If you’re heading to Disney World in September, you’ll want to know which rides won’t be running. Some are down for routine refurbishments, while others are gone for good to make way for bigger projects.

I know, I know, closures can be frustrating, but if you know what to expect, you can plan around them and even discover new favorites along the way.

Here’s the full list of ride closures active in September 2025, plus some alternatives worth working into your day!

1. The Boneyard – Animal Kingdom

Status: Permanently closing on September 2, 2025 (last day of operation is Sept. 1).

Reason: Making way for the new Tropical Americas / Pueblo Esperanza land, inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.

What’s next: A redesigned kids’ play area within the new land.

What to do instead: If your kids need a place to run and climb, check out the play zone at Mission: SPACE in EPCOT or the Casey Jr. Splash ’n’ Soak Station at Magic Kingdom. They’re not quite the same, but they’ll give kids a break from structured rides.

2. Spaceship Earth – EPCOT

Status: Closed starting August 25, 2025 for refurbishment, reopening later in the year.

Reason: General upkeep for EPCOT’s icon — no major reimagining announced.

What to do instead: While it’s closed, try Living with the Land for a relaxing, educational ride or Journey Into Imagination with Figment if you want something family-friendly nearby. And if you’re in EPCOT in September, of course I’m gonna tell you the Food & Wine Festival is a great way to spend extra time.

3. Animation Courtyard (Disney Jr. Play & Dance) – Hollywood Studios

Status: Permanently closing September 25, 2025.

Reason: Being replaced by The Magic of Disney Animation, a new interactive space inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Roy E. Disney Animation Building.

What to do instead: Families with little ones can head to Alien Swirling Saucers in Toy Story Land. You can also check out the Disney Junior Play and Dine Breakfast at Hollywood & Vine — though characters may vary, Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, and Roadster Goofy are often your hosts! (We do have to note, though, that this character breakfast is ending October 5th.)

4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Magic Kingdom

Status: Closed since January 6, 2025; will remain closed throughout September and won’t return until 2026.

Reason: Long refurbishment with upgrades.

What to do instead: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train offers a somewhat similar mix of thrills and theming. If you’re missing the classic Frontierland feel, a ride on Splash Mountain’s replacement, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, keeps you in that corner of the park.

5. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Magic Kingdom

Status: Closed starting August 4, 2025; reopening in 2026 after enhancements.

Reason: Refurbishment with updated scenes, ride vehicles, and gameplay.

What to do instead: Try the newly-refurbished Astro Orbiter for Tomorrowland vibes or Toy Story Mania at Hollywood Studios if you want a similar shooter-style game.

6. Tom Sawyer Island – Magic Kingdom

Status: Permanently closed as of July 7, 2025.

Reason: Making way for the new Cars-themed Piston Peak land.

What to do instead: If you loved the exploration aspect of Tom Sawyer Island, check out the Discovery Island Trails at Animal Kingdom or Swiss Family Treehouse at Magic Kingdom — both give you room to wander at your own pace.

7. Liberty Square Riverboat – Magic Kingdom

Status: Permanently closed as of July 7, 2025.

Reason: Also part of the Frontierland overhaul.

What to do instead: For a calm, scenic ride, try PeopleMover in Tomorrowland or Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom. Both give you that sense of sightseeing, just in different settings.

8. It’s Tough to Be a Bug! – Animal Kingdom

Status: Permanently closed as of March 16, 2025.

Reason: Being replaced by a Zootopia-themed show at the Tree of Life Theater.

What to do instead: Families who liked the mix of humor and 4D effects can try Mickey’s PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom or Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at Hollywood Studios.

9. Muppet*Vision 3D and Muppets Courtyard – Hollywood Studios

Status: Permanently closed as of June 7th, 2025.

Reason: The area will be rethemed into a Monsters, Inc.-themed land.

What’s next: Disney has confirmed a new Monsters, Inc. attraction and courtyard, details still to come.

What to do instead: If you’ll miss the humor and nostalgia of the Muppets, check out Carousel of Progress or Enchanted Tiki Room at Magic Kingdom — both deliver that classic, quirky Disney charm.

Yes, September 2025 is a month of big change — with classics closing, refurbishments underway, and whole new lands in development. It can feel like a lot, but knowing what’s closed and where to pivot helps you avoid surprises.

If one of your must-dos is down, use it as a chance to explore something you might normally skip. Disney World has plenty of hidden gems and quieter corners that become highlights when you give them a chance.

How to Plan Around Closures, Park by Park

Closures can throw off a carefully planned day — but with a little flexibility, you can still hit the highlights. Here’s how I’d recommend shifting gears if you’re visiting in September 2025:

Magic Kingdom

Since Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closed: Spend that time over at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train for a similar thrill level, or lean into Pirates of the Caribbean for classic adventure. If you like the atmosphere of Frontierland, stop for a snack at Westward Ho or catch Country Bear Musical Jamboree, which is back after its update.

Since Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is closed: Head to Space Mountain if you want another Tomorrowland thrill, or take the kids to Tomorrowland Speedway for something interactive. If you’re craving that shooter-game vibe, plan a side trip to Hollywood Studios for Toy Story Mania.

With Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat gone: Use that extra time to explore smaller attractions you might usually skip — Swiss Family Treehouse is surprisingly fun if you lean into the details, and you now what we’re gonna say next – take a breather on the PeopleMover. Always ride the PeopleMover!

EPCOT

With Spaceship Earth closed: Start your day with Soarin’ Around the World or Test Track, both of which build that “wow” factor early. If you’re craving something calm and classic, Living with the Land scratches that same “slow ride with a story” itch. And September means Food & Wine Festival — budget some time to graze around World Showcase.

Hollywood Studios

With Disney Jr. Play & Dance closed: Little ones can still burn off energy at Alien Swirling Saucers or enjoy interactive character meet-and-greets around the park. The Frozen Sing-Along also works well for families who want a sit-down break.

With Muppet*Vision 3D closed: Pivot to Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular for another long-standing show, or make time for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, which shares a similarly playful tone. Fans of quirky Disney history might also enjoy a ride on Star Tours, since it’s one of the park’s earliest attractions still running.

Animal Kingdom

With The Boneyard closing: If your kids need a break, head to The Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch — the petting zoo and animal care exhibits are hands-on and interactive. The Discovery Island Trails around the Tree of Life also give kids space to explore.

With It’s Tough to Be a Bug! gone: Don’t miss Festival of the Lion King or Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! — both deliver that same mix of music, spectacle, and air-conditioning. If you liked the bug humor, note that Disney says the new Zootopia show will blend comedy and education when it debuts.

September 2025 is a transition month — closures are happening, but they don’t have to derail your trip! Think of them as opportunities to rediscover classics you might skip or try out shows and attractions you usually pass by. With some smart swaps, your park days will still feel full and balanced.

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