Disney has long been synonymous with magic and wonder, creating worlds where guests can escape reality. Yet, behind the scenes at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World, a different kind of story is unfolding: one of relentless transformation, dust, and detours. Over the next five years, visitors will find themselves navigating construction zones and temporary closures as Disney embarks on its boldest expansion in decades.
For fans planning a trip anytime soon, it’s a cautionary tale of patience. New lands and attractions promise fresh adventures, but the road there will be bumpy. From Florida’s Magic Kingdom to California’s Disney California Adventure, Disney is reshaping its parks with sweeping projects, aiming to stay ahead in a competitive theme park landscape.
What’s Happening at Magic Kingdom
At the heart of Walt Disney World, Magic Kingdom is in the midst of a major reimagining. The upcoming Piston Peak National Park will introduce guests to a new corner of the Cars universe. This ambitious land will replace classic attractions like Rivers of America, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island, which all closed to guests last summer.
These closures mark the end of some of Magic Kingdom’s most beloved experiences, disorienting longtime fans. Industry insiders predict a 2028 opening for Piston Peak, meaning guests will have to endure years of disruption before stepping into the new world.
In addition, Magic Kingdom is preparing for a Disney Villains-themed land. Early plans suggest immersive rides, dining, and entertainment centered on Disney’s iconic villains, adding a darker, edgier twist to the park’s lineup. Though still in its infancy, this project adds another layer to the extensive overhaul.
Meanwhile, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently closed for a full retracking and refurbishment, with a reopening planned for this year. Even this fan-favorite thrill ride won’t be available for a while, leaving guests to find other Frontierland experiences during the transition.
Changes at Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom has bid adieu to DinoLand U.S.A., soon to be replaced by Tropical Americas — a new land influenced by the vibrant culture of Encanto and the adventurous spirit of Indiana Jones.
EPCOT stands apart from its peers with a more modest slate of updates. The most recent significant project was the retheming of Test Track into Test Track 3.0, which featured new vehicles and an updated storyline. Earlier ambitious plans, like a Mary Poppins attraction and a redesign of Spaceship Earth, have been delayed indefinitely, leaving EPCOT to evolve at a slower, steadier pace.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, big changes are also underway. In recent years, the park has introduced The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and the villain-themed interactive show Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. The looming addition is a Monsters, Inc.-themed land featuring Disney’s first suspended roller coaster inside the Monsters, Inc. factory.
To make way for this expansion, Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo closed permanently last year, ending a 34-year run for the beloved Muppet attraction. While this leaves a noticeable gap in Grand Avenue, fans will get their Muppet fix in a new overlay of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (most recently Aerosmith-themed), reopening this year with Kermit, Miss Piggy, and friends bringing a fresh vibe.
What’s Changing at Disneyland Resort
On the West Coast, Disneyland Resort is equally busy reshaping its footprint. Disney California Adventure will close Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! at some point to make space for a new Avatar-themed land — expanding the immersive bioluminescent world originally introduced at Animal Kingdom’s Pandora. This major expansion is expected to take several years and will impact guest flow and surrounding attractions.
A Coco-inspired attraction is also in early development near Paradise Gardens Park, promising another culturally rich experience, though few details have been shared.
Meanwhile, Avengers Campus is growing with two new rides: Avengers: Infinity Defense, a dark ride, and Stark Flight Lab, a flight simulator. Construction is underway and will affect nearby areas.
DisneylandForward, a 40-year plan, seeks to modernize and expand Disneyland Resort with new lands, hotels, and transportation upgrades. While exciting, these infrastructure projects could add years of disruption around parking and crowd management.
All these developments underline Disney’s commitment to storytelling and innovation, but visitors should brace for noise, closures, detours, and longer waits. As Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said last year at D23: “Only Disney can create the kind of timeless experiences that entertain and inspire people of all ages… we invest in stories that stand the test of time and bring them to life in ways that surprise our guests every day.”
For those wanting a smooth visit, postponing until many projects wrap around 2030 might be wise. Yet, for eager fans, this period offers a front-row seat to Disney’s evolving magic — even if it’s under construction.
Do you plan to visit Disney parks amid these changes?
