There have been a large number of attractions announced to close (with a handful likely to close in the wake of newly announced projects) at Disney Parks around the world. In our memory, there has never been a period where so many long-running attractions are on the chopping block. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of all of the rides and shows we expect to be saying “see ya’ real soon” to over the next few weeks and months.
Disney Attractions Confirmed to Close Permanently
Liberty Square Riverboat
The Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island are confirmed to close to make way for Cars in Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom. A closing date has not been announced, but construction for the new Cars expansion is set to begin sometime in 2025.
The Liberty Belle, which is the resident Riverboat, sails the Rivers of America. The river that flows through the park is also slated to be removed to make more usable land for the new attractions. A new water feature was previewed in the concept art.
The boat is steam powered and went into service in 1973, originally named the Richard F. Irvine. It was predated by the Admiral Joe Fowler, an almost opening day attraction at the Magic Kingdom (it opened on October 2, 1971 — the park’s second day open to the public). That ship was retired when it was accidentally dropped during a dry dock refurbishment in the 1980s.
Watch our video below to see a full ride on the Liberty Square Riverboat.
A section of the audio has been recently updated to remove references to Splash Mountain, which is now Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Tom Sawyer Island
Tom Sawyer Island is also closing as part of the removal of the Rivers of America. In recent years, refurbishments have left portions of the Island unusable to guests for extended periods of time — such as the barrel bridge, which was removed in 2023, and returned nine months later.
Based on “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” the island is a free-roaming attraction with places for guests of all ages to explore, including Fort Langhorn. It opened in 1973.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy was recently announced to be closing permanently at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The final show will be performed on October 7, 2024. It will be replaced by a Disney Villains show.
The current “Cars”-themed attraction opened in March 2019 as part of the park’s 30th anniversary celebrations. It features elements and characters from “Cars 3,” including a chance to get a photo with Cruz Ramirez (though she was absent when the parks reopened after the COVID-19 closures in 2020).
Watch our video below from the grand opening of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy.
“It’s Tough to Be a Bug”
Entomophobics may be rejoicing as “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be permanently closing. No date has been announced for the final show, but its replacement (Zootopia: Better Zoogether) is scheduled to open in winter 2025.
“It’s Tough to Be a Bug” has been terrifying children since 1998 as an opening day attraction at the park. It’s based on “A Bug’s Life” (even though it opened before the film did) and features the film’s villain, Hopper, who takes over Flik’s show designed to show guests the importance and wonder of bugs in their lives. Hopper thinks Flik’s approach is too compassionate and tries to show guests what it’s like to be fly swatted. It uses 4D effects to create illusions, such as tubes to simulate hornet stings, air cannons, water sprayers, and more.
DINOSAUR
DINOSAUR, another opening day attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is set to meet its end along with the rest of DinoLand, U.S.A. The land and its attractions don’t have a closing date yet, but the new Pueblo Esperanza is slated to open in fall 2027.
Originally named Countdown to Extinction, the ride is to be rethemed to Indiana Jones. It uses the same ride system as Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland park, but will not feature the same story.
The ride features two original characters, Dr. Helen Marsh and Dr. Grant Seeker, both of the fictional Dino Institute. Dr. Seeker sends guests back in time to save an Iguanodon (Aladar) despite Dr. Marsh’s objections. It features several dinosaur animatronics, including multiple Carnotaurus.
Watch our full video of DINOSAUR from 2006 below.
TriceraTop Spin
TriceraTop Spin is, as the name implies, a spinner ride featuring Triceratops. Guests ride in a four-seater dino vehicle with two rows. The front row has a joystick that controls the tilt of the vehicle (forward or backward), and the back row has controls for the height of the vehicle.
It, like the rest of DinoLand, U.S.A., will close by 2027 to make way for Pueblo Esperanza.
Watch our video of TriceraTop Spin from 2006 below.
The Boneyard
Another casualty of the Pueblo Esperanza takeover of DinoLand U.S.A. is the Boneyard, one of few remaining playgrounds at Walt Disney World. What precisely will replace the Boneyard is unclear but it appears to be in part of the area that will become the town square with a fountain.
Red Car Trolley
The Red Car Trolley at Disney California Adventure is leaving in 2025 as part of the Avengers Campus expansion. The Trolley barn is slated for demolition, as it is in the area where the expansion will go, which in turn will double the footprint of Avengers Campus.
The Trolley opened in 2012 as part of the reimagined Disney California Adventure and replicates the trolleys that were once prominent in the greater Los Angeles area. Guests can ride the Trolley between Buena Vista Street and Sunset Boulevard (and back). There are two additional stops on the path — one at Carthay Circle and one at Hollywood Boulevard.
Watch our full ride video from the Red Car Trolley below.
Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters (TDL)
Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters is closing permanently at Tokyo Disneyland on October 31, 2024. It will be replaced in 2026 by a “Wreck-It Ralph” themed attraction using an updated version of the ride system.
The attraction opened in 2004, replacing the Visionarium.
Farewell celebrations began earlier this year, including a temporary return of the Astro Hero Time version of the ride. A merchandise collection will also be available.
Watch our video of Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters below.
Disney Attractions Likely to Close
Star Wars Launch Bay
The Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a meet and greet location for characters such as Darth Vader, BB-8, and other limited time guests, is likely to close to make way for the upcoming Monsters, Inc. Land. The land was announced at the 2024 D23: Ultimate Disney Fan Event, and while a specific location at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has not been confirmed, sources indicate it will take over the former Animation Building.
Star Wars Launch Bay currently occupies part of the Animation Building, while other sections are used for offices and other backstage purposes. Cast Members that use the parking garage in that area have already been notified that it will soon be inaccessible.
See some of the meet and greets inside the Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios below.
Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!
While unannounced at this time, Monsters Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! at Disney California Adventure is likely to close to make way for the “Avatar” boat ride. The new Avatar Land will take up space in Hollywood Land as well as some space not currently included in the park. While only the boat ride details are available, the concept art depicts what appears to be a mini land with shopping and/or dining experiences.
At this time, it’s unclear how much of Hollywood Land will be lost to make way for Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney California Adventure. Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!’s location at the back of the land makes it a likely target, since it would no longer fit into the area even if the space wasn’t technically needed.
Watch our video of Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! below.
What do you think about this list of attractions due to close permanently? Let us know in the comments.
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