CONFIRMED: Disney World Adds a NEW Hotel Location to Its List of CLOSURES

Disney World is always changing, and while it is one of the things that makes it so special, it also means that construction has to happen and areas have to be refurbished!

There is a lot of refurbishment going on at Disney World right now. Numerous attractions are being worked on, hotel pools are temporarily closed, and some stores are also under construction.

One of the more recent closures was the Screendoor General Store at Disney’s BoardWalk. Merchandise locations along Disney’s BoardWalk will be refurbished in phases through May 2025. There will be two merchandise locations available throughout the refurbishment.

Currently, the Screendoor General Store is closed, and when we spoke to a Cast Member, they estimated it would take about 6-7 weeks, and work will continue down the line with Character Carnival next.

Let’s take a look at the other closures that are happening in Disney World this week!

Magic Kingdom

The Hall of Presidents

The Hall of Presidents closed on January 20th and will be reopening later in 2025.

This attraction, which is located in Liberty Square, was an opening day attraction in Magic Kingdom and has been receiving updates every time a new President is elected to the United States. We will keep you updated once a reopening date has been announced!

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 be opening in 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.

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EPCOT

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros

The three Caballeros said goodbye 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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Disney’s 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, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, will be replacing the Cars-themed attraction in the summer of 2025. We recently got a look at some of the villains that will make an appearance during the show. 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, 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. We recently spotted that the Voyage of the Little Mermaid marquee has been removed from the building, so we are excited to see the new sign!

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Kali River Rapids

The water ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom 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 keep our eyes out for updates on a specific date!

TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Game

The first round of closures began in DinoLand, U.S.A., on January 13th, 2025. Construction has also begun on the new land Tropical Americas-themed that will be replacing DinoLand, U.S.A., Pueblo Esperanza.

While part of DinoLand, U.S.A. has closed, Dinosaur, The Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, and the snack stands remain open. Disney hasn’t announced an official closing date for the remaining areas. However, they have stated that “2025 is your year to visit before it goes extinct!” So, we are thinking these areas are expected to remain open through 2025.

Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach swap being open throughout the year.

Blizzard Beach is currently open, and Typhoon Lagoon is 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 — Disney’s 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.

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 30th. 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.

🏆 “Most Improved” Disney World Hotel of 2024 Goes to… 🏆

Those are all of the closures for Disney World this week! Stay tuned to AllEars for more of the latest news from Disney World.

Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments

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