You can plan down to the minute, pack all the matching shirts, and book the dining reservations 60 days out — but even that won’t save you from some of the sneaky July mistakes people make at Disney World.

From permanent closures to surprise reopening dates, there are big changes happening across the parks in July. Here’s what you need to know before you get stuck standing outside an attraction that’s not coming back.

Planning Around Tom Sawyer Island or the Riverboat

If you’re the kind of Disney World guest who loves to explore the quiet corners and take a breather from the chaos, this one’s going to sting. Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat are permanently closing on July 7th. Yep — permanently. As in, not coming back.

This might not seem like a big deal at first glance, but these two attractions were often key for low-key Magic Kingdom mornings or letting little ones burn some energy. If you had them on your itinerary as your “let’s avoid the crowds” strategy, go ahead and pivot now. You don’t want to spend time walking over to Liberty Square only to find construction walls and a whole lot of nothing. If you want a chill alternative, the PeopleMover in Tomorrowland or Carousel of Progress might be your new best bet.

Banking on the Hall of Presidents to Be Open

It’s July. It’s hot. You’re in Magic Kingdom. You need somewhere to sit down in the air conditioning for twenty minutes, that’s not a food court. In the past, the Hall of Presidents was the go-to. Not this summer.

The Hall of Presidents is currently closed with no official reopening date. So, unless something major changes, don’t count on escaping the heat there. We have seen the waiting area of the attraction open from time to time. It’s a good spot to cool off, but doesn’t have any seats. Instead, plan to hit up attractions like the Enchanted Tiki Room or the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. Both will get you in the AC without the disappointment of a closed door.

Expecting to Ride Astro Orbiter “Any Day Now”

We’ve all been there — scrolling through your Disney app thinking, “Surely Astro Orbiter will be back open by our trip next week.” It won’t.

Astro Orbiter is closed for refurbishment until “Summer 2025,” but Disney has not released an exact reopening date yet. So don’t hold out hope for a last-minute surprise. It’s one of those rides you might not think about until you’re standing in Tomorrowland at sunset wanting that classic above-the-skyline photo —and realizing you’re out of luck. If you want a similar vibe, try Dumbo over in Fantasyland for a flying experience that’s still operational (and often overlooked by adults).

Heading to Hollywood Studios Like It’s Business As Usual

Here’s the harsh reality: Hollywood Studios has lost a chunk of its charm this summer. Muppet*Vision 3D? Closed. PizzeRizzo? Closed. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano? Also closed.

Muppet Courtyard officially shut down in June 2025. And for longtime fans of this section of the park, it’s kind of a gut punch. Muppet*Vision 3D was a reliable place to cool off and laugh at something silly for 15 minutes. Mama Melrose was a dependable (and air-conditioned) sit-down meal. Now? That whole corner of the park is in transition.

If you’re heading to Hollywood Studios in July, don’t bank on using this area as your dining or break stop. Get familiar with other dining options now. We recommend ABC Commissary or Docking Bay 7 for decent meals without needing a reservation. And if you’re looking to sit down and chill, plan ahead and grab a table at places like Hollywood Brown Derby — but know they book up fast.

Visiting EPCOT Before July 22nd? You’ll Miss Test Track

We get it — Test Track is a fan favorite. And if you’re heading to EPCOT in July, you’re probably planning to hit it early or late in the day to skip the line. Bad news: Test Track is closed for refurbishment until July 22nd.

The new version will finally reopen that day, and trust us, if you’re going before then, it’s a big bummer. Don’t make the mistake of building your entire EPCOT itinerary around it. Instead, rework your plans to focus on Soarin’, Mission: SPACE, or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Test Track will be back soon — but not in time for that early July trip.

Bottom Line

There’s a lot changing across the Disney parks this July, and it’s easy to miss the fine print if you’re not glued to the updates. The mistake most people will make is assuming their old favorites will still be there when they arrive. Don’t let that be you. Check the closures, make backup plans, and prep for a slightly different Disney World than you might remember.

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

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Are you planning a trip to Disney World this July? Let us know in the comments!