Refurbishments are a necessary part of operating a massive theme park resort like Disney World.
By closing pools, restaurants, and attractions, Disney can ensure proper maintenance is done at these locations, which helps keep everyone safe and happy during their vacation. This week, January 26th through February 2nd, 16 pools, restaurants, attractions, and one water park will be closed!
Be sure to keep these closures in mind as you head to Disney World this coming week!
Magic Kingdom
Astro Orbiter
On January 13th, Astro Orbiter closed at Magic Kingdom.
The exciting, up-in-the-air ride will be closed until this coming summer. While Disney hasn’t given a specified date, we’ll be watching for updates!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” is officially closed for at least a year starting on January 6th!
A “little bit of new magic” is getting added to the popular Magic Kingdom ride. It will reopen once again sometime in 2026!
Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
The opening day attraction, the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, officially closed on June 23rd.
This closure is to make room for a new DVC lounge that will soon be coming to Frontierland. This will be the third DVC lounge in Disney World, but we don’t have an opening date, yet.
Tomorrowland Terrace
Tomorrowland Terrace is a restaurant in Magic Kingdom that was usually only open occasionally, generally during particularly busy seasons. However, it’s been a LONG time since we’ve seen this spot open at all.
Currently, it’s only used for Magic Kingdom fireworks dessert parties where you can grab all you can eat treats. You must reserve your spot at these parties in advance, and they can sell out. Unfortunately, there’s no word on when the restaurant itself might serve food again.
This Magic Kingdom Restaurant Is Perpetually Closed, but We Kind of Love It That Way
EPCOT
Gran Fiesta Tour
The three Caballeros said good bye for a multi-month long refurbishment on January 6th.
The ride in the Mexico pavilion at EPCOT is expected to reopen again on March 15th!
Test Track
Test Track closed on June 17th for reimagining! Disney released more details and announced that the ride will reopen in the late summer of 2025!
We know that the ride will continue to be a partnership with General Motors, and that they will be taking some inspiration from the original ride World of Motion.
Restaurant Marrakesh
Restaurant Marrakesh in the Morocco pavilion of World Showcase is closed as the restaurant it used to be. From time-to-time, Disney will reopen it as a lounge.
You can grab some snacks and sit in the air conditioning here while it’s available as a lounge. However, we’re still waiting for the full dining experience to return to this restaurant.
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Hollywood Studios
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy has been inside the Sunset Showcase building for years, but sadly it has now permanently closed.
Disney announced that a new villains show will be replacing the Cars-themed attraction in the summer of 2025. We recently learned the official name of this new show, and we are looking forward to some Disney Villains in Hollywood Studios!
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
The Voyage of the Little Mermaid as we know it will NOT return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s closed now, and Disney has confirmed that this show has permanently closed to make way for an updated version.
“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”, an all-new stage show, will replace the show in the Animation Courtyard theater, however its opening has been pushed to Summer 2025.
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Animal Kingdom
Kali River Rapids
The water ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom also closed for its annual refurbishment on January 6th.
When it’s too cold out for water rides, Disney closes this one for yearly maintenance. It’s expected to reopen in March, but we’ll be keeping our eyes out for updates on a specific date!
Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach swap being open throughout the year.
And now the two water parks have officially swapped! Blizzard Beach is now open, and Typhoon Lagoon has closed for refurbishment.
If you’re hoping to enjoy a water park throughout the winter, you’ll need to head to Blizzard Beach. We expect Typhoon Lagoon will reopen once again sometime in the spring! For now, enjoy the slopes!
Learn more about Blizzard Beach here!
Disney World Hotels
Everything Pop Food Court — Pop Century Resort
Everything Pop Food Court is a surprisingly great place to grab a bite of food if you’re staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
This food court has been under construction since July 29th, and it was supposed to reopen to its full capacity on September 29th! Then the refurbishment was extended until November 30th. But now, it has been extended once again until April 2025!
Stormalong Bay — Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
Stormalong Bay is closed from January through June, 2025 for refurbishment.
The pool, lazy river, and pirate ship slide are all closed to guests, along with Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Grill and Bar. If you’re staying at one of these two hotels, you can enjoy one of the three leisure pools instead! There are two leisure pools at the Beach Club and one at the Yacht Club.
Fuentes del Morro Pool — Disney’s Caribbean Resort
This fun pool and aquatic activity area at the Caribbean Resort has closed for a short refurbishment!
The pool closed on January 13th, but is only expected to be closed until the end of January. In the meantime, guests can use any of the other pools located around the resort!
Fantasia Pool — Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
The Fantasia Pool closed on January 1st for a multi-month long refurbishment.
This pool is expected to be closed until April. While this pool is closed, guests at All-Star Movies can swim at the Duck Pond Pool!
Courtyard Pool, Spa, and Courtyard Pool Bar — Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
The Courtyard Pool, spa, and Courtyard Pool Bar will also be undergoing refurbishment in Disney World!
The pool, spa, and pool bar will be closed from January 27th until late February, 2025. While this pool is closed, the resort does offer a second pool for you to enjoy! And if you’re looking for some good snacks and drinks, check out Gasparilla Island Grill.
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Those are all of the closures for Disney World this week! Stay tuned to AllEars for more of the latest news from Disney World.
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Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments
The Fantasia Pool didn’t close January 1 as planned. It was still opened as of January 9th. According to a staff there the refurbishment was cancelled.
Thanks so much for letting us know, Heidi! We will be there on Friday to check it out.