Disney announces closing dates for Big Thunder Mountain, DinoLand and more

Disney announces closing dates for Big Thunder Mountain, DinoLand and more

As a lifelong Disney World enthusiast with countless memories etched into the enchanted landscapes of these magical lands, I find myself both excited and saddened by the upcoming changes that are on the horizon. While it’s always bittersweet to see beloved attractions close for refurbishment, I understand the necessity for growth and evolution in the ever-expanding world of Disney.


Hey there fellow gamers (and Disney fans!), get ready for some major shake-ups at Disney World! Several of our favorite attractions are about to close down. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening:

Frequent visitors to Disney World understand that attractions occasionally need maintenance, which can range from a short period of weeks to longer spans. This is particularly true for older rides or those impacted by larger renovation projects. As Disney World prepares for some significant changes, certain attractions are facing extended closures. Here’s a brief guide on the subject!

Big Thunder Mountain is closing for a year

If you want to get on “The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness,” you only have a few months to get there. Disney announced that Big Thunder Mountain will close for a lengthy refurbishment on January 6, 2025 and won’t reopen until 2026.

Closing down for an entire year is quite a significant step for this attraction, but it does appear necessary as part of the major overhaul expected in Frontierland. This renovation involves removing the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island to make way for two new “Cars” rides. Additionally, there are plans for a Villains Land situated outside of Frontierland, which might lead to alterations that could potentially make it trickier to reach Big Thunder.

The allure could use a refresh after quite some time. The Disneyland variant underwent an upgrade in 2013, introducing a fresh track, special effects, and a more impactful finale. It seems plausible that the WDW version is now catching up to add quicker vehicles and improved effects to keep things exciting. Here’s hoping the revamp doesn’t incorporate a new intellectual property related to Cars, but the extended closure suggests Disney intends to elevate this timeless ride further.

The DinoLand transformation begins

Fans who love DinoLand USA in Disney’s Animal Kingdom have been aware that its days are numbered. Disney is planning to revamp this area by incorporating both Encanto and an Indiana Jones attraction into the mix. This major transformation comes with the closing date of the Dinosaur ride yet to be announced, though some reports suggest that certain animatronic dinosaurs have already been taken away.

Disney has officially announced that the park closure will be carried out gradually, with the initial phase taking place on January 12, 2025. This marks the last operating day for attractions such as TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures.

Fans only have a few months left to savor the original DinoLand USA before it becomes extinct, effectively closing down this iconic section in Disney’s Animal Kingdom (DAK).

The Little Mermaid’s Journey is delayed

Despite all the shutdowns, fans are excited to learn about the upcoming debut of The Little Mermaid-A Musical Adventure at Hollywood Studios. This new production will take over from the long-standing Voyage of the Little Mermaid, a captivating blend of puppetry, video, and live performances that brought the 1989 Disney classic to life. It first opened in 1991 and remained a favorite until it was temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Disney has plans to unveil an updated version of their production, featuring revamped puppets, enhanced special effects, new renditions of beloved songs, and additional features. Originally slated for a fall release this year, Disney has now announced that it will debut in the summer of 2025 instead. This postponement is likely due to the need for extra time to perfect the upgraded effects and refurbish the theater itself.

It’s clear that Disney will likely disclose more closing times or opening dates for rides soon. This information can be helpful for guests planning their future trips!

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2024-10-15 16:57

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