August may seem like the most exciting month for Disney fans this year, and while I find that to be true as a lifelong Disney fan myself, September is also a busy time!

Attractions are permanently closing, new experiences are opening, and you could miss Magic Kingdom fireworks if you don’t know about the latest update. I want you to have the best trip possible, so let’s get into the biggest changes hitting Disney World in September 2025!

Heading to Disney World soon? Be sure to check out our planning worksheets. You can click the image below to get our list and make sure you don’t forget a thing!

Here’s an overview of what you can look forward to in September at Disney World!

Say Goodbye to The Boneyard

The beginning of the month marks another permanent closure and another difficult goodbye. The Boneyard in DinoLand is officially closing on September 2nd!

September 1st is the final day to take advantage of this paleontology-themed play area that has been popular with kiddos for years. It’s been open since the park opened in 1998, so it’s another tough one, even though it’s not a major attraction.

But it’s out with the old and in with the new! The new Pueblo Esperanza land is set to open in 2027 with Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions, one of the largest quick-service restaurants in all of Disney World, and so much more. We’ll miss DinoLand, but honestly, I’m pumped to see the new area come together.

For now, this area of the park will be a construction zone. Luckily, you have until 2026 to ride DINOSAUR, so be sure to pay Dr. Seeker and the Iguanadon a visit!

Disney Is Building Pueblo Esperanza RIGHT NOW. Here’s What You Need to Know!

Breakfast Buffet Returns to EPCOT’s Chefs de France!

The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival kicks off on August 28th, but there’s something new coming soon! On September 5th, Chefs de France will begin offering an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet with pastries, croissants, baguettes (SO. MANY. CARBS. 😍), cheeses, meats, and more on certain days. Hooray!!!

We haven’t seen this buffet since 2019, and when we went to it then, we really loved it. The food is fantastic, and it’s a great value at $64.95 per person. It’s only available on Fridays and Saturdays during the festival from 9 AM through 10:30 AM, so you’ll need to keep that in mind for your planning.

As of August 12th, reservations are open for this experience, and we expect them to fill up quickly since it is so limited. Want to learn everything about the festival this year? Check out our full Food & Wine Festival guidebook below!

Everything You Need to Know About This Year’s EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

Blizzard Beach Set to CLOSE

Right now, something very rare is happening in Disney World. BOTH water parks are open at the same time! For the past few years, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach played tag when it came to which park was open, and in September, this trend may return.

Although no official closing date has been announced, hours are not showing for Blizzard Beach starting on September 8th. Based on what we’ve seen in the past, this is likely when the park will close for its annual refurbishment.

Typhoon Lagoon still posts hours through September, so if you want to take advantage of the free check-in day water park perk, this is where you’ll get to enjoy that! Yes, on check-in day at your Disney World hotel, you can go visit the water parks for no extra cost! Learn all about that perk here.

REVIEWS: What to Eat (And What to AVOID) at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Fireworks Change in Magic Kingdom

Fireworks in Magic Kingdom are a quintessential part of any Disney World trip, but you could miss them entirely if you’re not paying close attention! That’s why I’m here — to let you know that Happily Ever After is changing its showtime in September!

After switching to a 9:30 PM showtime on August 31st, the showtime will change to 9 PM on September 15th. As the sunset gets earlier, Disney will continue moving the fireworks time, so this makes sense with what we’ve seen in previous years. But if you didn’t know about this change, you would risk missing them! Believe me, you do NOT want to miss Happily Ever After.

Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information. Sometimes, there are weird anomalies or weather that push the show, so it’s important to check on the day you hope to see the show, too.

3 Disney World Fireworks Rules You Should Break

Permanent CLOSURE Hits Hollywood Studios

In an announcement that even caught Disney experts by surprise, Disney revealed that Animation Courtyard (as we know it) would be closing in September. Yes, that’s right — ANOTHER closure!

However, this makeover is one that Disney fans have been asking for. This quiet area in Hollywood Studios is turning into “The Walt Disney Studios,” and it will be taking inspiration from the Burbank area with special nods to the Walt Disney Studios Lot!

Star Wars: Launch Bay will be turning into “The Magic of Disney Animation,” which is inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios and will even feature Mickey’s famous Sorcerer Hat on top of the building. The new building will let you into the studio, “as the animators have temporarily stepped away,” and characters come to life and take over! This is heavily inspired by “Once Upon A Studio” and will even have moments where portraits come to life. Disney even teased that ” you’ll even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch.”

In addition to this overhaul, Disney is also adding a new “Drawn to Wonderland” playground inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s concept art for Alice in Wonderland. This playground will be full of oversized flowers with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area! 

While these are exciting changes for many, it does mean the closure of Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance. These attractions will close on September 25th, making the 24th the last day. It’s also important to note that Disney Jr. Play and Dance changed to Get Animated! earlier this year, and Get Animated! has been extended through September 24th. That means Disney Jr. Play and Dance permanently closed earlier this year — we just didn’t know it yet.

The Little Mermaid show will remain open during this time. The show received some major updates and opened in May. You know we’ll be keeping track of all the construction over here, so stay tuned for updates!

This Is the Best Place To Cry in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

If you’re booking a trip to Disney World soon, we’ve got a hack for you! Check out our friends over at Small World Vacations to help you plan the perfect trip — you won’t regret it!