It’s (Almost) Christmas! Don’t Be Surprised By These 12 Disney World Closures This Week

We are heading into one of the busiest seasons at Disney World! Can you believe that Christmas is this week? Where did the year go? If you are headed to Disney World this week, make sure to pack some extra patience. It will likely be crowded in the parks, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a magical time.

One thing we don’t want you to be surprised by is planned closures. There are quite a few closures happening right now, so we’re rounding up everything that will be closed in Disney World next week so you can be prepared.

Let’s take a look at what will be closed at Disney World from December 21st to December 28th!

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 receive several updates and is expected to reopen sometime in spring 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 have gotten 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. There are lots of construction walls up around the area, and structures on Tom Sawyer Island have been demolished. 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 replace the Rivers of America and will feature two brand-new attractions. Disney has not yet released an opening date for this new area.

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 spring 2026!

We have even spotted some trains on the track! Disney has 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.

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Harambe Market

Harambe Market temporarily closed on October 20th for refurbishment. It is currently expected to reopen in early 2026.

You will still have lots of tasty quick service options in Animal Kingdom, though, including Flame Tree Barbecue and Satu’li Canteen. We aren’t expecting huge changes at Harambe Market, but we will keep you updated as we learn more!

TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, Fossil Fun Games, The Boneyard, Dino Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites

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. 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 and Restaurantosaurus remain open. The Boneyard closed on September 2nd, 2025. Dino Bite Snacks and Trilo-Bites closed on October 20th, 2025. Disney has 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

Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie

Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie closed for refurbishment on October 20th, 2025. The attraction is expected to reopen on December 27th, 2025.

Disney hasn’t announced what changes, if any, will be happening during the refurbishment, but we will be sure to keep you updated!

Animation Courtyard

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 take it back to the studio’s roots. 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. The new area will be opening in summer 2026!

Muppets Courtyard, including Muppet*Vision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

As of June 8th, the Muppets Courtyard is blocked by construction walls, and both Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo are 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 coming to Hollywood Studios. Progress is being made, and we have noticed that the Muppet*Vision 3D sign has also been taken down. 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! Although keep an eye out, as Typhoon Lagoon has been closing recently due to low temperatures in Orlando. Beginning February 15th, 2026, Blizzard Beach will reopen, and Typhoon Lagoon will be closed for refurbishment.

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Disney World Hotels

Promenade Fine Art Gallery — Disney’s BoardWalk

The Promenade Fine Art Gallery, located on Disney’s BoardWalk, will be moving. The BoardWalk store has been closed since October 20th, 2025. The good news is that the gallery isn’t permanently closing; it’s just moving locations.

We don’t know yet where the art gallery will be moving to, but we will keep you updated as we learn more!

The Paddock Pool and The Paddock Grill — Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

The Paddock Pool, its aquatic play area, and The Paddock Grill at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will be closed from October 13th, 2025, through early December for routine maintenance.

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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