Walt Disney World isn’t the same place it was last summer.

Walt Disney World entrance

You might be thinking you’ve got your August trip under control — park reservations are made, dining plans are mapped out, and your must-do rides are on the list. But there are some recent changes that could throw a serious wrench into your plans if you’re not paying attention. Here’s what’s already closed, what’s closing soon, and what you’ll want to rework in your schedule before you get hit with some surprise Disney curveballs.

Planning a Magic Kingdom Day Around the Wrong Attractions

If you’re headed to Magic Kingdom and planning to escape the crowds by hopping on the Liberty Square Riverboat or taking a quiet break on Tom Sawyer Island, we’ve got bad news. As of July 6th, both are permanently closed. Like, not refurb. Not seasonal. Gone. That whole quiet little corner of the park is changing drastically, and if those were part of your mid-day cool-down plans, you’ll need to pivot.

Tom Sawyer Island

Also, the Walt Disney World Railroad is no longer doing its classic full-circle loop around the park. Since July 7th, it’s been running in “shuttle mode,” only traveling between certain stops instead of the full route. It’s still operating, but if you were planning to use it for a scenic break or as a transportation shortcut, it’s not going to deliver what it used to.

Counting on Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland? Better Rethink That

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is going offline starting August 4th for enhancements—and it’s not coming back this year. The ride will be closed until sometime in 2026. For families with kids or anyone who loves a good ride-and-compete, this might be a bigger hit than expected. Buzz has always been one of those reliable crowd-pleasers, and without it, Tomorrowland feels a little emptier.

©Disney

If that was one of your must-dos, switch gears now. Head to Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor for some air conditioning and chuckles, or grab a Lightning Lane for Space Mountain. Just don’t show up at Buzz’s entrance in August expecting to join Star Command.

Trying to Beat the Heat at the Dumbo Playground? Not This Month

We’ve recommended this play zone a lot in the past as a great place for families with younger kids to cool off while waiting for Dumbo, but the Dumbo the Flying Elephant Playground is closed for now—“through later in 2025,” according to Disney.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

It might seem like a small thing, but if you were banking on it as a quiet space for your kiddo to decompress or escape the heat, this is a sneaky inconvenience. With that off the table, you’ll need to scope out backup indoor spots like the waiting area inside Pete’s Silly Sideshow or duck into Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak if the weather cooperates.

Assuming EPCOT Will Look the Same All Month

Let’s talk about Spaceship Earth. This is the ride literally inside EPCOT’s iconic geosphere (you know, the giant golf ball), and it’s been a “first stop of the day” classic for decades. But starting August 25th, it’s shutting down for a lengthy closure. Disney hasn’t said when it’ll reopen, so if your trip is late August or later, this is another big one to cross off your list.

EPCOT

If EPCOT was your chill, low-key day where you planned to ease into the morning with a slow-moving, educational ride, you’ll want to have a backup plan. The Living with the Land boat ride might give you that same slow-ride energy, or head to the Seas with Nemo & Friends if you’re looking for something similarly calm (with air conditioning, too).

Thinking Hollywood Studios Has the Same Old Food and Shows

Hollywood Studios has seen some serious shakeups recently. MuppetVision 3D? Gone. PizzeRizzo? Closed. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano? Also closed. The entire Muppets Courtyard officially shut down in June to make way for the new Monster’s Inc. Land, and that little pocket of the park feels very different now.

Former Muppets Courtyard blocked

If you had lunch plans at Mama Melrose or were counting on PizzeRizzo for a quick bite, it’s time to adjust. We’re still big fans of ABC Commissary and Docking Bay 7 for decent food without needing a reservation.

August Trips Need More Flexibility Than You Think

With all these closures—some temporary, some forever—your August trip might feel a bit different than you expected. The biggest mistake you can make right now is assuming everything you loved last year (or even a few months ago) is still open. Double-check the ride closures. Confirm your dining plans. Make peace with the fact that you’ll need to adjust. Disney World in August is still magical, but it’s shifting, and being flexible is going to make all the difference in how much fun you actually have.

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

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