The Happiest Place on Earth
These past few years have been quite transformative for Disney, with new attractions replacing old ones. As with all changes, fans are divided. It’s exciting to welcome the new areas, but it’s going to be hard to let go of others. Will your favorite attractions still be here next year?
1. Liberty Square River Boat
Very recently, Disney announced a new Cars area, but that requires space. To make up for this space, they’ll be removing the Liberty Square Boat. This boat was an adorable colonial-era vessel that provided a relaxing tour of Tom Sawyer Island, which will also be leaving.
2. A Bug’s Life
Most people fondly remember 1998’s A Bug’s Life as a family-friendly and insightful movie. However, the nostalgia glasses will have to come off as it’s being replaced by a Zootopia-themed attraction instead. For years, the Bug’s Life movie would be played in the Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life, but it will soon be replaced by Zootopia: Better Together.
3. Dinosaurs
The dinosaur ride is officially going extinct. In Animal Kingdom, DinoLand had plenty to offer, from fossil games to dinosaur models to appreciate. This one’s getting replaced by a Tropical Americas-themed land instead. That means for many, 2025 would likely be the last year to check out the ride.
4. Tom Sawyer Island
Tom Sawyer’s Island will also be making its goodbye as early as July 7th, so if you haven’t seen it yet, get to it! Tom Sawyer Island was located in the Rivers of America and had everything from climbing opportunities to beautiful scenery. They even added a pirate lair at one point for some Pirates of the Caribbean references.
5. Muppet Vision
There’s nothing quite like Muppets in 3D, and this show has pleased audiences for ages. However, this is getting replaced by a Monsters, Inc.-themed attraction. What makes this all the more bittersweet is the fact that it was one of Jim Henson’s final projects.
6. The Boneyard
Also in Animal Kingdom, Disney built on the dinosaur fun by adding a Boneyard, which is essentially a site to dig up fossils. It’s interactive, and even a bit mysterious, and kids can dig up everything from Triceratops to T-Rex fossils. However, this site will no longer be available after September 1.
7. Rivers of America
Of course, considering the closure of Tom Sawyer’s Island and the riverboat, it makes sense that we’ll be losing the Rivers of America. This artificial river was the mainstay of Frontierland, and it surrounded the beloved Tom Sawyer Island. Luckily, other Disney parks around the world will still have their own river systems intact.
8. Tortuga Tavern
Following the closure of the Rivers of America, fans will also have to say bye to Tortuga Tavern. This pirate-themed restaurant had everything from burgers to sandwiches and felt right at home in Adventureland. Unfortunately, the last day to enjoy it will be July 24th.
9. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster
If you’re sad about the loss of the Muppets, this might cheer you up. Disney has decided to move key players like Kermit and Miss Piggy to Sunset Boulevard instead. However, this means they will be replacing the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster ride currently residing there.
10. Big Thunder Mountain
Don’t panic! Thunder Mountain will be back. However, it too will be closing until 2026 for refurbishment. This might make Magic Kingdom feel a little less than, but luckily, it will be returning, unlike others on this list.
Now that we talked about 10 attractions that are closing, here are 10 favorites to tick off your list when you visit.
1. Haunted Mansion
Before the movie, there was the ride, which usually isn’t how these things go. But either way, the Haunted Mansion involves a ghostly tour of a private residence full of supernatural surprises. The musical number is perfectly creepy, and the scares are mildly frightening, but the nostalgic value and vibes are what you’re there for.
2. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Ever since Disney purchased Star Wars, they’ve been working hard to make the most of the IP. To that end, the Rise of the Resistance attraction is unlike any other. There are multiple ride systems that will engage you, whether you’re visiting the Black Spire Outpost or gathering recruits for a secret mission.
3. Tron Lightcycle Run
Located in Tomorrowland, the Tron Lightcycle Run is the perfect ride for thrill seekers. It’s a bit more intense with big drops and a dark atmosphere, but it’s as fun as it gets. It’s based on the Disney sci-fi film Tron, and you can definitely feel the stakes as you soar through.
4. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
There’s nothing scarier and more exhilarating than a drop tower ride. That’s what this ride offers, all with the flair of the spooky show, The Twilight Zone. The ride is set up to look like the fictional Hollywood Tower Hotel, and the supernatural influences are clear to see.
5. Kilimanjaro Safaris
When visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’ll probably go in wanting to actually see some animals. This is what Kilimanjaro Safaris offers, as you peruse aboard a vehicle through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. It’s a great way to enjoy African animals without having to go too far from home.
6. Fantasmic
Disney is also known for its shows, especially its nighttime shows. It’s an especially ambitious and exhilarating show, as it begins with Mickey dreaming up scenarios. The show has everything from an Elsa song to a Pocahontas moment to an Aladdin chase, and so much more.
7. Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean is a classic Disney property that fans keep coming back for. We’ll never get over how iconic Captain Jack Sparrow is, and this ride doubles down on all the fun of being a pirate on the high seas. The ride uses audio animatronics and visual gags to fully immerse you in the environment, making for a lasting experience.
8. Avatar Flight of Passage
The Avatar movies can leave a lot of people breathless, with their imaginative world and stunning visual effects. The Disney ride emulates the same feeling, as the screen-based attraction fully immerses you in the ride. You fly through Pandora in this simulator, and it’s undeniably fun.
9. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Marvel is another significant property that fans of Disney adore. To that end, the Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT is a thrilling experience that blends story with fun. The roller coaster will give you the thrill you’ve been looking for, and the humor and music will make you feel like you’re right there in a Guardians of the Galaxy movie.
10. Happily Ever After
You’re probably familiar with the fireworks show that happens right above Cinderella’s Castle in Disney films? Well, you have to be sure to catch them in real life when you visit Disney. This was technically replaced by the Disney Enchantment show, but the Happily Ever After fireworks are known to sneakily return, so keep an eye out.
