A Controversial Disney World Attraction Is About to Close Forever

If you are reading this post on March 16th, you have less than a day to experience this iconic Animal Kingdom attraction! However, if you are reading this on March 17th or after, we have some sad news for you.

A well-known Animal Kingdom show is closing this week to make way for a brand-new experience. Plus, we have the details on everything else that will be closed in Disney World this week!

It’s Tough to Be a Bug is closing for good to make way for the new show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” It’s Tough to Be a Bug has been a long-running show housed within the Tree of Life that takes you on an adventure with the characters of A Bug’s Life. 

However, the last day to see It’s Tough to Be a Bug in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is March 16th, as the show will officially close forever on March 17th. This show is a divisive attraction in Animal Kingdom, as many people are not fans of it. However, we already know that the new Zootopia show will replace it, and that show is expected to debut in the winter of 2025.

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

Magic Kingdom

Dumbo the Flying Elephant — Indoor Playground

Beginning on February 24th, the indoor children’s playground in the Dumbo the Flying Elephant queue will close for refurbishment. The attraction itself will remain open and available; only the indoor playground will be closed.

The playground is expected to reopen in Spring 2025. The good news is that the attraction will remain open, so you won’t have to worry about disappointing any kiddos or kids at heart!

The Hall of Presidents

The Hall of Presidents closed on January 20th and will reopen 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 U.S. President is elected. 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! During the refurbishment, the ride itself has been removed from Magic Kingdom and will be refurbished offsite. So, if you are in Magic Kingdom this week, you will notice something big missing in Tomorrowland!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” officially closed for at least a year on January 6th!

The ride is undergoing maintenance, and a “little bit of new magic” is being added to the popular Magic Kingdom ride. It will reopen sometime in 2026!

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.

Tortuga Tavern

Tortuga Tavern is also a seasonal restaurant, just like Tomorrowland Terrace. It hasn’t been as long since we saw this restaurant open, but it has still been a bit. It was most recently used as a cookie distribution location during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

We have been seeing shrubs up around the restaurant and they have been working on the ground in the restaurant. However, Tortuga Tavern is still not showing hours yet.

Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade

Disney filed a permit for work to be done on the new DVC lounge, McKim’s Mile House. The permit includes putting up signage for the new lounge which we are still on the look-out for. The opening day attraction, the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, officially closed on June 23rd.

This closure is to make room for a new DVC lounge opening in Frontierland. This will be the third DVC lounge in Disney World, but we don’t have an opening date yet.

I Go to Disney World Every Day. Here’s Why I’ll Be Avoiding Magic Kingdom Soon.

EPCOT

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. We can’t wait to see what the reimagined Test Track holds for riders!

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.

You Know You’re a True Disney Adult When You’re Obsessed With EPCOT Trash Cans!

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. The Voyage of the Little Mermaid marquee has been removed from the building, so we are excited to see the new sign!

“Aisle Lice” Keep Coming to Our Favorite Place in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and People Will Not Like You if You Are One

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Bat Exhibit at Maharajah Jungle Trek

The bat exhibit on the Maharajah Jungle Trek closed for refurbishment on February 17th, 2025. The area is expected to reopen in early March 2025, so it should be anytime now!

While the bat exhibit is closed for refurbishment, you can still enjoy the rest of the Maharajah Jungle Trek.

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

The first round of closures began in DinoLand, U.S.A., on January 13th, 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Games were permanently closed, and construction walls were put up. Almost all of the buildings and decorations have now been removed. Animal Kingdom’s new land, Tropical Americas-themed, called Pueblo Esperanza, will be replacing DinoLand, U.S.A.

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.

3 Animal Kingdom Restaurants We Avoid at ALL COSTS

Disney Springs

Starbucks on the West Side

The Starbucks location on the West Side of Disney Springs is temporarily closed for refurbishment. The location closed on March 3rd, 2025, and is expected to reopen in Spring 2025.

The good news is that the Starbucks at Disney Springs Marketplace is still open, so you can still get your Starbucks fix in Disney Springs!

What Is LEVEL99? Everything You Need to Know About Disney Springs’ BIG Announcement

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. Typhoon Lagoon will reopen on May 1st, 2025, and Blizzard Beach will close.

Learn more about Blizzard Beach here!

Disney World Hotels

Boat Transportation — Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Beginning February 10th, boat transportation from Disney’s Old Key West Resort to Disney Springs will be unavailable. There will be Disney buses available during this time, though.

The boat transportation is expected to resume in early April 2025.

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!

Currently, almost all the walls are down. Only one food window is still under construction. The Disney World website has also been updated to state that the full menu is available and all the dining is now open. Guests may still hear or see construction, though.

Stormalong Bay — Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

Stormalong Bay is closed from January through June 2025 for refurbishment. When we stopped by recently, we could see lots of work going on at the pool area!

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!

Merchandise Locations — 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 Character Carnival is closed after having finished work on the Screen Door General Store. While Character Carnival is closed, you can still shop at Screendoor General Store or Thimbles & Threads.

A NEW Bar Is Open at Disney Springs, and We Got a First Look

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

Stay tuned to AllEars for all your Disney World news!

How Much Does It Cost to Eat at Disney World’s Cheapest Restaurants?

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

Post a Comment