What’s open, closed, happening at Disney World January 2025

The first month of the year always brings a number of closures and refurbishments as Disney World changes over from the Christmas holiday to the winter season. But this year Disney World in January 2025 will see a fan favorite Big Thunder Mountain Railroad close for the next year for major work on the attractions, and the permanent closing of two attractions at DinoLand, USA in Animal Kingdom as work begins for the new Tropical Americas Land

If you’re planning to head to Disney World this year, don’t forget to check out our calendar of events in 2025.

Here’s a complete list of everything open, closed and what’s coming to Disney World in January 2025, don’t forget to check the Disney World calendar for the most up to date information.

Disney World January 2025

• Disney World Free Dining Plan Returns – Book Jan. 2 to Feb. 10, 2025 – While the free dining plan offers are available until the summer 2025, you can start booking this from Jan. 2 for vacations May 27 through June. 26 and July 7 through Aug. 6, 2025.
• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend — Jan. 8-12, 2025 – Runners from around the globe descend on Disney World.
• Disney After Hours – These separately ticketed events at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and EPCOT have a limited number of guests allowed to stay three hours after the park closes and let you in at 7 p.m., a couple of hours before the park closes. In addition to the shorter lines because of less people, those attending can also indulge in snacks like ice cream, popcorn, and select drinks included on the ticket. Here are the nights of the events:
  • Magic Kingdom – Jan. 6 (sold out), 13, 20 and 27.
  • Hollywood Studios – Jan. 22 and 29

Magic Kingdom

• The Astro Orbiter – Closing for refurbishment. – The Tomorrowland attraction will close starting Jan. 13, 2025 with a planned reopening in the summer of 2025.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Closing for refurbishment. This popular attraction will undergo a multi-year refurbishment. The ride will close starting on Jan. 6, 2025 and will reopen sometime in 2026.
• Hall of Presidents. Closing for refurbishment. As the change in the presidency takes place, the attraction will close starting on Jan. 20, 2025, no reopening date has been announced.

Hollywood Studios

• The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure – Closed for refurbishment. This attraction which is replacing the Voyage of Little Mermaid is expected to open in summer 2025.

Animal Kingdom

• Fossil Fun Games – Closing Permanently. These boardwalk games will close permanently on Jan. 13, 2025, to make way for the Tropical Americas coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in 2027.
• Kali River Rapids – Closing for Refurbishment. Known for its guaranteed soaking, this water ride will temporarily close for refurbishment starting Jan. 6, 2025, and is expected to reopen sometime in March.
• TriceraTop Spin – Closing Permanently. The attraction in Dinoland U.S.A. will close permanently on Jan. 13, 2025, to make way for the Tropical Americas coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in 2027. 

EPCOT

• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros – Closing for refurbishment. The boat ride that follows Donald Duck Panchito and José Carioca on a journey through Mexico in the Mexico Pavilion will close for refurbishment on Jan. 6, 2025, and is expected to reopen on March 15, 2025.
• Test Track – Closed for an extended refurbishment – Test Track closed on June 16, 2024 for an extensive reimagining. It is expected to reopen in summer 2025.
• EPCOT International Festival of the Arts — Jan. 17 – Feb. 24, 2025 – This festival offers the opportunity to meet Disney artists, eat special foods and has the Disney on Broadway Concert Series. And yes, there are special food booths. Each night throughout the festival concerts take place at the America Gardens Theatre.
  • Patti Murin (“Frozen”) and John Riddle (“Frozen”) – NEW!
    • Jan. 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, 27, 28
  • Caissie Levy (“Frozen”) and Jelani Remy (“The Lion King”) – NEW!
    • Jan. 18, 21, 22, 24, 26, 29, 30
  • Adam Jacobs (“Aladdin”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”)
    • Jan. 31

Disney Springs

• Wellness Month – Throughout January, Disney Springs offers a variety of activities and promotions designed to help you prioritize your well-being. From fitness classes and relaxing spa treatments to healthy dining options and inspiring workshops, there’s something for everyone. Seven unique itineraries have been created to cater to different interests and activity levels, making it easy to find a plan that fits your lifestyle.

Water Parks

• Typhoon Lagoon – Closed for refurbishment . The park is closed for annual refurbishment. In the meantime Blizzard Beach is operating. There is no indication when Typhoon Lagoon will be operating again.

Disney Resorts

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Room refurbishment work will take place from September 2024 to September 2025.
• Beach Club Resort – Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed and undergo routine maintenance from January 2025 to June 2025. During this time, Guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral and Dunes Cove leisure pools.
• BoardWalk Inn and Villas – Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Disney’s BoardWalk Villas are being refurbished with new offerings; plus, updates to Guest rooms, lobby and more. While most Resort hotel amenities will remain available, you may be able to see and hear construction during daytime hours. Additionally, please allow for additional travel time.
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – The resort will undergo refurbishment from mid-May 2025 to September 2025. All resort amenities will remain available but guests may notice construction work during the day. 
• Magnolia Bend at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside – Refurbishment of the room at Magnolia Bend will take place from early April 2025 through the end of January 2026. Guests may see or hear construction work in the area. This is in addition to the work being done now at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter which will continue through Spring 2025.
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort – Guest rooms will go through refurbishment from late March 2025 to mid-February 2026. All resort amenities will remain available but guests may see construction during the day.