5 CHANGES Happening in October in Disney World

We’re going to Disney World — anyone need a ride? Hop in! We’ve got a lot to talk about on the way, so buckle up and let’s get going.

We’ve got just one month left of Halloween parties. Tons of ride changes on the horizon. There’s even a popular Animal Kingdom event returning this October! It’s all coming SOON. That’s right — there are several things to look forward to in the Disney parks, so get ready! If you’re planning a trip to Disney World this October, here are all the biggest CHANGES and events happening throughout the month!

 

A Disney’s Hollywood Studios Attraction Is Permantly CLOSING

The time has come to say goodbye. A kid-friendly Disney attraction in Hollywood Studios is closing to make room for a new show.

Disney recently confirmed that Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is closing. The attraction’s last day is October 7th, 2024. If you’re interested (or want to hear one more Ka-CHOW for good measure), head over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios ASAP!

So, what’s the big replacement? We don’t have many details yet, but Disney did share that a brand-new Disney Villains show will debut in the summer of 2025. Imagineers will revamp the area currently known as Sunset Showcase to create a “mysterious, reflective realm of the Magic Mirror.”

Disney also teased that the new show will feature appearances from Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent, and each villain will “break through the glass” and take the stage to perform live!

Interestingly, Disney also recently announced that a new Villains Land will eventually make its way to Magic Kingdom. It’s a good time to be a villain fan — that’s for sure!

NEWS: Disney Announces NEW Villains Show for Hollywood Studios

Jungle Cruise Reopens!

The Jungle Cruise has been closed for the past few weeks. In fact, the ride has been closed since August 26th, 2024, and it is finally getting ready to reopen this October!

The ride has been under refurbishment for multiple weeks, though Disney didn’t state that any major changes were coming following the refurbishment. Luckily, per the Disney World refurbishment calendar, the Jungle Cruise is listed as closed through October 17th. Then, on October 18th, the ride is not listed as “under refurbishment.” That seems like a good sign that the ride will reopen this October!

Keep in mind that reopening dates are subject to change; the ride could open earlier or later than Disney reported.

Jungle Cruise Re-opening Date Confirmed in Disney World

Some EPCOT Friends are Leaving!

Two EPCOT tours will no longer be offered in Disney World. One tour is set to close permanent, while the other is just a temporary disappearance. Disney confirmed that one of its manatees and three of its dolphins are permanently leaving their habitats at The Seas with Nemo & Friends in EPCOT.

Since the dolphins will no longer live in EPCOT, Disney will permanently end its EPCOT Seas Adventures — Dolphins in Depth tour. The last tour will be offered on October 19th, 2024.

Additionally, the EPCOT Seas Adventures — DiveQuest attraction will be temporarily closed starting October 19th, 2024. Disney noted that this experience will return in 2025. Stay tuned for an official return date!

The EPCOT Seas Adventures — DiveQuest is a two-hour backstage tour and scuba experience. During the experience, you can get up close to aquatic life, like sea turtles, fish, and more.

Disney Announces Permanent Closure of Backstage Tour at EPCOT

¡Celebración Encanto! Ending

Speaking of closed attractions, we’ve got another EPCOT activity to talk about. The popular new ¡Celebración Encanto!, which was meant to be a temporary show but was extended for Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, is (likely) coming to an end.

Disney shared that the show was extended to celebrate Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month through October 15th, meaning the show will likely end that day. Disney hasn’t explained what will happen after October 15th, but we’re wondering if a new seasonal show could take its place. Stay tuned for more details!

What Happens When EPCOT’s New ‘Encanto’ Show Gets Rained Out?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Is Bringing BACK Its Extended Evening Hours

Want to spend a little extra time in Disney World? Well, if you stay at a Deluxe Disney World hotel, you get a BIG perk called Extended Evening Hours! As the name implies, you can stay in the parks AFTER they close to everyone else.

This October, that perk will be extended to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Starting on October 11th and a few select dates after that, you will be able to stay in the park from 6PM-8PM after the park closes.

Look out for lower crowds and shorter wait times! Rides open during Extended Evening Hours include:

• It’s Tough to be a Bug!
• Avatar Flight of Passage
• Na’vi River Journey
• TriceraTop Spin
• DINOSAUR
• Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Enjoy the perk — make sure to check the calendar before your visit!

EVERY SINGLE Attraction Confirmed for Disney World Extended Evening Hours at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

As you can see, it’s going to be a BUSY October! Who’s ready for Halloween? In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

NEW Offerings Announced for 2024 Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Will you be visiting Disney World this October? Let us know in the comments!

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