Ride closures are never fun, but they’re part of how Disney keeps the magic alive.

September is bringing some big refurbishment news to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, and if you’ve got a trip planned, you’ll want to know what’s temporarily unavailable. Three rides are closed during the month, and while two of them will be back before long, one is going to be down for quite a while. Let’s walk through what you need to know so you don’t get caught off guard.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin officially went dark on August 4th, 2025, and it won’t be reopening until sometime in 2026. This is not a quick touch-up — it’s a major overhaul of one of Tomorrowland’s most popular rides. Disney is calling this an “enhancement,” and based on the details Imagineers have shared, it’s shaping up to be a pretty big deal.

First, there’s a brand-new character joining the story. “Buddy,” a friendly robot designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar, will greet guests as they prepare for their mission. Buddy’s job is to run through last-minute system checks and give riders a little boost of encouragement before takeoff. This addition also means you’ll get a chance to test your aim on interactive targets before the mission even begins.

The ride vehicles are also getting a major glow-up. The new design is inspired by Buzz Lightyear and Star Command, and each Star Cruiser will feature onboard video monitors. Those screens will show real-time scoring updates and a few extra surprises along the way. This is a huge step up from the current setup, where you have to squint at your score display on the dashboard.

Probably the most exciting change? Handheld blasters. No more awkwardly steering your blaster around while it’s bolted to the ride vehicle. Now, you’ll be able to pick it up, aim, and shoot with much more precision. The new handheld design also includes an always-on laser, so you’ll actually know where your shots are going. Kids in particular will find this makes the game a lot more fun, and the new lighting, sound, and vibration effects will add to the overall energy of the ride.

On top of all that, the classic “Z” targets are being replaced with interactive ones that light up and react when hit. Imagineers have already been testing out gameplay updates, and the goal is to make this ride feel more like an evolving video game than just a moving shooting gallery. It’s a long wait until 2026, but this refurbishment looks like it’ll be worth it for Space Ranger recruits.

Alternative: If you’re craving another Tomorrowland attraction while Buzz is closed, check out Space Mountain for a thrill or Astro Orbiter if you want a spinning ride with an awesome view. For a shooting-style game, Toy Story Mania at Hollywood Studios is the next-best option in Disney World.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant Playground

This closure isn’t quite as dramatic, but it will definitely matter for families with little ones. The indoor playground inside Dumbo the Flying Elephant’s queue is currently closed and will remain closed through at least September.

If you’ve never used it, this play area is basically a lifesaver for parents. While waiting for Dumbo, kids can run, climb, and slide in an air-conditioned indoor space, and parents get a buzzer that lets them know when it’s their turn to ride. It’s a rare chance to escape the Florida heat without having to give up your spot in line.

Right now, Disney’s official note says that the playground is “expected to reopen later this year,” which means sometime in late 2025. Until then, families heading into the Dumbo queue will need to plan for a more traditional wait. Without the playground, the line loses that built-in entertainment factor that makes it so appealing for kids.

If Dumbo is a must-do on your trip this fall, keep in mind that you’ll be standing in a regular queue. You may want to time it for earlier in the morning or later at night when wait times are lower.

Alternative: While the playground is closed, head to the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station nearby to let kids burn off energy. You can also make use of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, which has an interactive queue with plenty of things for little ones to do while waiting.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

The last ride closure on the list is the one that stings the most: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. “The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” has been closed since January 6th, 2025, and it’s not scheduled to reopen until 2026. That means this classic Magic Kingdom coaster will be unavailable throughout September.

Disney hasn’t released many details about what’s changing, but this is clearly a massive project. The scale of the closure almost certainly ties into the larger construction happening nearby — including the upcoming Villains Land expansion and changes to the Rivers of America area. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will eventually serve as a connection point between Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and the new land, so its refurbishment is a critical piece of that puzzle.

What we do know is that Disney is promising “a little bit of new magic” when it reopens. That could mean updates to the ride vehicles, new effects inside the mountain, or enhanced storytelling. Whatever it looks like, it’s going to be a long time before we hear the familiar click-clack of those trains running again.

Alternative: If you’re looking for another coaster to scratch that itch, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train offers a smoother but still fun experience. For more thrills, head across the park to Space Mountain or hop over to Animal Kingdom for Expedition Everest, which gives a similar outdoor runaway train vibe.

Spaceship Earth

Over in EPCOT, Spaceship Earth is also going offline for a while. The ride will be closing on August 25th, 2025, for what Disney is calling a “routine refurbishment,” and it’s expected to reopen later this year.

This is one of EPCOT’s most iconic attractions, taking guests on a slow-moving journey through the history of human communication. The closure shouldn’t last as long as some of the others, but it still impacts EPCOT’s ride lineup, especially since Spaceship Earth is the very first attraction you see when entering the park.

Disney hasn’t announced exactly what’s being worked on, but routine refurbishments usually focus on ride mechanics, lighting, and audio updates. So don’t expect a massive story overhaul — this one’s about keeping things running smoothly.

Alternative: While Spaceship Earth is closed, consider starting your EPCOT day at Soarin’ Around the World or Living with the Land for classic EPCOT vibes. If you’re looking for another iconic slow-moving ride, The Seas with Nemo & Friends gives you a similar calm, family-friendly experience.

September might not be the month to hit every Disney World favorite, but knowing what’s closed can help you plan smarter. With Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Dumbo’s playground, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Spaceship Earth all unavailable, it’s a good idea to shuffle your must-do list and have backups ready before you go.

Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney updates.

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Will you be heading to Disney World in September? Let us know in the comments below.