≡-Orlando Navigates Surging Summer Tourism with Sweeping Transformations at Disney World, Featuring Extensive Redevelopments and Strategic Closures to Reimagine the Visitor Journey in the United States – Viral of Today
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Orlando Navigates Surging Summer Tourism with Sweeping Transformations at Disney World, Featuring Extensive Redevelopments and Strategic Closures to Reimagine the Visitor Journey in the United States
Friday, June 20, 2025
Orlando
As the summer travel season gains momentum, several major theme parks in Florida—particularly Walt Disney World in Orlando—are undergoing important changes that will shape visitor experiences both this year and well into the future. Known for attracting over 50 million guests annually, Disney’s parks are particularly busy during the summer months, and this year is no exception. Travel projections estimate that 72.2 million people will journey at least 50 miles from home over the Independence Day holiday, with Orlando ranking as a top destination.
The Bigger Picture for Global Travelers
Those planning a visit to Florida from abroad may want to take note of several attraction closures and ongoing refurbishments across multiple Disney parks. While these updates may cause some disruption in the short term, they are laying the groundwork for an even more captivating experience in the years to come.
For international travelers, these upgrades represent an opportunity to look forward to reimagined attractions, brand-new themed areas, and enhanced park features that blend cutting-edge technology with classic storytelling. In the long run, this transformation is likely to elevate Florida’s position as a global tourism hub.
Effects on the Travel and Hospitality Industry
The impact of these changes extends well beyond the theme park gates. Hotels, resorts, tour operators, and transport providers are all likely to experience fluctuations in demand based on the shifting attraction landscape.
In the immediate term, families, especially those traveling from overseas, may seek guidance from travel planners to navigate which attractions are temporarily unavailable. Yet, anticipation for new experiences—such as entirely new lands—may also drive early interest and advance bookings for future seasons. The travel industry is expected to leverage these updates in promotional strategies aimed at keeping Florida at the forefront of travelers’ minds.
Animal Kingdom: Transition in Progress
At Animal Kingdom, while no fresh closures have been announced as of June 2025, the park is clearly in a phase of transformation. Earlier this spring, the park bid farewell to several longstanding features, including “It’s Tough To Be a Bug,” the TriceraTop Spin, and the Dino-Rama area. These closures hint at a major shift in theming and direction.
The beloved “Dinosaur” ride remains open for now but is expected to close next year, making way for the new “Tropical Americas” area—a fully immersive experience that will reshape that section of the park. Meanwhile, the Boneyard play area continues to operate, but only until September 1.
Hollywood Studios: Saying Farewell to Classics
At Hollywood Studios, significant updates have already been implemented. As of June 8, both the Muppet*Vision 3D show and the PizzeRizzo restaurant have closed permanently. These closures are paving the way for an all-new Monsters, Inc. themed area—an exciting first for any Disney park worldwide.
This expansion has generated considerable buzz, especially among fans of the animated franchise, and reflects the broader trend of evolving park experiences to keep up with modern expectations and storytelling styles.
EPCOT: The Return of a Fan Favorite
Visitors heading to EPCOT later this summer will be pleased to learn that Test Track, one of the park’s most iconic rides, is making a grand return on July 22. Having been closed since the previous summer, the ride is now returning with a completely refreshed design.
The redesigned attraction includes a new musical score and scenes that emphasize technological advancements, offering riders an exciting, forward-looking perspective on transportation. The reimagined Test Track is expected to be a highlight of the summer season.
Magic Kingdom: Major Developments on the Horizon
Big changes are also underway at Magic Kingdom, where plans have been revealed to build two brand-new areas within the park. One will be themed around Pixar’s “Cars”, and the other will feature Disney Villains—a theme many fans have long hoped for. While these expansions are still in the early planning stages, they represent a bold step in the park’s evolution.
In the meantime, several popular attractions are temporarily closed for refurbishment:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is undergoing an extensive update and will not reopen until 2026
Astro Orbiter has been closed since January 13 and is expected to remain unavailable through summer 2025
Hall of Presidents closed on January 20 to accommodate changes related to the incoming U.S. president
Summary of What’s Open and Closed
Visitors can expect the following changes across the parks:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Closed until 2026
Astro Orbiter – Closed through summer 2025
Hall of Presidents – Currently closed
Test Track (EPCOT) – Reopens July 22
Muppet*Vision 3D & PizzeRizzo – Permanently closed as of June 8
TriceraTop Spin, Dino-Rama, It’s Tough To Be a Bug – Permanently closed
Dinosaur – Will close next year
Boneyard play area – Open through September 1
Looking Ahead
The series of upgrades, closures, and upcoming additions are setting the stage for a refreshed and more immersive theme park experience in Florida. While these changes may cause some inconvenience for travelers in the immediate future, the result will be a more dynamic, engaging, and technologically advanced park experience.
For global travelers, particularly those who plan to return in future years, these updates mark an exciting new chapter in the Orlando theme park landscape. They reflect a thoughtful mix of nostalgia, innovation, and inclusive storytelling, designed to appeal to guests of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
As the transformation unfolds, Orlando is expected to remain not just a favorite travel destination in the U.S., but a premier global attraction for years to come.
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