As the Magic Kingdom embarks on a significant expansion in 2025, several beloved attractions will be closing to make way for new experiences. This article provides an in-depth look at each ride affected by the upcoming changes, including their history, significance, and the timeline for their closures.
Opening Date: September 23, 1980
Overview: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been a cornerstone of Frontierland since its debut. This runaway mine train roller coaster takes guests on a thrilling journey through the canyons and caverns of the Old West. Designed by Imagineer Tony Baxter, the attraction is renowned for its detailed theming, dynamic twists and turns, and the iconic “wildest ride in the wilderness” proclamation.
Closure Details: Scheduled to close on January 6, 2025, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will undergo a major refurbishment, with plans to reopen in 2026. This extensive downtime aligns with the broader transformation of Frontierland, which includes the introduction of a new Cars-themed land. While the exact enhancements to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad have not been detailed, Disney has hinted at adding “a little bit of new magic” to the classic attraction.
Opening Date: May 20, 1973
Overview: Inspired by Mark Twain’s literary classic, Tom Sawyer Island offers guests an immersive adventure playground. Accessible by raft, the island features winding trails, secret tunnels, and interactive elements that capture the spirit of Twain’s stories. It’s a place where both children and adults can explore caves, cross suspension bridges, and discover hidden treasures, all while enjoying a respite from the hustle and bustle of the park.
Closure Details: Tom Sawyer Island is slated for permanent closure in 2025 to make way for the new Cars-themed expansion. The transformation will repurpose the island and the surrounding Rivers of America area, integrating them into the new land that brings Radiator Springs to life within the Magic Kingdom.
Opening Date: October 2, 1971
Overview: The Liberty Square Riverboat offers a serene, 17-minute journey along the Rivers of America aboard the Liberty Belle, a replica of a classic steam-powered paddleboat. Passengers are treated to picturesque views of Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Tom Sawyer Island, accompanied by a narrated history of the American frontier. This attraction provides a unique perspective of the park, allowing guests to relax and take in the detailed landscapes and animatronic scenes along the riverbanks.
Closure Details: In conjunction with the closure of Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Square Riverboat will also cease operations in 2025. The decommissioning of the riverboat is part of the extensive redevelopment of the Rivers of America area to accommodate the forthcoming Cars-themed attractions.
Opening Date: October 1, 1971
Overview: The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade has been a staple of Frontierland since the park’s opening day. This interactive attraction allows guests to test their marksmanship skills using infrared rifles to hit various targets in a Wild West-themed setting. The arcade captures the essence of the American frontier, providing a fun and engaging experience for guests of all ages.
Closure Details: The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade permanently closed on June 24, 2024, as part of the initial phase of the Magic Kingdom’s transformation. Its closure marks the beginning of the extensive changes planned for Frontierland, paving the way for new experiences and attractions.
Opening Date: November 28, 1974
Overview: Located in Tomorrowland, the Astro Orbiter offers guests a chance to pilot their own rocket ships, soaring high above the park and providing panoramic views of the Magic Kingdom. The attraction’s design is inspired by futuristic space travel, with spinning planets and celestial theming enhancing the experience. It’s a family-friendly ride that combines gentle thrills with breathtaking vistas.
Closure Details: Astro Orbiter is scheduled to close on January 13, 2025, for a refurbishment expected to last until summer 2025. While specific details about the updates have not been disclosed, the refurbishment aims to refresh the attraction and enhance the guest experience.
Opening Date: October 1, 1971
Overview: The Hall of Presidents is a signature attraction in Liberty Square, offering an educational and immersive experience that showcases the history of the American presidency. Featuring lifelike Audio-Animatronics figures of all U.S. presidents, the attraction presents a film narrated by a prominent figure, followed by the introduction of each president on stage. It’s a tribute to the nation’s leaders and a celebration of the democratic process.
Closure Details: The Hall of Presidents is set to close on January 20, 2025, with a reopening date yet to be announced. This closure is part of the park’s ongoing efforts to update and maintain its attractions, ensuring they continue to educate and inspire guests.
The upcoming closures and refurbishments are part of the Magic Kingdom’s broader strategy to introduce new and exciting experiences for guests. The transformation of Frontierland into a Cars-themed land is a significant undertaking, aiming to bring the world of Radiator Springs to life with attractions suitable for all ages. While the departure of classic attractions may be bittersweet for long-time fans, these changes reflect Disney’s commitment to innovation and storytelling.
Guests planning to visit the Magic Kingdom in 2025 should stay updated on closure dates and plan accordingly to experience these attractions before they become part of Disney history. While change is inevitable, Disney’s history of reimagining and expanding its parks suggests that these closures will lead to exciting new adventures for future generations.
The Magic Kingdom’s upcoming expansion is expected to be the largest in the park’s history, promising brand-new lands and experiences that will redefine the guest experience. While specific details are still emerging, Disney has confirmed that the project will bring new intellectual properties, immersive storytelling, and innovative ride technology. The introduction of a Cars-themed area, which will repurpose parts of Frontierland and the Rivers of America, signals a shift towards more interactive and dynamic experiences.
Other rumored additions include:
While Disney has yet to announce all the details officially, the scale of this expansion suggests that Magic Kingdom is on the verge of a transformative new era.
For many Disney fans, the closure of long-standing attractions is bittersweet. Attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat hold decades of memories for guests who have visited the park for generations. However, Disney has always balanced nostalgia with innovation. Classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion have evolved over time while maintaining their beloved elements. The upcoming expansion aims to do the same—introducing fresh storytelling while respecting the park’s rich history.
One of the key aspects of Disney’s success is its ability to refresh its parks while maintaining a sense of continuity. While some attractions are being retired or significantly altered, new experiences will continue to create lifelong memories for future visitors.
As 2025 approaches, Magic Kingdom’s transformation is set to bring significant changes to the park’s landscape. The closure of classic attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (temporarily), Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat marks the end of an era but also paves the way for new, groundbreaking experiences. The balance between honoring Disney’s past and embracing its future will ultimately shape the next chapter of Magic Kingdom.
For visitors, this means 2024 may be the last chance to experience some of these attractions before they close. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong Disney fan, taking one last ride on these classics is a must before the park enters its next evolution.
