All the Other Changes at Walt Disney World
We’re in uncharted territory at Walt Disney World.
Recently, I discussed all the changes happening at Magic Kingdom, some of which are mind-blowing.
Carousel of Progress
Imagineers will update Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress by adding a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic.
The ride had been one of the presumed untouchables from the 1964 New York World’s Fair, but here we are.
The other three theme parks are similarly undergoing massive expansion.
Here are all the other changes currently happening at Walt Disney World.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Early this year, It’s Tough to Be a Bug!, an opening day attraction, closed forever.
Let’s be honest that the show based on A Bug’s Life had lost its momentum over the years.
It’s Tough to Be a Bug
As far as the Pixar library goes, A Bug’s Life falls in the bottom tier…which is still pretty good.
Disney understandably wanted to add some pizzazz to this space, though, and that’s happening now!
Zootopia: Better Zoogether! opens in about a month on November 7th, 2025.
Soon afterward, Zootopia 2 debuts in theaters, which should add more buzz to the new show.
Photo: Disney
Disney has high expectations for this one, and fans should as well. It sounds terrific.
Somehow, that’s the smaller update happening at Animal Kingdom right now, though.
The park has already closed parts of DinoLand U.S.A. with the rest, including DINOSAUR, closing on February 2nd, 2026.
At that point, Imagineers will kick into overdrive in creating the Tropical Americas, a new themed land.
Tropical Americas signage
The highlight of this build will be Pueblo Esperanza, the Encanto section at Animal Kingdom.
This themed area will celebrate the magical Madrigal family. You’ll even be an invited guest in their home!
Photo: Disney
The dark ride will carry people into Casa Madrigal, the unforgettable home from the film franchise.
Disney will build a family-friendly carousel here as well. And that’s not all!
Photo: Disney
The former DINOSAUR building will be re-themed into an Indiana Jones thrill ride, different from the one at Disneyland Resort.
So, at least three new rides and a show are coming to Animal Kingdom from now through 2027!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
We knew change was coming to Hollywood Studios, but I don’t think anyone recognized how extensive it would be.
After a hot five-year period following the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, this park cooled off.
Muppets Courtyard
To reinvigorate Hollywood Studios, Disney has closed Muppets Courtyard and Muppet*Vision 3D along with it.
In their place, Imagineers are currently constructing Monstropolis, a themed land based on Monsters, Inc.
The highlight of this new land will be a Monstropolis roller coaster based on the door chase scene from the first film.
Fans of The Muppets needn’t be sad, though. Disney will give them an entirely new experience.
Photo: Disney
With Aerosmith retired, Disney will end the display of the legendary rock band at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
In early 2026, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will close for retheming.
Photo: Disney
Then, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem will run the ride as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
As if that weren’t enough, Disney just closed Animation Courtyard in late September.
Final Look at Animation Courtyard
Imagineers are furiously working on its replacement as we speak. It’ll be The Walt Disney Studios.
Based on the title, you can guess that the theme involves the magic of Disney movies and storytelling.
Final Look at Animation Courtyard
As part of this experience, Disney has closed Star Wars Launch Bay to bring back its replacement.
In a weird bit of Disney history, Launch Bay followed after The Magic of Disney Animation.
Photo: Disney
Now, The Magic of Disney Animation will succeed it as the anchor experience at The Walt Disney Studios.
Imagineers will make this place more of a play area with a section embracing Alice in Wonderland.
Photo: Disney
Specifically, this new section will celebrate the art of Mary Blair with its style and theming.
So, that’s something especially great for Disney fans to anticipate when The Walt Disney Studios opens in 2026.
EPCOT
*watches tumbleweeds go by*
Okay, I’m kidding. We did get a couple of things this summer, both of which are huge updates.
Photo: Disney
Disney opened GEO-82, a thematic lounge inside Spaceship Earth.
You can snack and drink here and watch all the park guests wandering around this part of EPCOT.
Photo: Matt Simon on LinkedIn
I would argue this is both the best view at the park AND the coolest place to be right now.
For many years, the only people who could enter this space were celebrities and dignitaries.
GEO-82
Disney hosted a private lounge for business sponsors and various high rollers at the park.
Now, anybody can eat and drink here, which is amazing. You will need a reservation, though.
GEO-82
GEO-82 isn’t quite as popular as The Beak and the Barrel, but it’s still in high demand by any reasonable standard.
Remarkably, this isn’t the best new upgrade at EPCOT, though. No, that honor belongs to Test Track.
Disney has reinvented this attraction for the 2020s, but it has also embraced its roots.
Test Track deftly walks a fine line by showcasing the vehicular society of tomorrow while celebrating 1980s EPCOT.
Photo: Disney
The ride experience hearkens back to World of Motion, the original ride at this pavilion.
You don’t have to be a fan of that attraction to admire the new version of Test Track, though.
The entire experience is so shiny and achingly beautiful that you’ll occasionally forget you’re on a thrill ride.
What’s Next at EPCOT?
(Mariah Wild, Photographer)
Sadly, Disney hasn’t confirmed anything else happening at EPCOT for the time being, but a possibility remains.
Spaceship Earth is currently undergoing refurbishment. Disney has been cagey about the specifics.
Spaceship Earth
I strongly suspect that improvements are coming to this ride, probably during the second half of it.
Nobody has confirmed anything yet, though. So, please keep checking MickeyBlog for additional details.
Spaceship Earth at EPCOT
We’re operating under the impression that more will happen at EPCOT one day soon.
The delay stems from the fact that the Imagineers are stretched thin at the other three parks right now.
Photo: MickeyBlog
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below, and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!
Feature Photo: Disney
