10 MAJOR Changes Coming to Disney World This Fall

Disney World is about to look a whole lot different.

We’re talking ride closures, new entertainment, hotel renovations—basically, there’s a lot shifting behind the scenes (and in front of them) this fall. Whether you’re planning your next trip or just keeping up with the latest, we’ve got the rundown on everything changing at Disney World in Fall 2025. Some of these updates are exciting, some are bittersweet, and others might totally change how you plan your park day. Let’s get into it.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Is Going Away… For Now

If you’re hoping to defeat Emperor Zurg this fall, you’re out of luck. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom is closing for enhancements starting August 4th, 2025. Disney hasn’t said exactly what those enhancements include yet, but we do know the ride will be closed until sometime in 2026.

This ride’s been around since 1998, so it’s due for a refresh—but if this is one of your nostalgic favorites, be sure to get in a few last missions before it temporarily powers down.

Say Hello to “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away”

After years of fan requests, Magic Kingdom is getting a nighttime parade again—and it officially debuts on July 20th, 2025.

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is the park’s first nighttime parade in years, following in the glowing footsteps of SpectroMagic and Main Street Electrical Parade. The new parade is described as being “brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy” from Pinocchio, and it’s loaded with characters, music, and dazzling floats.

Here’s a peek at who you can expect to see in the parade:

• The Blue Fairy
• Peter Pan & Wendy
• Asha from Wish
• La Familia Madrigal (Mirabel, Isabela, and Bruno from Encanto)
• Elsa
• Miguel and Pepita from Coco
• Moana
• Aurora & Prince Phillip, Tiana & Prince Naveen, Belle & Beast, Cinderella & Prince Charming
• Mickey, Minnie, Goofy (in brand-new outfits!), plus Pluto, Donald, Daisy, Snow White & Dopey, Rapunzel & Flynn Rider, and Aladdin & Jasmine

Disney also revealed that the parade will feature its own theme song, with music that blends familiar Disney park melodies and a mix of dance styles from around the world.

The finale float looks epic, and of course, there’s new merch to go with the whole experience. Keep an eye out for light-up ears and a wand that syncs with the music. And if you’re into themed snacks, the Starlight Popcorn Mix at Main Street Confectionery might be your new favorite: candied popcorn, mini marshmallows, M&Ms, sprinkles, and a white chocolate drizzle.

We’ve missed the nighttime parades, and Disney Starlight is shaping up to be a must-see.

Spaceship Earth Is Closing Temporarily

Starting August 25th, 2025, Spaceship Earth at EPCOT will shut down for a routine refurbishment. No major overhauls this time—just the usual touch-ups and maintenance work.

Disney says it’ll reopen later this year, so it shouldn’t be a long closure. Still, if this is a must-do for your family, make sure to hit it before late August. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck staring up at that big geodesic ball without being able to time-travel through the history of communication.

The Boneyard Is Closing for Good

It’s officially happening: The Boneyard in DinoLand U.S.A. is closing permanently on September 2nd, 2025. Its last day of operation is September 1st.

This is all part of the upcoming Tropical Americas transformation coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney hasn’t shared too many details yet, but expect this to be a full-on land makeover—meaning more closures are probably coming soon. If you’ve got little ones who love this dig site playground, now’s your last chance to let them run wild before it’s gone forever.

The Grand Floridian Is Getting a Lobby Refresh

From now through November 2025, the lobby and convention center areas of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are under refurbishment. This is part of the resort’s larger update that’s been happening in phases over the past few years.

The good news? A new lobby bar is on the way. The bad news? Some parts of the lobby may be noisy or partially closed off while construction is happening. If this is your go-to resort for holiday photos or a quiet afternoon tea, just know that the vibes might not be quite as magical this fall.

Polynesian Refurbishments Are Still Going Strong

Over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, refurbishments are continuing through 2026. This includes updates to some guest areas and ongoing construction work around the resort.

If you’re planning a stay here, don’t worry — Disney is doing their best to minimize the impact on guests. But it’s still worth checking ahead to see if your favorite longhouse or view is affected.

Pop Century Is in Full Renovation Mode

It’s a busy time over at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. Guest rooms are getting refreshed from late March 2025 through mid-February 2026, and starting July 21st, the lobby is getting a retro-inspired makeover.

The lobby refresh is expected to last until early October, but the space will stay open and all amenities will still be available. So if you’re visiting during this window, you’ll still be able to check in, grab snacks, and enjoy the pool—but don’t be surprised by some construction walls and that lovely sound of drills in the distance.

Port Orleans – Riverside Is Updating Magnolia Bend Rooms

Another resort joining the upgrade trend: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. Starting in early May 2025 and lasting through February 2026, the Magnolia Bend section of the resort is getting its guest rooms refurbished.

This is one of the more picturesque areas of the resort, with its Southern mansion-inspired buildings. The updates should bring in modern touches without losing that classic charm—but if you’re booking this fall, double-check which buildings will be open.

Wilderness Lodge Is Updating Copper Creek Villas

Through September 2025, the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are undergoing room refurbishments. This is mostly behind-the-scenes stuff, so it shouldn’t affect the rest of the resort too much. But if you’ve booked one of these specific rooms, expect some construction nearby or temporary noise during the day.

Fall 2025 is shaping up to be one of the busiest seasons for Disney World updates in recent memory. Between new shows, ride closures, and hotel renovations, it’s a lot to keep track of—but that’s what we’re here for.

Construction Walls Are Taking Over Frontierland

If you’re heading to Magic Kingdom this fall, don’t be surprised by a lot of construction walls in Frontierland. Starting July 7th, 2025, Disney officially closed Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America to begin work on a brand-new Piston Peak land inspired by the Cars franchise. This is part of a bigger transformation coming to the west side of the park.

Meanwhile, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has already been closed since January for a lengthy refurbishment and isn’t expected to reopen until sometime in 2026. All of this adds up to a big chunk of the park being under construction at once.

Disney hasn’t released a timeline for the Piston Peak project, so if you’re visiting soon, just know that Frontierland will feel very different for a while — less wild west, more temporary maze of walls.

Check back with AllEars again soon for more.

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How do you feel about all these changes? Let us know in the comments!

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