t seen in A-mode except you rode over a decade in the past), however the attraction continues to be spectacular with the Disco Yeti. At this level, it’s doubtless that Disney has decided the closure would take too lengthy, price an excessive amount of, and the development wouldn’t be definitely worth the funding.
There’s additionally the truth that Animal Kingdom is missing in rides. Even after the opening of Pandora – World of Avatar, the park nonetheless is heavy on exhibits and animal reveals and light-weight on rides. Taking one of many park’s flagship rides down for six months to a 12 months to repair one Audio Animatronics determine that company see for 1-2 seconds may not be definitely worth the sacrifice.
As a staunch proponent of present high quality, I’ve a tough time accepting the identical argument for any attraction in Magic Kingdom, a park with a veritable “mountain vary” and numerous slate of different sights. In reality, the identical goes for each citadel park. These parks have sufficient sights to choose up the slack if 1-2 sights must be taken offline concurrently with out ruining any holidays.
Visitors are understandably involved when it seems an inordinate variety of sights are closing throughout their trip. Walt Disney World holidays are usually not low-cost and are sometimes as soon as in a lifetime experiences. First-timers definitely don’t wish to miss out on experiences about which they’ve learn in depth hype.
Nonetheless, the issue with a “not throughout my trip” perspective like that is that it’s at all times going to be somebody’s (or tens of 1000’s of someones) trip. If sights with present high quality points don’t shut for refurbishments for worry of some company throughout a time-limited window lacking out, all company in perpetuity are going to have a lesser expertise.
Operating an attraction with damaged results is barely going to compound issues, and finally a single damaged impact will flip into myriad damaged results. Think about this state of affairs park-wide, performed out to its pure penalties. That’s not precisely what I’d name the “Disney Distinction.”
Once more, DINOSAUR is an efficient instance right here. If it’s your first go to and also you expertise DINOSAUR with 66% of the consequences working, you gained’t know what you’re lacking. Using it is going to, little doubt, be superior to not using it. Nonetheless, I’m guessing your satisfaction ranking of the attraction wouldn’t be almost as excessive, and also you may query why so many individuals love the attraction, and why Disney was lazy with a lot empty, darkish house. (Or, maybe you gained’t: when you solely ever eat pet food, you gained’t know what you’re lacking in a pleasant steak.)
The factor is, if Disney wouldn’t shut DINOSAUR throughout your trip so that you don’t miss out on it, chances are high that they might lengthen the identical “courtesy” for different company, and it might be customary working process to by no means shut something throughout anybody’s trip.
The top results of this might be a park stuffed with “66% sights” and first-timers could be left questioning why there was a lot hype about Walt Disney World, within the first place. For those who’re studying this as a lifelong fan, take into account the chance that you just wouldn’t have develop into a lifelong fan if this had been really Disney’s modus operandi. (In reality, I’d argue that Walt Disney World is trending on this path, dragging its toes on a number of mandatory refurbishments, with the inaction being predicated upon quick time period visitor satisfaction or cost-savings.)
This may sound like we’re making use of ‘heavy’ Rawlsian idea to the lighthearted matter of theme parks, however philosophy isn’t price a rattling if it could possibly’t be utilized to theme parks. 😉
A variety of this may appear to be an effort to absolve Disney of blame on the subject of refurbishments, however this isn’t the case. Disney has introduced numerous the visitor unrest regarding refurbishments upon itself. The primary difficulty is that Disney has quite a few parks which have opened within the final 20 years with incomplete slates of sights, making it tough to justify taking sights offline for refurbishment. So the first step, a completely impractical step at this level, could be to open theme parks which can be full on day one.
Failing that, Disney may keep away from numerous the visitor backlash regarding refurbishments if they might schedule extra 3-4 day refurbishments of sights to proactively tackle issues with preventative upkeep. Though this might not completely negate the necessity for prolonged refurbishments, it might enhance present high quality throughout the board and assist keep away from numerous conditions the place sights must abruptly shut as a result of they’re in dire want of upkeep. Furthermore, a 3-4 day refurbishment is shorter than the period of most holidays, permitting vacationers to successfully plan across the refurbishment.
On this case, each events planning forward would forestall these “trip ruined!” complaints. Don’t fear, Disney, we followers are resilient: we’ll nonetheless discover one thing else to complain about. 😉
Joking apart, I understand that’s a troublesome line to attract between an excusable refurbishment and a frustratingly irritating one. Even when you subscribe to the a point of the ‘philosophy’ I’m advancing, there is no such thing as a bright-line rule. It’s nonetheless going to quantity to a price judgment about what ought to ‘set off’ a necessity for refurbishment, what number of sights must be down concurrently throughout Walt Disney World, and what occasions of 12 months are perfect for which refurbishments.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about accommodations on our Walt Disney World Resorts Opinions web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Opinions. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Journey Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every thing it’s worthwhile to know!
Your Ideas
Any questions in regards to the present refurbishments at Walt Disney World? What do you consider refurbishments on the Disney Parks? Are you extra involved about an improved long-term expertise, or do you assume “not throughout my trip!”? The place do you draw the road? Some other components you assume are price contemplating? As talked about, we predict this can be a dialog, so please share your ‘refurbishment philosophy’, or every other ideas or questions you have got, within the feedback!
