Magic Kingdom in 2025: Big Thunder’s Refurb and a New Parade
Happy New Year, everyone! We recently shared our favorite moments from 2024. Now it’s time to look ahead. First up is everything coming to (and leaving) Magic Kingdom in 2025.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closing for most of the year
Nobody needs to remove their hats or glasses in Frontierland this year. That’s because Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closing on January 6 for a lengthy refurbishment. It will remain closed until sometime in 2026. Magic Kingdom’s best coaster (your mileage may vary) should return better than ever. I’d count on a track replacement and the addition of the excellent demolition scene first introduced on Disneyland’s ride back in 2012.
Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island closing
Although we don’t know when it will happen, Frontierland will lose even more capacity once Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America close permanently. The attractions are being shuttered to make way for two Cars-themed rides and a Villains land.
Disney hasn’t announced a closing date, but construction should begin this year. The company has had issues obtaining demolition permits from the South Florida Water Management District. They submitted updated proposals in December. We’ll let you know when those are approved.
When demolition does begin, the Walt Disney World Railroad will probably go offline to allow crews easy access to the northwest corner of Magic Kingdom.
Astro Orbiter is getting a refresh
One week after Big Thunder closes, scrims will go up around Astro Orbiter. This will also be a lengthy refurb, lasting from January 13 until summer. We hope Disney addresses some of the accessibility concerns Mariann raised in her review of the spinner attraction.
A new nighttime parade debuts this summer
Alright, enough with the closings! Let’s focus on some good news, instead.
Magic Kingdom needs a nighttime parade. Luckily, the park is getting one this summer. We don’t know exactly when Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away will debut, but I’d count on it being ready earlier than later. With Epic Universe opening on May 22, Disney will want to steal a little thunder from Universal.
A Pirates of the Caribbean tavern debuts later this year
Do you need more pirate vibes? Then prepare yourself. A Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern is coming to Magic Kingdom.
“Set course for the Magic Kingdom! First announced at Destination D23 last year, this rambunctious watering hole will offer a welcoming haven for all pirate-kind, big and small, and everyone in between. Here, bandits and buccaneers-to-be from every corner of the seven seas are welcome to join together and raise a toast to the pirate life!”
Disney Parks Blog
I assume this tavern will serve rum (and other alcoholic beverages). but I doubt you’ll be able to walk out the door with one. Magic Kingdom ain’t EPCOT, after all.
McKim’s Mile House coming to Frontierland
This news won’t move the needle for most guests, but DVC members are excited about a new lounge coming to Frontierland this summer. McKim’s Mile House replaces the land’s Shootin’ Arcade. Like other DVC lounges, McKim’s will allow guests to escape the crowds while enjoying complimentary Freestyle Cokes and snacks. A DVC Cast Member told me the space isn’t as large as EPCOT’s ImaginAtrium Lounge, so guests might have to join a waitlist on busier days. Or they can purchase Membership Magic Beyond to secure priority seating.
Hall of Presidents closing temporarily
We need to talk about one more closing. As expected, the Hall of Presidents will go dark for a refurbishment on January 20. Although Disney hasn’t shared specifics, President Biden’s animatronic will likely be replaced with Donald Trump’s. Since one already exists, the attraction might have a relatively short downtime.
Our wish list
Nobody asked me, but here’s what I’d like to see happen in Magic Kingdom in 2025. First, let’s retire the virtual queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Disneyland converted their Tiana’s ride to a standby line less than a month after it debuted. Magic Kingdom’s version has had reliability issues, sure, but it’s time to let guests decide if they want to wait in line rather than wake early to slam buttons in the MDE app. A standby queue would also help mitigate the lost capacity caused by Big Thunder’s closing.
I’d also love to hear Disney’s plans for the future of Tomorrowland Speedway. That attraction gives me an instant headache whenever I walk near it. Disneyland’s Autopia fleet is going electric. Let’s do the same for the Speedway’s cars. Disney icon Bob Gurr agrees. He said this about Autopia last year: “Get rid of those God-awful gasoline fumes”.
We already talked about the Hall of Presidents refurb. I’d rather see the attraction be retired. Politics have become so divisive, and when I’m on vacation, I just want to escape it, no matter who’s in office. Ideally, the Muppets would take over the theater. Let’s bolt Statler and Waldorf to some new seats in Liberty Square.
Magic Kingdom is in for a bittersweet 2025. While I’m excited about a new nighttime parade and a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern, I’m nostalgic for what we’re losing in Frontierland. I just hope I can catch one final glimpse of the Liberty Belle when we visit in April.
