Hi there, Corie, and welcome to planDisney!
December is such a magical time to experience Walt Disney World Resort. From the holiday decor that you can find around the theme parks, Disney Resorts Collection hotels, Disney Springs, and beyond to the fun events and festivals like the
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, you’ll never have a dull moment.
I’m a thrill ride enthusiast, so I’m just the gal to talk to about which attractions are either temporarily or permanently going “bye bye” in 2024 and 2025. Let’s start at Magic Kingdom Park. Nothing has been officially announced, but at this year’s D23 event, it was shown that the area where
Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat currently are will make way for a
Cars attraction in the near future. What is more in stone is the special refurbishment of the beloved
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which begins in January 2025.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll find that the Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy show has already made its final lap and will make room for a new 2025 villains-themed show. I cannot wait for that! EPCOT has already closed Test Track, but the new iteration of it will open in 2025.
Now, most of the magic is being made at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. I would definitely prioritize heading to the Tree of Life to see It’s Tough to Be a Bug! This show will transform into a
Zootopia-themed show sometime in 2025. To make way for a new Tropical Americas area, TriceraTop Spin is closing for good in January 2025. DINOSAUR hasn’t gotten an official closure date yet, but it will transform into an
Indiana Jones ride soon.
AN EXTRA GEM: I recommend that you keep the
Day Calendar webpage bookmarked, especially as you get closer to your visit. This is my go-to spot to see what attractions will be closed during my treks to Walt Disney World. Scroll down to the theme park that you’d like to check out and then open the tab labeled “Closed for Refurbishment.”
Corie, I hope that this helps you to prioritize. It’s always sad to say goodbye, but the good news is that most of these closures mean that new adventures are ahead. And if you have more questions about your upcoming visit, reach out to us here at planDisney.
I’m all ears! Magic always,
LeAndra