Important Disney World Upcoming Closure Dates & Planning Tips

✨ What’s Under Refurbishment — Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom is closed January 6, 2025 and remains shut through 2026 for a major multi‑year

• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close August 4, 2025, reopening sometime in 2026.

• Walt Disney World Railroad (Frontierland Station) entered “shuttle mode” beginning July 7, 2025 while track upgrades continue; full operations remain paused.

• The Dumbo the Flying Elephant indoor playground queue is closed since February 2025 for refurbishment, now expected to reopen “later in 2025.”

• Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid was briefly closed July 21–25, 2025, with a reopening on July 26, 2025.

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🌳 Animal Kingdom & DinoLand USA

• The Boneyard play area (Dinoland) closes permanently September 1, 2025 to make way for the upcoming Tropical Americas expansion.

• It’s Tough to Be a Bug! closed permanently March 16, 2025, for replacement by the new Zootopia: Better Zoogether! show, expected by late 2025.

• DINOSAUR ride remains open through 2025; a closure is anticipated in early 2026.

💦 Water Parks & Transportation

• Blizzard Beach operates from May 21 through September 7, 2025. After that, Typhoon Lagoon typically continues seasonally.

• The Disney Skyliner gondola system will close January 25–31, 2026 for its annual refurbishment. Complimentary bus service will be available for impacted Skyliner resort guests.

  
  

  🏨 Resort Projects & Room Renovations

• Port Orleans Riverside – Magnolia Bend rooms are being refreshed from April 2025 through January 2026.

• Disney’s Pop Century guest rooms refurbished from late March 2025 to mid‑February 2026, plus lobby updates from July 28 to early October 2025.

• Bay Lake Tower and parts of Disney’s Contemporary Resort undergo room and select-area refurbishments several months through July 2026.

• Copper Creek Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian lobby, Polynesian Village exterior areas, and Yacht/Beach Club porte cochères also under refurbishment during various spans of 2025‑2026

  
  

✍️ Planning Tips for Our Disney Travelers

✅ 1. Prioritize “must-do” attractions early

With Big Thunder Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, and Boneyard offline or closing soon, continue to prioritize rides that are still open—but may have crowds due to closures.

✅ 2. Consider itineraries with flexibility

Expect unplanned downtime, especially at busy rides. Buffer your days by booking less time-sensitive attractions or shows later in the day.

✅ 3. Plan around transport enhancements

If staying at a Skyliner-connected resort in late January 2026, allow extra travel time and consider alternate transport options—Disney will provide compensatory bus service.

✅ 4. Resort choice considerations

If you value peace and minimal construction visibility, avoiding Port Orleans Riverside, Pop Century, or Contemporary/Bay Lake Tower until post‑July 2026 may be wise. Otherwise, construction activity tends to be daytime-only and may not impact all areas.

✅ 5. Expect phased park expansions

Construction walls, restricted pathways, and re-routed walkways are increasingly common—especially around DinoLand USA, Frontierland (Cars expansion), Hollywood Studios, and more.

🗓️ Summary Table of Key Closures

Experience	Closure Period	Notes
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad	Jan 6, 2025 → through 2026	Magic Kingdom major refurbishment
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger	Aug 4, 2025 → reopening in 2026	Tomorrowland overhaul
Boneyard (Dinoland USA)	Closes permanently Sept 1, 2025	Replaced by Tropical Americas
It’s Tough to Be a Bug	Permanently closed March 16, 2025	Replacing with Zootopia show
Skyliner Gondolas	Jan 25–31, 2026	Resort-connected transportation
Port Orleans Riverside rooms	Apr 2025 → Jan 2026	Magnolia Bend rooms
Pop Century (rooms & lobby)	Mar 2025 → Feb 2026 (interim lobby)	Full refurbishment cycle
Contemporary / Bay Lake Tower	Ongoing through July 2026	Select-area updates & pool closures

✈️ Quick Tips for Booking with Pixie Fueled Adventures

1. Share these key dates—we’ll help you choose the best dates to avoid closures.

2. Suggest nearby alternative resorts during your travel window.

3. Build buffer time into itineraries—so favorite rides still shine, even if closures sneak in.

4. Recommend quieter parks or attractions less affected by closures, such as new arrivals or indoor shows.

Planning wisely with a Pixie Fueled itinerary ensures that guests can still experience the joy and magic of Disney, even during periods of change.

Let us know your travel dates, and we’ll tailor your adventure—even around the refurbishment schedule!