Walt Disney World Resort is currently undergoing several significant changes across its parks. This week marks the permanent closure of Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios, alongside other temporary and permanent closures affecting attractions, dining, and resort facilities. These changes are part of ongoing development projects aimed at introducing new themed lands and updated experiences for guests.
Key Takeaways
- Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios closes permanently on September 25, 2025, making way for Walt Disney Studios.
- EPCOT's Spaceship Earth is closed for refurbishment starting August 25, 2025, with no exact reopening date announced.
- Magic Kingdom's Rivers of America and surrounding areas closed permanently on July 7, 2025, for the new Piston Peak National Park.
- DinoLand, U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom is being replaced by Pueblo Esperanza, with phased closures ongoing.
- Blizzard Beach water park is closed for refurbishment as of September 8, 2025, while Typhoon Lagoon remains open.
Hollywood Studios Undergoes Major Transformation
Disney's Hollywood Studios is experiencing a notable transformation this week. The Animation Courtyard area is scheduled for permanent closure on September 25, 2025. This closure includes popular attractions such as Star Wars Launch Bay, the Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show, and several character meet and greet locations.
However, "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure," situated at the entrance to Animation Courtyard, and Walt Disney Presents will continue to operate. The closure of Animation Courtyard is to facilitate the development of a new area named Walt Disney Studios. This new section aims to honor the studio's legacy.
Introducing Walt Disney Studios
The upcoming Walt Disney Studios area will feature "The Magic of Disney Animation." Here, guests will experience animated characters interacting with their surroundings. The plans include interactive portraits, a short film viewing, and opportunities to learn how to draw Disney characters. The existing Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show will receive an update, described as a "fresh" take. Additionally, a new Drawn to Wonderland playground area is planned. An iconic element, Mickey's Sorcerer Hat, will also be visible atop a building in this new land.
"The development of Walt Disney Studios represents a commitment to the foundational artistry of animation, bringing classic elements to life in new ways for our guests," a Disney spokesperson stated.
Fact: Disney's Hollywood Studios Changes
- Animation Courtyard: Permanent closure on September 25, 2025.
- New Area: Walt Disney Studios will replace it, featuring animation-themed experiences.
- Muppets Courtyard: Closed permanently as of June 8, 2025, for a new Monsters, Inc. land.
EPCOT and Magic Kingdom Refurbishments
Beyond Hollywood Studios, other Disney World parks are also seeing significant operational changes. EPCOT's iconic Spaceship Earth attraction closed on August 25, 2025, for routine refurbishment. While major structural changes are not anticipated, the ride will be unavailable for an unspecified period. The Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future exhibit, located at the attraction's exit, is also closed during this time. Disney has indicated a reopening later this year, but a specific date has not been provided.
Magic Kingdom's Extensive Overhaul
Magic Kingdom is undergoing several extensive projects. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland closed on August 4, 2025, for refurbishment. This popular attraction is expected to reopen in 2026 with new show scenes, updated ride vehicles, and enhanced gameplay. The enhancements include new reactive targets and handheld blasters. A new character will also be introduced to the ride experience.
Background: Piston Peak National Park
The Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island, permanently closed on July 7, 2025. This area is being redeveloped into Piston Peak National Park, a Cars-themed land. Construction walls are already in place, and the river has been drained. This new land will feature two new attractions, with construction beginning this year. An opening date has not yet been announced.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, known as the "Wildest Ride in the Wilderness," closed for at least one year on January 6, 2025. The ride is undergoing maintenance and will receive new effects. 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," creating illuminated stalagmites and stalactites. It is expected to reopen in 2026.
Changes at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom is also experiencing notable closures and new developments. The show "It’s Tough to Be a Bug" permanently closed on March 17, 2025. This closure makes way for a new show, "Zootopia: Better Zoogether!", set to debut on November 7, 2025. The new Zootopia show will celebrate unity among the city's diverse biomes, featuring various animal performers. A Judy and Nick character meet and greet will also be available near the Tree of Life.
DinoLand, U.S.A. Transformation
DinoLand, U.S.A. is being replaced by a new Tropical Americas-themed land called Pueblo Esperanza. The first phase of closures in DinoLand, U.S.A. began on January 13, 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Games were permanently closed, and construction walls were erected. Most buildings and decorations in this section have since been removed. The Boneyard closed on September 2, 2025. Disney recently announced that the remaining areas of DinoLand, U.S.A. will close on February 2, 2026. Dinosaur, Restaurantosaurus, and snack stands remain open until then.
- Permanent Closures: TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures, Fossil Fun Games, The Boneyard.
- Replacement: Pueblo Esperanza, a Tropical Americas-themed land.
- Remaining Open: Dinosaur, Restaurantosaurus, and snack stands until February 2, 2026.
Water Parks and Resort Amenities
Blizzard Beach water park has been closed since September 8, 2025, for refurbishment. This past summer marked the first time in years that both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon were open concurrently. Guests looking for water park activities can still visit Typhoon Lagoon, which remains open.
Fantasia Fairways Miniature Golf course is undergoing refurbishment from September 9 to November 7, 2025. During this period, the other course, Fantasia Gardens, will remain open but will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may experience higher crowds due to the single course availability. Winter Summerland Miniature Golf offers an alternative option.
Resort Pool and Entertainment Closures
At Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, the Fantasia kiddie pool has been closed since September 8, 2025. This closure is expected to last through late October. The Fantasia Feature Pool and Duck Pond Pool at the resort remain open. Guests can also use the kiddie pools at Disney’s All-Star Music and Disney’s All-Star Sports resorts.
The Samawati Springs Pool Slide at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village closed on September 8, 2025, for routine maintenance. The main Samawati Springs Pool remains open, and the waterslide at Uzima Springs Pool is still available for guests. Jellyrolls, the dueling piano bar at Disney’s BoardWalk, permanently closed on April 19, 2025. The establishment has announced it is "making a move" to a new, undisclosed location, with details to be shared later.
