This week at Disney World brought no temporary closures, a welcome respite for visitors planning their trips. However, several permanent changes and refurbishments are underway across the resort properties. The Rivers of America area in Magic Kingdom has permanently closed to make way for the new Cars-themed Piston Peak attraction, while Carousel of Progress will remain closed until 2027 for a major modernization project. EPCOT is seeing significant changes with DinoLand USA closing to become Tropical Americas, and various pavilion stores undergoing refurbishment. Animal Kingdom’s Grandstand Spirits Pool Bar will close through mid-December 2026, while several resort hotels are experiencing ongoing construction projects that may affect guest access to certain areas.
Key Points:
- Carousel of Progress closed on July 6th to undergo a major refurbishment and is set to reopen in 2027.
- The Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island, are permanently closed as of July 7th, 2025 to make way for the new Cars area, Piston Peak.
- DinoLand, USA officially closed on February 2nd to make way for the new Tropical Americas land, Pueblo Esperanza.
- Grandstand Spirits Pool Bar at Animal Kingdom closed on September 18th and is expected to last through mid-December 2026.