Disney has announced a flurry of dates for the closing of multiple attractions at Walt Disney World and also postponed the opening of the newest show coming to Hollywood Studios. Check below to see if your favorite attraction is likely to be available on your next visit:
Big Thunder Mountain
CLOSING DATE: JANUARY 6, 2025 REOPENING: 2026
It has been an open secret for quite some time that this iconic Magic Kingdom attraction would be closing during the construction of the upcoming Frontierland expansion. We have heard that the track is due to be completely replaced, though the announcement of the closing date on Disney's website also states that it "will reopen with a little bit of new magic in 2026." We hope this means the addition of the fun dynamite effects that were added to the Disneyland version of the attraction, but we'll have a long wait to find out. If you're visiting in 2025 or early 2026, it looks like the "wildest ride in the wilderness" will not be on your Magic Kingdom to-do list.
Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama
CLOSING DATE: JANUARY 12, 2025 NEW ATTRACTIONS COMING: 2027
While we don't yet have a hard date for the closure of DINOSAUR, The Boneyard or the dining areas near the Dino Institite like Restaurantosaurus, we do now know when Chester & Hester's beloved roadside attraction will become a relic of the past. The last day to enjoy TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games and Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures will be January 12. All of Dinoland USA will eventually close to make way for Pueblo Esperanza, the newest themed land at Animal Kingdom that is inspired by the tropical regions of the Americas and will feature attractions related to Indiana Jones and Encanto.
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
OPENING DATE POSTPONED TO 2025
The show that has been announced to replace The Voyage of the Little Mermaid in Hollywood Studios (which never reopened after the pandemic) is going to have to wait a bit longer to set sail. Originally slated to open this fall, it has now been delayed until 2025. We're very excited to see this new show that Disney has teased will feature brand new puppets and effects. The delay is especially surprising since they already began casting the show earlier this year.
We are definitely going to be sad to say farewell for more than a year to one of our favorite Disney World attractions – a visit to Magic Kingdom will not be the same without a spin around Big Thunder. Hopefully the thrill of seeing Ursula cast her spell in a new show at Hollywood Studios will lift our spirits and make the delay worth the wait.
Phew, I’m glad Big Thunder isn’t closing before my visit in mid-November. It’s probably one of my favourite rides in all of Disney, and I plan multiple rides when I’m there for the Mickey Christmas party! I rode it 5 times in a row during After Hours in May! Think the front row is my favourite.