The heat is still hanging on in Florida, but summer’s peak is winding down — and at Walt Disney World, signs of spooky season are already starting to appear. With Halloween decorations creeping onto Main Street, U.S.A. and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicking off in mid-August, the parks are shifting gears. Alongside the festive changes, a few popular attractions will be closed for refurbishment. Here’s a look at what’s closed at Walt Disney World in August 2025, so you can set expectations and plan your visit with fewer surprises!
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
All right, you junior space rangers, listen up! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close on August 4th 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 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 CLOSED
Magic Kingdom is seeing some of its most significant shifts in years as part of a major Frontierland expansion. To make way for a new Cars-themed area, a large chunk of Liberty Square permanently closed last month, including the Rivers of America, 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.
Walt Disney World Railroad – ALTERED ROUTE
Also part of Frontierland’s construction, 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 Villains Land construction is complete.
EPCOT
Spaceship Earth will be temporarily closing for refurbishment beginning August 25th, and reopen later this year (most likely in time for the busy holiday season). 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 & Disney’s Animal Kingdom
While both parks have some substantial projects on the horizon, both are free from August’s refurbishment calendar!
While some attractions will be offline this August, 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.
