October Closures and Refurbishments Coming to Walt Disney World

October at Walt Disney World may bring cooler weather and fall décor, but it’s also bringing a few notable attraction closures and refurbishments across the parks. If you’re planning a trip during spooky season, here’s what you need to know about what’s closing and what’s on the horizon.

Related: Zootopia Better Zoogether Sign Installed but Hiding at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Kali River Rapids will close on October 6, 2025, for its annual refurbishment. The water ride will reopen in December, just in time for the holiday rush. With cooler temps in October, this timing works out for most guests who may not want to get soaked during their visit.

Over at EPCOT, Spaceship Earth remains closed for its long-planned refurbishment. Disney has announced it will reopen in late 2025 with updated storytelling and technology, but for now the park’s icon is standing tall but not spinning its story inside.

In Magic Kingdom, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are both shuttered for extensive updates, with reopening not expected until 2026. While these rides won’t affect your October trip directly, it’s worth noting for anyone planning into next year.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is saying goodbye to two attractions for good. Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Junior Play & Dance! are permanently closed, leaving fans wondering what will take their place in the park’s evolving lineup.

The biggest change on the horizon at Animal Kingdom is the upcoming Zootopia: Better Zoogather attraction, which will officially open on November 7, 2025. It won’t be ready just yet in October, but guests visiting in early November will be among the first to step into the new experience.

Related: A Guide to Experiencing Autumn at Walt Disney World Resort

Finally, while it’s not closing in October, Animal Kingdom’s DINOSAUR is also on the chopping block, with its permanent closure set for February 2, 2026. If you’re a fan of the dino chase classic, consider this your heads-up to ride while you still can.

With so many closures, refurbishments, and brand-new experiences on the horizon, the fourth quarter of 2025 feels like a turning point for Walt Disney World. While some classics are taking a temporary break and others are heading into extinction, new adventures are waiting just around the corner. Whether you’re saying a final goodbye to a favorite or counting down the days to the debut of Zootopia, this fall promises plenty of change and excitement across all four parks.

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