Big changes are coming to Disney World’s biggest holiday parties this year — and we’re not just talking new snacks or parade floats.

If you’re planning to visit for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, or Jollywood Nights in 2025, you’ll want to pay close attention. Several attractions and restaurants are permanently closed, and yes, they’re going to have a real impact on the party experience. Let’s break down what’s going away, what’s replacing it, and how that’ll shake up your night at these special events.

Magic Kingdom Lost a Chunk of Liberty Square

There are two major permanent closures in Magic Kingdom that are going to change the party vibes in a big way: Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat are officially gone. Both attractions are shutting down to make way for the new Cars-themed “Piston Peak” land, which is exciting — but not helpful for 2025 guests.

If you’re a fan of using Tom Sawyer Island as a quiet retreat or just loved the ambiance of the Riverboat drifting along during party nights… well, that’s over. These closures mean Liberty Square will feel more like a construction zone than a charming frontier area this year. Expect tighter crowds and fewer ways to escape the chaos during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Especially during the Halloween party (which runs August 15th–October 31st), Liberty Square usually leans hard into the spooky theming. It’s home to Haunted Mansion, after all. But with two key areas shut down, we wouldn’t be surprised if that section of the park feels more congested — and less atmospheric — than usual.

During the Christmas Party (happening November 7th–December 21st), Liberty Square typically offers a quieter escape from the craziness of Main Street or Fantasyland. But with these closures? You’ll need to find a new quiet spot (and no, it’s not going to be near the Piston Peak construction walls).

Say Goodbye to Muppets at Hollywood Studios

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Muppets Courtyard is gone. Like, really gone. MuppetVision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s are all officially closed — and Disney isn’t just giving this area a new coat of paint. They’re replacing the whole thing with a brand-new Monsters, Inc. Land, anchored by the upcoming Door Coaster.

That’s a big win for Monsters Inc. fans, but it also means Jollywood Nights in 2025 will feel very different. If you’ve been to Jollywood Nights before (and if not, it’s happening November 8th–December 22nd), you know the Muppets Courtyard was a central hub. It had live entertainment, themed photo ops, and some great specialty snacks. With that whole area under construction, Disney’s going to have to shift the party layout in a pretty major way.

Plus, with those dining locations gone, that’s fewer food options in a park that can struggle with crowd flow and capacity during events. And we don’t know what’s coming in to replace them food-wise yet, so there’s a chance you’ll feel the pinch this holiday season when trying to grab a quick bite between party shows and photo ops.

More Construction Incoming: Animation Courtyard Overhaul

Before Jollywood Nights starts up in December, even more of the park is getting reworked. Star Wars: Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will both shut down permanently to make room for a massive new area called Magic of Disney Animation — but heads up, construction starts this fall, and that will bleed into party season.

The new space is set to open in 2026, and yeah, it sounds super cool — think: interactive animation stations, character sketches, and a whimsical Alice in Wonderland-inspired play area. But while that’s all being built, Animation Courtyard is going to be a hot mess.

During Jollywood Nights, Animation Courtyard has been used for meet-and-greets with rare characters, and it’s a popular place to catch your breath. We’re expecting a lot of that space to be unavailable, or at least visually underwhelming, this year. And with Disney Jr. Play and Dance! closing on September 25th, don’t be surprised if that whole side of the park feels unfinished during the parties.

What This All Means for You

Disney isn’t canceling the parties — far from it. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Jollywood Nights are still very much on the calendar. But what has changed is the layout, atmosphere, and options inside the parks due to these closures.

Here’s the short version:

• Expect more crowding in certain areas (especially Liberty Square and the east side of Hollywood Studios).
• Be ready for missing entertainment zones and possibly fewer character locations.
• Dining options at Hollywood Studios will be a bit more limited during Jollywood Nights.
• There’s going to be visible construction that might break the party magic for some guests.

If you’re heading to one of these holiday events this year, adjust your expectations now. Know where the bottlenecks will be, plan around the missing attractions, and keep an eye out for how Disney adapts to these changes — because we’re expecting some last-minute party updates and workarounds to pop up.

Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World news, plus full coverage from this year’s holiday events!

Check Out Our FULL Guide to Jollywood Nights!

Are you planning on attending any of the holiday parties this year? Let us know in the comments!