Disney World changes all the time, which means you might show up ready for magic and bump right into a construction wall.

When you’re planning a trip for December 2025, you’ll want to know exactly which rides and shows will be unavailable so you can adjust your plans before you’re standing in the middle of a park wondering why the wait time says “Closed.” Several big closures are on the schedule this winter across Disney World, and each one will impact your day in a different way. We’re breaking down the three refurbishments you need to know about and offering some solid alternatives so you can keep the fun going.

Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Kali River Rapids is one of the most popular ways to cool off in Animal Kingdom, but you won’t be hopping into those rafts this December. The ride closed for refurbishment on October 6th, 2025, and the plan is for it to reopen sometime later in December.

Disney has not confirmed the exact date yet, which means it could stay closed through most of the month. Winter is typically when Disney chooses to work on water rides, so this one isn’t a huge surprise, but it does leave a noticeable gap in the park’s attraction lineup.

If you’re used to relying on Kali River Rapids for a mid-day cooldown or a boost of thrill, you can pivot to Expedition Everest. It offers speed, fun surprises, and plenty of wind-in-your-face moments. For families who want something more relaxed, take a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris. While it’s not a soaking splash ride, it is an experience you can’t get anywhere else, and the cooler weather in December often makes the animals more active.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad began a massive refurbishment on January 6th, 2025, and it’s not coming back until 2026.

This is a multi-year project, and it’s a big one. Disney is giving the entire attraction new energy. You can expect fresh magic woven into the existing story and new ways that it ties into the land around it. This long closure is also notable because work on the surrounding area is shifting too. Disney is preparing for future changes that will connect the attraction to the new Villains Land and to Liberty Square. There is also overlap with the project to fill in the Rivers of America as part of the upcoming Cars-themed expansion.

Because Big Thunder is such a huge part of Frontierland, you’ll feel its absence as soon as you walk in. If you’re craving that rush of outdoor coaster energy, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is your closest option in terms of smooth speed mixed with themed storytelling. If you want something with a little more intensity, Space Mountain can easily scratch that itch. For guests with little ones who loved Big Thunder for its approachable thrills, Barnstormer remains a great pick for a first coaster experience.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed on August 4th, 2025, for a substantial enhancement project. It will remain closed until sometime in 2026, and the updates coming to this attraction are extensive. A brand-new character named Buddy will appear in an introductory scene designed to train guests before the mission begins. He was created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios and serves as a support-bot who gets you ready for your assignment at Star Command.

The ride vehicles are also getting a complete design refresh inspired by Buzz Lightyear’s Star Command colors. Each one will include real-time scoring displays, new lighting effects, and handheld blasters that allow for more accurate aim. These blasters will feature always-on lasers plus vibration and sound effects so you know exactly when you land a hit. Imagineers have even redesigned the targets throughout the attraction so they light up and react when blasted. These enhancements passed a major milestone recently when Imagineers were invited to playtest the targets, blasters, and gameplay. The updates are shaping up to transform the ride into a far more interactive experience.

While it’s down, you can still get your competitive fix at Tomorrowland Speedway or aim for a more immersive adventure on Space Mountain. For families who love the Toy Story vibe specifically, Toy Story Mania in Hollywood Studios is the closest comparison, offering high-energy gameplay and tons of personality.

Vacation Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Vacation Fun, the Mickey and Minnie shorts experience, closed on October 20th, 2025, for refurbishment and is planned to reopen later this year. The exact date is still unannounced. This is an easy, air-conditioned break spot during a long day at Hollywood Studios, so its closure can impact your mid-day rest plans.

If you need a chill alternative, head to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. While it’s not a sit-down show, it does offer a fun ride-through story that still feels relaxed compared to the more intense attractions in the park. For an indoor break that doesn’t involve a queue, Walt Disney Presents is another solid option where you can cool down and explore at your own pace.

We’ll continue to keep you updated as these refurbishments progress and reopening timelines shift — because nobody wants to be surprised by a “Temporarily Closed” sign on their favorite ride. Until then, stay tuned to DFB for more all the latest Disney updates.

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Which of these closures would change how you plan your next Disney World day? Let us know in the comments below.