As October fast approaches, the parks of Walt Disney World are alive with fall festivities; from glowing pumpkins and Halloween overlays to the continued buzz of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. While the spooky season adds extra magic, it also brings a few behind-the-scenes changes. Some attractions are taking a break for refurbishment. Whether you’re mapping out your must-dos or just want to avoid unexpected closures, here’s what to know before your October 2025 visit.
Magic Kingdom
Even the Most Magical Place on Earth needs to do a little maintenance now and then, and this month a few classic attractions are temporarily off the lineup:
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – CLOSED
All right, you junior space rangers, listen up! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed in August for updates and is set to reopen in 2026 with several enhancements. The ride will feature new interactive targets that light up when hit, upgraded ride vehicles, and handheld blasters equipped with always-on lasers in two colors, allowing us space cadets to aim and shoot more effectively.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – CLOSED
Hold onto your hats and glasses, because the wildest ride in the wilderness is taking a break. Big Thunder has been down for scheduled refurbishment since January 2025, and is expected to reopen in Spring 2026. Disney’s recent announcement for the new Rainbow Caverns scene has us all excited for the return, we can’t wait to see what else is in store! Until then, Frontierland feels a little more empty.
Walt Disney World Railroad – ALTERED ROUTE
Also part of Frontierland’s ongoing construction for Piston Peak and Villains Land, the Walt Disney World Railroad has begun operating under a modified route that excludes the Frontierland station. The train now operates as a shuttle between Main Street station and Fantasyland station only. The train will remain in this “shuttle mode” for the next few years, until the new projects are complete.
EPCOT
Spaceship Earth – CLOSED Until 10/25
Over at the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, Spaceship Earth closed on August 25th for some routine refurbishment, and will reopen on October 25th. While the grand and miraculous Spaceship Earth is long overdue for upgrades and maintenance, this shorter refurb period may address only a few tweaks.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Launch Bay – PERMANENTLY CLOSED
A revamped The Magic of Disney Animation will return to Hollywood Studios in 2026, but that means we must say goodbye to Star Wars Launch Bay, which closed for good on September 25th.
Disney Jr. Play & Dance – CLOSED
Just nearby, the Disney Jr. Play & Dance has been closed since the start of summer, and will reopen sometime in 2026.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Kali River Rapids Refurbishment
Kali River Rapids will be temporarily closing for routine maintenance from October 6th through December 2025.
While some attractions will be offline this October, there’s still plenty to enjoy at each park. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for up-to-date info on closures, reopening dates, and showtimes during your visit. Happy travels!
