As the most visited theme park in the world, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom continuously evolves to keep the magic alive for millions of guests each year. One of the key ways Disney maintains that sparkle is through regular attraction refurbishments, ensuring classic rides stay safe, fresh, and in line with the latest storytelling and technological innovations. With 2025 nearly upon us, Disney has announced a series of exciting refurbishments slated for the Magic Kingdom, promising both nostalgia and new magic for visitors.

Whether you are a seasoned Disney veteran or a first-time visitor, understanding these refurbishments can help you plan your trip with greater insight. Refurbishments can mean temporary ride closures, but they also herald the arrival of updated experiences, enhanced visuals, and occasionally, brand-new scenes or technology. So, let’s dive into what’s happening around the Magic Kingdom in late 2025 and what guests can expect when these beloved attractions come back better than ever.

Why Refurbishments Matter at Magic Kingdom

Before diving into the specific attractions, it’s worth reflecting on why refurbishment is so crucial at Magic Kingdom. Think about it: millions of guests ride these attractions year after year, and many of them have decades of history behind them. Without regular upkeep, these rides could lose their charm, or worse, face safety issues.

But Disney’s approach is about more than maintenance. They view refurbishment as a chance to enhance storytelling, incorporate the latest technology, and sometimes add new elements that surprise and delight guests. It’s an evolving tradition that helps classics like Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain remain relevant and exciting today.

This means refurbishments are not just about fixing what’s broken—they’re about reimagining the experience while honoring the original magic. That’s a delicate balance, but one Disney has been mastering for years.

The Enchanting Return of “Splash Mountain” – Reimagined as “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure”

One of the most anticipated refurbishments is the reimagining of the iconic Splash Mountain. Originally based on the movie “Song of the South,” which has long been a source of controversy, Disney has decided to transform this classic log flume ride into “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” inspired by the beloved film *The Princess and the Frog*.

Set to reopen in late 2025, this overhaul includes an extensive redesign of the ride’s storyline, visuals, and soundtrack. Instead of the mischievous Br’er Rabbit and his adventures, guests will now explore the vibrant bayou alongside Princess Tiana and Louis the alligator. This change brings a fresh cultural perspective and highlights themes of perseverance, dreams, and community.

But the refurbishment isn’t just about the narrative. Expect new animatronics, richly detailed sets, and immersive projections that bring the Louisiana bayou to life in a way that feels both authentic and magical. Fans of the original ride will appreciate how Disney has retained the ride’s thrilling drops and fun water effects while updating the experience to be more inclusive and contemporary.

Space Mountain’s Technological Transformation

Space Mountain has been a staple of Tomorrowland since the park’s opening in 1975. This indoor roller coaster, which simulates a high-speed journey through space, is getting a significant refurbishment in 2025 focusing on both the ride’s mechanics and immersive elements.

The refurbishment includes an overhaul of the track and ride vehicles, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable journey that retains all the adrenaline and excitement riders love. But what’s most exciting is the upgrade to the visual and audio effects inside the attraction.

New projection technology, enhanced LED lighting, and an updated soundtrack will create an even more thrilling and sensory-rich experience. The goal is to make riders feel as if they’re truly hurtling through the cosmos, with nebulas, star clusters, and asteroid fields unfolding around them in stunning detail.

Disney Imagineers are also experimenting with interactive features that may allow guests seated on the ride to influence some of the visuals around them, offering a novel twist on this classic attraction.

The Classic Charm of “It’s a Small World” Gets a Subtle Refresh

One of the most iconic and enduring attractions at Magic Kingdom, *It’s a Small World* has delighted guests with its joyful anthem and colorful, whimsical dolls representing children from around the world. In 2025, the ride will close briefly for a much-needed refurbishment focused on updating the audio-animatronics and enhancing the vibrancy of the sets.

The goal here isn’t to change the beloved storyline or memorable song but to bring new life to the visuals and the mechanics behind the scenes. New animatronics will move more fluidly and expressively, and LED lighting will highlight the intricate details of the sets.

Subtle updates will also be made to reflect cultural accuracy and sensitivity, helping to keep the ride as joyful and inclusive as ever. For many guests, *It’s a Small World* is a symbol of unity and hope—this refurbishment will preserve and enhance that timeless message.

Adventureland’s Jungle Cruise: A Fresh Exploration

The Jungle Cruise has long been a fan favorite thanks to its pun-filled narration and adventurous spirit. Although the ride has seen periodic updates over the years, its 2025 refurbishment will push further into the realm of storytelling and environmental theming.

Disney is working on adding new scenes that deepen the backstory of the Jungle Cruise’s rivers, introducing new animatronic animals and expanding on the playful banter of the skippers. There will also be upgrades to the ride vehicles and queue areas to improve guest comfort and immersion.

One notable change is the integration of enhanced soundscapes and subtle environmental effects like mist and temperature shifts, designed to transport guests more fully into the jungle setting. These upgrades aim to enhance the sense of adventure while keeping the lighthearted tone fans cherish.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover’s Smooth Ride Returns

The beloved Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, which offers guests a gentle tour above Tomorrowland, is scheduled for a refurbishment to improve the ride system and update some of the narration and displays that highlight Tomorrowland’s vision of the future.

Although the ride’s core concept and route will remain unchanged, guests can expect smoother movement and refreshed visuals on the displays seen from the elevated track. Disney is updating the storyline to better reflect current innovations in technology and sustainability, giving the attraction a more modern and hopeful outlook for the future.

For many, the PeopleMover is a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the park, and these refinements will make that experience even more pleasant and inspiring.

Planning Your Visit During the Refurbishment Period

Refurbishments, while exciting, often require temporary ride closures that can impact your Magic Kingdom visit. Disney typically provides advance notice about these closures, but it’s wise to check the official Walt Disney World refurbishment schedule as your trip approaches.

If an attraction you’re eager to experience is closed, consider alternate rides or shows that offer similar thrills or nostalgia. For example, if Splash Mountain is closed, exploring the nearby Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or enjoying the new *Tiana’s Bayou Adventure* once it reopens is a fantastic option.

Another tip is to get familiar with Disney’s Genie+ and Lightning Lane services