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Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a season of transformation at theme parks and tourist destinations worldwide, with several beloved attractions closing permanently or undergoing major refurbishments. Whether you’re planning a trip to Disney World or exploring other iconic locations, it’s essential to know which experiences will be unavailable.
In this blog, we’ll cover six major attractions closing in summer 2025, including details on why they’re shutting down, what’s replacing them, and how these changes might affect your travel plans.
1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom, Disney World)
🔹 Closure Period: January 6, 2025 – 2026
🔹 Reason: Major refurbishment and retheming
One of Disney World’s most iconic roller coasters, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, is closing for an extensive refurbishment that will last well into 2026. This Frontierland favorite, known for its wild-west theming and thrilling drops, is getting a complete overhaul—including new ride vehicles, track upgrades, and enhanced special effects.
What’s Changing?
- The ride will reopen with smoother mechanics and new visual effects.
- The refurbishment also supports construction for the upcoming Cars Land expansion in Frontierland.
📌 Travel Tip: If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom in summer 2025, prioritize other thrill rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Tron Lightcycle Run.
2. Liberty Square Riverboat & Tom Sawyer Island (Magic Kingdom, Disney World)
🔹 Closure Period: Permanent closure in late 2025
🔹 Reason: Replaced by Cars Land
Two classic Magic Kingdom attractions—the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island—are shutting down permanently to make way for a new Cars-themed expansion in Frontierland. These nostalgic, slow-paced experiences have been park staples since 1971, but Disney is shifting toward more IP-driven lands.
What’s Replacing Them?
- A Cars Land similar to Disney California Adventure’s Radiator Springs.
- Rumors suggest a Villains-themed land may also be part of the expansion 6.
📌 Travel Tip: If you love these attractions, visit before late 2025—once they close, they’re gone for good!
3. It’s Tough to Be a Bug (Animal Kingdom, Disney World)
🔹 Closure Period: Permanently closed as of March 17, 2025
🔹 Reason: Replaced by Zootopia: Better Zoogether
This 4D show inside the Tree of Life is closing to make way for a Zootopia-themed experience called Better Zoogether. While It’s Tough to Be a Bug was a fun (and sometimes terrifying) adventure through the world of insects, Disney is capitalizing on the popularity of Zootopia 2, set to release in late 2025.
What’s Next?
- The new Zootopia show will feature characters like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.
- Expected to open around November 2025, aligning with the movie’s release 2.
📌 Travel Tip: If you’re visiting Animal Kingdom in summer 2025, check out Avatar: Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest instead.
4. Muppet*Vision 3D (Hollywood Studios, Disney World)
🔹 Closure Period: Permanently closing June 8, 2025
🔹 Reason: Making way for Monsters, Inc. Land
After over 30 years, the beloved Muppet*Vision 3D is shutting its doors. This fan-favorite attraction, featuring Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the gang, is being removed to make space for a Monstropolis-themed land.
What’s Coming Instead?
- A Monsters, Inc. roller coaster and interactive area.
- The Muppets will still have a presence—Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is being rethemed to a Muppets musical adventure.
📌 Travel Tip: Catch the final shows before June 8—this is the end of an era for Muppets fans!
5. Summer 2025 Test Track (EPCOT, Disney World)
🔹 Closure Period: June 2024 – Late Summer 2025
🔹 Reason: Complete reimagining
Test Track, EPCOT’s high-speed car design attraction, is undergoing a massive overhaul and won’t reopen until late summer 2025. The new version will pay homage to the original World of Motion ride, blending futuristic aesthetics with nostalgic callbacks.
What’s Changing?
- A new storyline focused on sustainable transportation.
- Updated interactive elements and ride mechanics.
📌 Travel Tip: While Test Track is closed, try Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind for your thrill fix.
6. Private Streets in Gion, Kyoto (Japan)
🔹 Closure Period: Permanently closed to tourists in 2025
🔹 Reason: Over-tourism and respect for geisha culture
Kyoto’s historic Gion district, famous for its geishas and traditional teahouses, is closing its private alleys to tourists due to overcrowding and disrespectful behavior. Visitors will no longer be able to wander the side streets where geishas and maikos (apprentices) live and work.
What’s the Alternative?
- Visit the Gion Kagai Art Museum, which offers exhibits on geisha culture.
- Book a cultural tour with licensed guides for an authentic experience.
📌 Travel Tip: Respect local customs—avoid chasing geishas for photos!
Final Thoughts: Should You Visit in Summer 2025?
While these closures may disappoint some Business travelers, they also pave the way for exciting new experiences. If you’re planning a trip:
✔ Check refurbishment calendars before booking.
✔ Prioritize must-see attractions that won’t be available much longer.
✔ Explore alternative experiences—new shows and lands are coming soon!
For Disney fans, 2026 will be a huge year with multiple grand reopenings. But if you want to say goodbye to these classics, summer 2025 might be your last chance.
Which of these closures affects your travel plans the most? Let us know in the comments!
