A popular Disney World restaurant has reopened, and the shenanigans are back! However, while this restaurant has reopened, there are still numerous closures in Disney World that we want you to know about. We always want to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your Disney World trip!

That’s why we want to make sure you know about closures that could impact your Disney World vacation! The good news is that Disney often lets us know about closures beforehand. You can’t control or plan for unexpected closures, BUT you can plan ahead for the planned closures at Disney World. Let’s look at which restaurant just reopened, and what closures are happening this week.

From May 12th through May 21st, 2025, Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge was closed for refurbishment. But we have some good news! The restaurant has officially reopened, and you can once again enjoy the shenanigans and all-you-can-eat fare.

While the closure was only for a short time, we are glad this restaurant is back open! Let’s take a look at what attractions and locations will be closed this week, May 24th through May 31st, at Disney World!

Magic Kingdom

Playground at Dumbo the Flying Elephant

The indoor children’s playground inside the Dumbo the Flying Elephant queue closed for refurbishment on February 24th, 2025. While the playground is closed, the ride is still open and available for kids of all ages to soar through the sky!

The indoor playground is expected to reopen in Spring 2025.

Hall of Presidents

The Hall of Presidents closed at Magic Kingdom on January 20th.

The attraction will be closed until later in 2025, though Disney has not shared a specific date. We will keep an eye out for updates, though! The closure is likely to change the current president, as January 20th marked Inauguration Day. While it is closed, other maintenance and routine work may also be happening.

Astro Orbiter

If you want to blast off into space, you’ll have to head over to Space Mountain because Astro Orbiter is temporarily closed for refurbishment! Astro Orbiter closed as of January 13th and is planned to reopen in the summer of 2025. No specific date has been announced for the high-in-the-sky ride, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled for an update from Disney.

The ride has been completely dismantled and is being refurbished elsewhere. It definitely looks a little barren as you are walking into Tomorrowland right now! However, Disney has filed a permit that could mean the attraction will soon be back in its place in Tomorrowland, and we are starting to see it getting reassembled. Construction walls are back, and the crane is in place to reassemble.

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

On January 6th, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for an extended temporary closure.

The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” will be closed for at least a year and will reopen sometime in 2026. The ride will be undergoing maintenance while it is closed. When it reopens, it will have some “new magic,” according to Disney. We can’t wait to see what changes will be coming to this ever-popular roller coaster! We recently spotted some ride testing happening which was very exciting.

Tomorrowland Terrace

Tomorrowland Terrace is a quick-service restaurant that has been closed since the 2020 pandemic-related closures, but even before that, this spot was only occasionally open.

Once in a while, you’ll see the dining room open as a rest area (and it’s still being used for the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties), but it’s usually all roped off and empty. Disney hasn’t announced when this spot could finally reopen, but we’ll be watching for updates. If you’re looking for a nice spot to hang out in Disney World and take a rest, this could be it!

Tortuga Tavern

Just like Tomorrowland Terrace, Tortuga Tavern is a seasonal restaurant in Magic Kingdom. It has been a bit since we saw it open. Most recently, it was used as a cookie location for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

We had previously spotted shrubs around the restaurant as they worked on the flooring. However, all the shrubs have been taken down now. We don’t know exactly when/if this restaurant will reopen, but we will keep you updated if we learn more!

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EPCOT

Test Track

Test Track closed on June 17th, 2024, and Disney is giving this ride a BIG makeover! Disney has shared that the new version of Test Track will take inspiration from the old ride, World of Motion, that was originally there when the park opened in 1982.

Disney shared more details at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience, and an updated opening timeline was announced! We’ll be able to ride Test Track once again in late summer 2025. We have gotten a look at the new Test Track cars, too. Recently we have even been hearing vehicles running on the track. We are getting closer and closer to its reopening!

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom

It’s Tough to Be a Bug

It’s Tough to Be a Bug is officially closed for good. This attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom invites you to join the bug kingdom on an adventure. While the show didn’t usually make it to the top of favorite attractions in Disney World, it has now officially closed to make way for a new show. 

It’s Tough to Be a Bug closed on March 17th. The show is permanently closed to make way for a brand-new show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”, expected to debut in winter 2025.

TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Games

The first round of closures began in DinoLand U.S.A. on January 13th, 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Game were closed down, and construction has begun on the brand-new land themed to the Tropical Americas, Pueblo Esperanza. The walls have been up since the closure, and things have been disappearing from behind the walls. Almost everything has been taken down behind the walls, including the large green dinosaur.

It is definitely a sad sight, but we are also excited to see Pueblo Esperanza! DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, the snack stands, and The Boneyard remain open. Disney hasn’t announced an official closing date for the rest of DinoLand. However, they have announced that “2025 is your year to visit before it goes extinct!” 

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Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

The Cars-themed show featuring Lightning McQueen permanently closed on October 8th, 2024, to make way for a brand-new Villains show. And the new show opens THIS WEEK!

The Cars show was previously housed in the Sunset Showcase building, but the last day for guests to enjoy it was October 7th. The new Villains show officially has an opening date! It will debut on May 27th, 2025. We got the chance to see a sneak peek of the new show and we had thoughts!

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

As well, Voyage of the Little Mermaid is currently closed in Disney World.  The iconic Voyage of the Little Mermaid marquee has been removed, and it was recently replaced with a brand-new marquee sign! And the best part? The brand-new show opens this week!

Disney is going to introduce a new, updated show in this spot, though it will still be themed to the animated movie The Little Mermaid! The new show will be called “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure,” and will be debuting on May 27th, 2025. It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.”

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

We are getting close to the closure of this Hollywood Studios restaurant. If you have been wanting to have one last meal here, make sure you stop by on May 10th or before, as the restaurant is officially closing for good on May 11th, 2025. 

The restaurant is closing in Muppets Courtyard to make way for the new Monsters, Inc. themed land. Eventually, the rest of Muppets Courtyard will also close, including Muppet*Vision 3D on June 8th, 2025 (last day to experience the show is June 7th). 

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Disney Springs

Starbucks on the West Side

The Starbucks on the West Side of Disney Springs is temporarily closed for refurbishment. It closed on March 3rd, and it is expected to reopen in mid-summer. 

Have no fear, though — you can still get your Starbucks fix in Disney Springs! Head over to the Disney Springs Marketplace location, which will be open during the refurbishment. Caffeine headaches are not allowed in Disney Springs!

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Winter Summerland Miniature Golf

Alright, it is only kind of closing, but we wanted to make sure you were aware! From April 28th until June 16th, 2025, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf will be undergoing refurbishment. However, even though it will be getting refurbished, you can still stop by to play a round of golf. Only ONE course will be open at a time during the refurbishment, so you won’t have your choice of The Summer or The Winter Course; it will just be whichever one is open.

As well, Winter Summerland won’t be taking reservations during this time. If you are looking to play a round, you will just head over to the course as a walk-up. You can also head over to Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf if you are looking for even more mini golf fun. 

Disney World Hotels

Jellyrolls — Disney’s BoardWalk

Jellyrolls at Disney’s BoardWalk officially closed on April 19th, 2025. This entertainment venue has provided our team with countless memories, and we know many others are also sad to see it close. Jellyrolls had its final farewell performance on April 19th and closed its doors forever on Disney’s BoardWalk.

However, this isn’t the end for Jellyrolls, as the bar has said they are “making a move.” We don’t know many details about that move yet, but we will keep you updated.

Stormalong Bay and Hurricane Hanna’s– Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

Stormalong Bay is the shared pool between Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. It features a beach, a lazy river, a large pool, and an exciting pirate ship slide! When we stopped by recently, we noticed that the pool had been filled back up with water. We are getting closer to its reopening.

This pool area will be closed until June for refurbishment. While it’s closed, hotel guests can use the Tidal (Beach Club), Admiral (Yacht Club), and Dunes Cove (Beach Club) leisure pools. Hurricane Hanna’s, the pool bar at Stormalong Bay, will also be closed during the refurbishment.

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Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and determine which works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. They also share expert tips and first-hand advice about your magical vacation.

Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides:

• 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness
• What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride
• 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU!
• A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World!
• The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride

We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB.

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When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments!