Summer crowds are rolling in, the Florida sun is shining, and while there’s plenty of magic to be found around every corner at Walt Disney World, a few fan-favorite attractions are hitting the pause button — or bowing out altogether. Here’s what you need to know about what’s closed at Walt Disney World in July 2025.
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, alongside some major permanent closures:
Under the Sea ~ Journey with the Little Mermaid – TEMPORARILY CLOSING
The Little Mermaid dark ride in Fantasyland will close for routine refurbishment on July 21st, and is set to reopen on July 26th.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – CLOSED
Hold onto your hats and glasses—because this wildest ride in the wilderness is taking a break. Big Thunder is down for scheduled refurbishment and expected to reopen in Spring 2026. While no major changes have been announced, the lengthy refurbishment which began earlier this year leaves us speculating if we’ll be getting that explosive scene from Disneyland…
Rivers of America – PERMANENTLY CLOSING
Magic Kingdom is seeing some of its most significant shifts in years as part of a major expansion effort in Frontierland. To make way for a new Cars-themed area, July 7th marks the permanent closure of the Rivers of America, along with two longstanding experiences that shared the waterway: Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat.
There’s no telling just how much construction will be visible right away, but a massive draining of the river is imminent. Psst… if you have a chance to catch Happily Ever After from this laidback vantage point, be sure to before July 7th!
Walt Disney World Railroad – ALTERED ROUTE
Also part of Frontierland’s construction, the Walt Disney World Railroad will be operating under a modified route that excludes the Frontierland station beginning July 7th. The train will operate as a shuttle between Main Street station and Fantasyland station only.
EPCOT
Test Track – Reopening July 22nd!
Test Track has been closed for months as Disney and Chevrolet collaborate on an all-new version of the high-speed attraction, drawing inspiration from the original World of Motion. Test Track “3.0” will reopen on July 22nd.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios & Disney’s Animal Kingdom
While both parks have some substantial projects on the horizon, both are free from July’s refurbishment calendar.
What’s Next?
While some closures are ongoing or permanent, there’s still new magic arriving this summer. If you’re visiting later in July, don’t miss the all-new Disney Starlight nighttime parade debuting on July 20th in Magic Kingdom, and Test Track reopens just two days later on July 22nd! Happy trails!
