Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Disney World is evolving in a big way, with plans for massive expansions in Magic Kingdom and a transformation of Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand into the Tropical Americas. But while exciting new experiences are on the horizon, several beloved attractions are currently closed indefinitely—some for refurbishments, others for complete overhauls.
Credit: Reinhard Link, Flickr
If you’re heading to the parks soon, you’ll want to be aware of these closures, as Disney hasn’t confirmed exact reopening dates for most of them. Let’s break down each affected ride and what’s happening behind the scenes.
Test Track: EPCOT’s High-Speed Overhaul
Test Track is officially closed for reimagining, and Disney is staying tight-lipped about the details. We know Chevrolet is working with Imagineers to refresh the attraction, but will it still have the beloved “design-your-own-car” feature? Will it remain the fastest ride in Disney World?
What we do know is that Disney has given a broad “late summer 2025” reopening timeframe, though delays could push it even further. Until then, thrill-seekers in EPCOT will have to turn to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or Mission: SPACE to get their adrenaline fix.
Credit: Flickr/Joe Penniston
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: A Long Wait for a Wild Ride
One of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic coasters is now out of commission for a major refurbishment, and it won’t return until 2026. Disney has promised that the attraction will reopen “with a little bit of new magic,” but they haven’t explained what that means.
Could we see updated effects, a smoother track, or even some new storyline elements? It’s all speculation at this point, but one thing is for sure—fans of the “wildest ride in the wilderness” are in for a long wait.
Astro Orbiter: Grounded for the Foreseeable Future
Over in Tomorrowland, Astro Orbiter is currently closed, with no confirmed reopening date beyond a vague “summer 2025” estimate. This classic spinner may not be the most popular ride in Magic Kingdom, but it offers one of the best views of the park.
If you were hoping to take a high-flying spin, you’ll need to make alternative plans—perhaps a ride on the PeopleMover, which at least offers some great Tomorrowland scenery while staying firmly on the ground.
Credit: Disney
Hall of Presidents: A Political Pause
As expected, the Hall of Presidents has closed following the 2024 election, with Disney preparing the attraction for an updated show featuring Donald Trump. This tradition of adding the newly elected president’s animatronic dates back decades, but this time, it’s historic—Trump is the first president since Grover Cleveland to serve non-consecutive terms.
The attraction is expected to return “later in 2025,” though Disney hasn’t shared a specific timeline. Given past election-year refurbishments, it could be several months before guests can once again experience this tribute to American history.
How These Closures Impact Your Disney Trip
With no confirmed reopening dates for most of these attractions, guests visiting in 2025 may need to adjust their expectations. Some closures, like the Hall of Presidents, were expected. Others, like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s extended downtime, are a little harder to swallow.
While Disney is clearly focused on its future expansions, the present-day experience is seeing some growing pains. If these closures affect your upcoming trip, planning around them will be key. Stay tuned for updates, and hopefully, these attractions will return better than ever.
