There aren’t many places in the world that enable adults to feel like children again. Disney World is one such place, which is probably the reason it has been so popular for more than 50 years.
Before the Covid pandemic, Disney World had an average of 58 million visitors per year. Over the last few years the numbers were closer to 50 million as the travel industry recovers, according to data from Magic Guides.
However, Walt Disney World remains one of the most visited vacation resorts in the world, “The amount of manpower, creativity, machinery, and technology involved in keeping Disney World humming and innovating is simply astounding,” writes Magic Guides.
Disney World features 66 rides across its four theme parks and more than 100 attractions. To maintain safety and quality, attractions regularly undergo maintenance, leading to temporary or permanent closures. While unexpected issues can occur, Disney also announces planned refurbishments in advance, allowing visitors to better plan their trips.
Disney World attractions currently closed
There are numerous attractions at Disney World currently closed, some permanently, some temporarily, writes All Ears.
Attraction maintenance schedules are regularly updated to ensure guest safety and enhance park experiences. The following closures reflect both scheduled refurbishments and larger transformation projects.
Disney World attractions at Magic Kingdom that are currently closed:
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic Fantasyland Magic Kingdom: Temporarily closed for routine refurbishment from November 1, 2025. Expected to open on Nov. 23.
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: Temporarily closed for refurbishment as of August 4, with plans to reopen sometime in 2026. The ride will be enhanced with new show scenes, improved ride vehicles and a new character.
- Liberty Square Riverboat, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Rivers of America: Permanently closed since July 7, 2025. The area is closing to be replaced by Piston Peak National Park. The opening date has not been revealed.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Officially closed for at least a year on January 6th, 2025. Closed for maintenance and some upgrades. Scheduled to reopen in 2026.
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Disney World attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that are currently closed:
- Kali River Rapids: Closed for maintenance since October 6, 2025, and should reopen in December 2025.
- It’s Tough To be a Bug: Closed permanently as of March 17, to make space for the new show: “Zootopia Better Zoogether!” New Zootopia will debut on November 7, 2025.
- DinoLand U.S.A.: set to close permanently on February 2, 2026.
The area is being replaced by a new land called Tropical Americas, which will feature an Indiana Jones experience, an Encanto-themed ride, among other attractions.The popular Dinosaur ride’s final day is February 1, 2026.
Disney World attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that are currently closed:
- Vacation Fun: An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie: Closed for refurbishment on October 20, 2025. Expected to reopen later this year.
- Animation Courtyard: Closed on September 25, 2025. Closures include Star Wars Launch Bay, the Disney Jr. Play and Dance!, while “The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure,” remains open.
- Muppets Courtyard: As of June 8, both Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo are closed forever.
The area has been closed to make room for the new Monsters, Inc.-themed land coming to Hollywood Studios. - Blizzard Beach: Blizzard Beach has been closed since September 8, 2025 for refurbishment.
Sources: All Ears, WDW Magic, The Disney Food Blog
Disney World cool facts:
- Disney World is about the size of San Francisco or two Manhattan islands.
- More than 70,000 cast members take to create the magic at the resort, making it one of the largest single-site employers in the US.
- It is among the most photographed places in the United States with Disney’s PhotoPass photographers taking between 100,000 and 200,000 photos of visitors daily.
- You’re never more than 30 feett rom a trashcan, which helps the resort stay clean.
- Mickey Mouse has around 136 outfits, which is more than Minnie Mouse
Sources: Mickey Vacations, Time Well Spent Magazine
Disney’s strategy behind park updates, according to chairman Josh D’Amaro
Even though temporary closures may disappoint guests, they are sometimes part of Disney’s long-term strategy to maintain guest expectations, especially the younger generations who grew up with newer Disney movies than their parents did.
Disney is often integrating more popular film franchises to create innovative and relevant experiences in the future.
Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro told Main Street Magic that Disney has more projects underway than at any other time in Disney history.
He added that the collaboration with Walt Disney Studios is very strong; when a film is released, the parks find ways to bring it to life.
“For every one park visitor, Disney believes there are ten people who want to visit a Disney theme park. Also, the Disney Company has 3,000 Imagineers around the world,” D’Amaro said.
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