As any devoted Disney fan will tell you, the magic of Disney World doesn’t just lie in its enchanting stories and beloved characters, but also in the ever-evolving experiences that keep guests coming back year after year. One of the hallmarks of Disney’s commitment to excellence is their ongoing dedication to maintaining and enhancing their attractions. Whether by updating classic rides, introducing fresh technology, or reimagining entire lands, refurbishment projects breathe new life into the resort while preserving the charm that has made it a worldwide destination.

With the year 2025 underway, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is bustling with several exciting refurbishment projects that are set to elevate the visitor experience to new heights. From timeless favorites getting a fresh coat of paint and updated effects to thrilling rides receiving state-of-the-art enhancements, there’s a lot to look forward to. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the upcoming refurbishments across Magic Kingdom, exploring what’s changing, why these updates matter, and how they might transform your next visit to the park.

Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply curious about what’s coming to Magic Kingdom, read on to discover the magic behind the refurbishment curtain.

Why Disney Undertakes Attraction Refurbishments

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of what’s being refurbished, it’s worth understanding why Disney invests so heavily in these projects. At its core, attraction refurbishment is about preserving the guest experience and ensuring the park stays safe, enjoyable, and fresh.

Many attractions at Magic Kingdom have been delighting visitors for decades. While nostalgia is a big part of the appeal, time inevitably takes its toll on ride vehicles, animatronics, audio-visual effects, and the overall infrastructure. Refurbishments help maintain peak performance and safety standards. But beyond maintenance, Disney often uses refurbishments as an opportunity to enhance storytelling—upgrading technology to bring scenes to life more vividly or refining ride pacing and guest comfort.

Essentially, refurbishments are a blend of preservation and innovation. They honor Walt Disney’s original vision while embracing new creative and technical possibilities. For guests, this means beloved classics get a fresh sparkle without losing their heart, and the park’s magic continues to evolve with the times.

New Life for a Classic: Splash Mountain’s Transformation

One of the most talked-about refurbishments currently underway is the transformation of Splash Mountain. While the ride itself is well-loved for its thrilling drops and catchy tunes, Disney is reimagining the attraction inspired by the movie *The Princess and the Frog*.

This major overhaul is not just a simple refurbishment—it’s a re-theming that replaces the former storyline with new characters, songs, and visuals that celebrate the rich culture of New Orleans and the adventurous spirit of Princess Tiana. This project aims to provide a more inclusive and modern narrative that resonates with today’s audiences while maintaining the excitement and charm of the original ride.

Guests can expect updated animatronics featuring Princess Tiana, vibrant new scenes, and fresh musical scores composed specifically for the attraction. The ride’s classic log flume experience remains, but with enhanced storytelling that breathes fresh magic into every turn and splash. The reimagined attraction is slated to reopen in mid-2026, and anticipation is understandably high.

Enchanted Tiki Room: Revitalizing a Timeless Show

The Enchanted Tiki Room has been a staple of Adventureland since 1971, featuring charming animatronic birds, flowers, and tikis serenading guests with catchy tunes. Though beloved for its nostalgic appeal, the show has been due for some updates to keep pace with modern expectations for immersive entertainment.

Disney is currently refurbishing this classic attraction to enhance the audio-animatronics’ precision and refresh the vibrant lighting effects. Additionally, new story elements will be subtly introduced, preserving the original whimsy while infusing the show with renewed energy.

Imagine more expressive characters and clearer soundscapes that make the tropical paradise feel even more alive. The refurbishment also includes enhancements to the seating area for improved comfort and accessibility, ensuring that guests of all ages and abilities can enjoy the magic. Fans of the Tiki Room will be excited to see these upgrades when the attraction reopens later in 2025.

Haunted Mansion: A Spookier, Smarter Experience

The Haunted Mansion is another iconic Magic Kingdom attraction undergoing significant refurbishment. Famous for its eerie charm and clever effects, the mansion is receiving state-of-the-art technology enhancements to sharpen illusions and deepen the mood.

Key upgrades include advanced projection mapping techniques that bring the “999 happy haunts” to life with more detail and dynamic movement. Animatronics are also being refreshed to improve fluidity and expression, making encounters with ghostly residents even more memorable.

During the downtime, the attraction’s exterior and queue areas are receiving maintenance and thematic updates to enrich the storytelling from the moment guests enter. This ensures that the experience builds anticipation and excitement before boarding the Doom Buggies.

The goal is to preserve the spooky fun that has delighted generations while integrating modern effects that heighten immersion. Haunted Mansion’s refurbishment is expected to wrap up by early 2026, just in time for the Halloween season—a perfect match for spooky revelers!

Tomorrowland Speedway Gets a High-Tech Tune-Up

For fans of classic racing fun, Tomorrowland Speedway is getting a thoughtful refurbishment aimed at improving ride reliability and guest comfort while preserving its retro charm.

The cars are being updated with quieter, more environmentally friendly engines to reduce noise and emissions within the park. Meanwhile, track improvements will smooth out the ride, offering a more enjoyable experience for drivers of all ages.

Additionally, Disney is enhancing the queue and loading areas with updated signage, shade structures, and interactive elements that engage waiting guests. These small but impactful changes aim to refresh this nostalgic attraction without losing its signature feel.

The Tomorrowland Speedway is slated to reopen by mid-2025, ensuring it’s ready to rev up for another generation of aspiring racers.

Liberty Square Riverboat: A Gentle Refurbishment on the Horizon

For those who appreciate the slower, scenic rides, the Liberty Square Riverboat is set for a gentle refurbishment focused on maintenance and aesthetic enhancements. This classic paddle-wheeler has been charming guests for decades with its peaceful journey around the Rivers of America.

The refurbishment will include repainting the boat, refurbishing woodwork, and updating mechanical systems to ensure safety and smooth operation. The dock area will also be refreshed with improved landscaping and seating.

These subtle updates may not be flashy, but they are essential for preserving the authentic atmosphere that makes a ride on the Liberty Square Riverboat a timeless retreat from the bustling park.

Keeping the Magic Alive: What These Refurbishments Mean for Visitors

You might wonder how all these refurbishments affect guests planning a trip to Magic Kingdom. While some attractions will be temporarily closed during their upgrades, the benefits far outweigh the brief inconvenience.

When these rides and shows reopen, guests can look forward to richer storytelling, enhanced visual effects, improved comfort, and safer experiences. Disney’s focus on inclusivity and innovation means these attractions will feel fresh and relevant while honoring the nostalgia that long-time fans cherish.

For visitors planning their