Disney World is currently undergoing quite the makeover! Various parts of the parks are closed to make way for new expansions, like Piston Peak National Park in Magic Kingdom, Pueblo Esperanza in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the new Monsters, Inc. Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Additionally, other areas of Disney World are being refurbished for future enjoyment.
We want to make sure you know about all the closures that are happening in Disney World this week, so you aren’t disappointed when you head over to a favorite attraction only to find out it is having a planned closure.
Let’s take a look at what will be closed between September 28th and October 5th in Disney World!
EPCOT
Spaceship Earth
Spaceship Earth is temporarily in EPCOT for routine refurbishment. The attraction will be closed beginning August 25th, 2025. While we aren’t expecting any major changes to the attraction, you won’t be able to ride it for a bit.
During this time, the Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future exhibit at the exit of the attraction will also be closed. Disney hasn’t announced an exact date it will be reopening, just that it should be reopening later this year. We will keep you updated as we learn more!
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Magic Kingdom
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has temporarily closed for refurbishment as of August 4th, 2025. This popular Tomorrowland attraction will be getting quite a few updates and is expected to reopen sometime in 2026. The ride will be getting a new show scene, updated ride vehicles, and gameplay enhancements.
Some of the gameplay enhancements include new reactive targets and handheld blasters. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will also be introducing a new character. We recently got a chance to look at the new ride vehicle and see the new blasters!
Liberty Square Riverboat, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Rivers of America
The Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island have permanently closed as of July 7th, 2025. We have spotted some construction walls up already, and we have also seen workers on Tom Sawyer Island. As well, the river has been drained.
This area is closing to make way for the new Cars area, called Piston Peak National Park. This will be replacing the Rivers of America and will feature two brand-new attractions. Construction is beginning this year, but Disney has not yet released an opening date for this new area.
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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” officially closed for at least a year on January 6th, 2025! 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!
We have spotted them doing some ride envelope testing, which was very exciting. And we also saw a new train car hidden underneath a tarp. Disney recently stated that a new effect will be added “when the trains rattle their way underground to spectacular natural caverns full of phosphorescent pools,” illuminating stalagmites and stalactites.
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 had seen shrubs around the restaurant as they worked on the ground, but now the shrubs have been removed, and all the seating areas are open. We have also spotted sauces sitting out, but still no luck on the restaurant reopening. However, you can use it as a lovely seating area currently!
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom
It’s Tough to Be a Bug
It’s Tough to Be a Bug has closed for good to make way for the new show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” It’s Tough to Be a Bug was 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, It’s Tough to Be a Bug in Disney’s Animal Kingdom officially closed forever on March 17th.
A new Zootopia show will replace it, and that show will be making its debut on November 7th, 2025. During the show, guests will be welcomed to celebrate Zoogether Day, a day to support unity among the diverse biomes across the city. There are tons of talented animals performing, which we’ll get to watch as a livestream watch party. There will also be a Judy and Nick meet and greet near the Tree of Life
TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, Fossil Fun Games, and The Boneyard
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, Restaurantosaurus, and the snack stands remain open. The Boneyard closed on September 2nd, 2025. Disney recently announced that the rest of DinoLand, U.S.A. will be closing on February 2nd, 2025. So, make sure you plan one last visit!
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Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Animation Courtyard closed on September 25th, 2025. This includes Star Wars Launch Bay, the Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show, and the character meet and greets. “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” located right at the entrance to Animation Courtyard and Walt Disney Presents are still open.
Animation Courtyard is closing down to make way for Walt Disney Studios. This new area in Hollywood Studios will be taking it back to the roots of the studio. This area will feature The Magic of Disney Animation, where animated characters will “come to life.” You will be able to watch portraits interact, see a short film, and even learn to draw Disney character sketches. The current Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will be getting a “fresh” take. As well, there will also be a new Drawn to Wonderland playground area and you will even spot the iconic Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat on top of the building.
Muppets Courtyard including Muppet*Vision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
Beginning June 8th, the Muppets Courtyard is now blocked by construction walls, and both Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo have closed forever. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano closed for good on May 11th, 2025.
The Muppets Courtyard area has been closed to prepare for the new Monsters, Inc. themed land that will be coming to Hollywood Studios. We will definitely miss Muppets Courtyard, but we are also excited to explore the new Monsters, Inc. themed land.
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Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach has been closed since September 8th, 2025. This summer, both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon were open at the same time for the first time in years. However, Blizzard Beach is now closed for refurbishment.
The good news is that if you are looking for a place to cool off, you can still stop by Typhoon Lagoon for lots of fun in the water!
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Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf
From September 9th through November 7th, 2025, the Fantasia Fairways Miniature Golf course will be undergoing refurbishment. This is one of the two courses located at Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf. During this time, the other course, Fantasia Gardens will remain open, but guests will be unable to reserve tee times. Instead, it will be first-come, first-served basis.
Depending on when you head to play some mini golf, you may notice that it is more crowded as one of the two courses will be closed. However, the good news is you can still head play the Fantasia Gardens course. Or you can also head over to Winter Summerland Miniature Golf for additional course option!
Disney World Hotels
Fantasia Kiddie Pool — Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
The Fantasia kiddie pool at the Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort has been closed since September 8th. Disney is expecting to have the pool closed through late October, although there is no exact reopening date yet.
While the Fantasia kiddie pool is closed, the Fantasia Feature Pool and Duck Pond Pool will remain open. Guests can also take advantage of the kiddie pools at Disney’s All-Star Music and Disney’s All-Star Sports.
The Samawati Springs Pool Slide — Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Beginning September 8th, The Samawati Springs Pool Slide at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village will be closed for routine maintenance.
The waterslide at Uzima Springs Pool will still be open during the temporary closure, so you won’t be without a slide. The Samawati Springs Pool will still be available for use, just the slide will be closed.
Jellyrolls — Disney’s BoardWalk
The popular dueling piano bar, Jellyrolls, closed for good at Disney’s BoardWalk on April 19th, 2025. Jellyrolls had its final farewell performance and closed its doors. However, it isn’t the end for Jellyrolls, as the bar has announced it is “making a move.”
We don’t know where or when, but we can’t wait to learn more about Jellyrolls’ future. Of course, we will keep you updated as we learn more about its future.
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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.
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!
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Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments!
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