While refurbishments and closures have always been part of Walt Disney World, the current state of temporary and permanent closures at the Magic Kingdom is affecting the park experience at an unprecedented level.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Over the past several months, the popular Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin attractions have both closed for refurbishment. Furthermore, opening day stalwarts, the Rivers of America (including the Liberty Belle Riverboat) and Tom Sawyer Island, closed permanently to make way for the construction of the upcoming Piston Peak area. This has led to issues in both Frontierland and Tomorrowland.
Let’s begin in Frontierland. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed since January of 2025 for a massive refurbishment, which includes the replacement of much of the track as well as the addition of some “new magic.” The legendary coaster is scheduled to reopen in 2026. Meanwhile, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island both closed forever at the beginning of July.
Still more work to be done
The combination of Big Thunder, the Rivers, and Tom Sawyer Island all being down at the same time has left Frontierland essentially an empty maze of construction walls, especially when one passes the Country Bear Jamboree. This leads to a large backlog of crowds as those traveling through the land have nothing to do and nowhere to stop on the way to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at the back corner of the park. Speaking of Tiana’s, Big Thunder’s closure also means that all crowds in this area can ONLY head to the Bayou Adventure flume ride, leading to crowding and longer lines.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
While the reopening of Big Thunder Mountain sometime early in 2026 should alleviate some of these issues, the bottom line is that Frontierland will likely be a bit of a mess for several years until Piston Peak has fully risen out of the former Rivers of America.
Walls near the Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom
Across the park in Tomorrowland, the August 2025 closure of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has created its own set of issues. With the dark ride down, Tomorrowland has lost one of its most reliable people-eating attractions, putting more pressure on the PeopleMover to handle the bulk of Tomorrowland guests who don’t want to ride the coaster-like Space Mountain or TRON Lightcycle/Run.
Operations Suspended!
In addition, Buzz’s closure removes one of the Magic Kingdom’s family-friendly dark ride options, which is severely lacking as it is outside of Fantasyland.
Buzz is scheduled to reopen in 2026, featuring new ride vehicles and blasters, as well as a whole new scene featuring a new character, the robot Buddy. According to Disney, he will ensure “departing Space Rangers are fully prepared for their mission” with a new scene that will allow them to further “hone” their blaster aim before the ride proper begins.
©Disney
The Magic Kingdom is currently dealing with several closures – some for months, others forever – that are creating issues for guests at the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” Stay tuned to DFB for more on the Magic Kingdom’s transformation.
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I wish we could more specific dates about 2026. I know you will keep us up to date with news. I’m hoping for some reopening information for my Spring visit. Thanks.
Prior to Covid I always had an annual pass. The three years prior to Covid closures I was starting to feel that I was seeing more construction walls than things to do. Now it seems to be happening again. Now It’s great to have all of the future “goodies” on the horizon but visiting the park has become harder and all of the construction seems even more daunting.
With Frontierland basically having no rides, does that mean it is easier to get a spot to watch the parade depart from that area?