It’s starting to feel like every time you check the Disney World app, something new is closed. Whether it’s an attraction, restaurant, transportation service, or even a pool, closures are popping up all over the place. Yep—Disney World is in its “closure era,” and it’s getting harder to keep up.
The latest spot to go temporarily dark? Sebastian’s Bistro over at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. The restaurant is closing down starting today, March 24, 2025, for a short refurbishment. Thankfully, it’s only expected to be offline for a few days, but it still adds to the growing list of locations currently unavailable to guests.
And trust us—there are plenty more where that came from.
A Wave of Refurbishments and Retirements
Attractions across all four theme parks are either being updated, completely reimagined, or permanently retired. At Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closed until 2026. Astro Orbiter is missing in action and not expected to return until this summer.
Meanwhile, long-time restaurants like Tomorrowland Terrace and Tortuga Tavern continue to sit unused, with no reopening dates in sight.
Hollywood Studios has also said goodbye to a couple of fan favorites. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy has closed permanently, making room for a new villains-themed stage show. And Voyage of the Little Mermaid has taken its final bow, clearing the stage for an updated version coming later this summer.
Animal Kingdom Is Transforming Fast
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is probably seeing the biggest transformation. It’s Tough to Be a Bug officially closed this month to make way for a brand-new Zootopia show. And DinoLand U.S.A.? It’s basically disappearing before our eyes. Multiple rides, shops, and games are gone, and construction walls are already in place for the upcoming Tropical Americas-themed land, Pueblo Esperanza.
The only parts still operating are Dinosaur, Restaurantosaurus, and The Boneyard—but Disney is encouraging fans to visit in 2025 “before it goes extinct,” which feels like a clear hint that more closures are coming.
Don’t Forget the Hotels and EPCOT
Hotel guests aren’t safe from the closure chaos either. Stormalong Bay at the Yacht and Beach Club is closed until June, Fantasia Pool at All-Star Movies is down until the end of April, and the Old Key West water taxi service is suspended until further notice.
EPCOT’s Test Track is also undergoing a major overhaul and won’t reopen until late summer. Restaurant Marrakesh is still operating in lounge mode rather than a full-service restaurant, which has been disappointing for longtime fans of the Morocco Pavilion.
So, yeah—if you’re planning a trip to Disney World soon, don’t be surprised if your itinerary needs adjusting on the fly. We’re smack in the middle of Disney’s “closure era,” and while it’s all in the name of progress, it definitely makes visiting the parks more unpredictable right now.
