Walt Disney World is heading into one of its most transformative periods in years, with major ride closures, new attractions on the horizon, and park updates designed to keep the experience magical for both first-time visitors and longtime fans. As we move through 2025, exciting announcements have set the stage for what guests can expect this fall and in the years ahead.
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Farewell to a Classic: DINOSAUR Ride Closing
The biggest news is the confirmed closure of the DINOSAUR ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. After years of thrills and adventures through prehistoric jungles, the attraction will take its final guests on February 1, 2026. The following day, construction begins on a new themed area that will transform the park’s DinoLand U.S.A.
This expansion, called Tropical Americas, will feature immersive storytelling inspired by Central and South American culture, history, and Disney films. The land is expected to include a new Indiana Jones-themed adventure, as well as an Encanto-inspired experience inside the magical Casita. For Animal Kingdom, this marks the beginning of a new era, moving away from dinosaurs and toward vibrant landscapes full of music, folklore, and color.
A New Show: Zootopia at the Tree of Life
Another big addition is coming to Animal Kingdom this fall. On November 7, 2025, a brand-new show titled Zootopia: Better Zoogether! will debut inside the Tree of Life theater. Replacing the long-running It’s Tough to Be a Bug!, this updated attraction brings Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other characters into a lively production celebrating teamwork, fun, and adventure.
With its state-of-the-art visuals and storytelling, the show is expected to draw large crowds, especially from families eager to see Disney’s modern animated hits represented in the parks.
Hollywood Studios Transformation
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also preparing for big changes. The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, known for its high-speed thrills with Aerosmith, is set for a complete re-theme. The ride will reopen in 2026 as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, featuring Scooter and the Electric Mayhem band. The tracks will remain the same, but the storyline, music, and visuals will be brand-new, creating a quirky, humorous experience in true Muppet style.
Fans of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge also have reason to be excited. Beginning in 2026, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will introduce new mission options. Guests will be able to choose their destinations, including iconic planets from the Star Wars saga, with fresh interactions and the addition of Grogu to the storyline.
Magic Kingdom Refurbishments
The Magic Kingdom is not being left out of the updates. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed in August 2025 for a major refurbishment. When it reopens in 2026, guests will find enhanced ride vehicles, brighter targets, upgraded blasters, and improved animatronics. This update aims to make the game more competitive and interactive, ensuring that the ride stays popular for years to come.
Another striking announcement is the planned update to the Cinderella Castle color palette. The current pink and blue scheme will be replaced with a timeless mix of soft grays, creams, traditional blues, and shimmering gold accents. The goal is to make the castle look more elegant and reflective under Florida’s sunshine, while also giving guests’ photos a more classic backdrop.
EPCOT Welcomes Back a Fan Favorite
After more than a year of refurbishment, Test Track at EPCOT reopened in July 2025. The ride’s relaunch features refreshed story elements, highlighting innovation and mobility in transportation. Guests still enjoy the iconic high-speed finale, but the queue, visuals, and soundtrack have been completely updated. The result is a smoother, more engaging version of one of EPCOT’s most popular attractions.
Expansion Plans for 2026 and Beyond
The upcoming years will bring even more dramatic changes.
- Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom will open in phases, adding multiple new attractions, dining options, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
- Hollywood Studios will see the transformation of Animation Courtyard into a refreshed entertainment hub, making space for new experiences while preserving its film-inspired roots.
- Villains Land, rumored to be part of the broader Magic Kingdom reimagining, continues to generate excitement, as fans eagerly await a dedicated space celebrating Disney’s most iconic villains.
What This Means for Guests
For visitors planning a trip to Walt Disney World in the next year, these changes mean more variety but also the need for careful planning.
- Some attractions are closing permanently, so guests wanting to experience classics like DINOSAUR must plan visits before early 2026.
- Refurbishments may temporarily affect wait times and traffic flow in certain parks.
- New shows and re-themed rides provide fresh reasons to return, even for those who visit regularly.
- The castle’s updated look will offer a once-in-a-generation photo opportunity as it transforms over the coming months.
Summary of Key Changes
| Attraction / Area | Park | Status | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DINOSAUR Ride | Animal Kingdom | Closing | Last day Feb 1, 2026 |
| Zootopia Show | Animal Kingdom | Opening | Nov 7, 2025 |
| Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster | Hollywood Studios | Re-theming to Muppets | 2026 |
| Millennium Falcon Missions | Hollywood Studios | New options | May 2026 |
| Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin | Magic Kingdom | Closed for updates | Reopens 2026 |
| Cinderella Castle | Magic Kingdom | Color palette change | Announced 2025 |
| Test Track | EPCOT | Reopened | July 2025 |
Final Thoughts
The next few years promise to reshape Walt Disney World in ways that balance nostalgia with innovation. Long-time attractions are saying goodbye, while modern favorites and cultural stories are taking their place. For guests, this means each trip feels new, whether it’s witnessing the castle’s transformation, exploring a reimagined ride, or stepping into the Tropical Americas expansion.
As you plan your visit, which of these changes excites you the most? Share your thoughts and let us know what you’re most looking forward to experiencing at Walt Disney World.
