These popular Disney World attractions are closing for good next month to make way for 'Cars' land
Disney movies always have a happy ending, but you can’t get to the “happily ever after” without some struggle, conflict and heartache. Like its beloved films, Walt Disney World’s current expansion plan follows a similar storyline.
In August 2024, Disney announced a slew of new attractions coming to all four of its Orlando theme parks. They include a “Zootopia”-based attraction coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a “Monsters, Inc.”-themed land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a “Cars”-themed land coming to the Magic Kingdom.
But the joy of visiting a real-life version of Monstropolis or racing alongside Lightning McQueen comes at a price, and several popular attractions are on the chopping block.
Three of these are closing next month, leaving you only a few short weeks to say farewell.
Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island
Radiator Springs is making a permanent pit stop at the Magic Kingdom — but it comes at a cost.
To clear space for the new rides, Disney is bulldozing a large swath of Frontierland that encompasses several longtime attractions, including the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat. Your last chance to experience these attractions is July 6. All three will close July 7 so work on the "Cars"-themed area can begin.
Disney shared in a blog post that the "Cars" area will be set in Piston Peak National Park — a fictional park inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and national parks of the American Frontier — featuring "towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers."
The “Cars”-themed area will bring two new attractions to Frontierland: One is a thrilling rally race, and the other is geared toward young roadsters. Guests will also be able to explore the "visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more," according to the blog post.
‘It’s Tough to be a Bug!’
Disney announced in 2023 that “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” would get a “Zootopia” makeover. However, it only recently announced an exact closure date for the 4D movie based on 1998’s “A Bug’s Life,” which plays several times daily inside Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life.
The film will be replaced by Zootopia: Better Zoogether! in the winter of 2025-2026. Zootopia: Better Zoogether! will feature fan-favorite characters like Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and Officer Clawhauser, likely in a similar 3D movie format with special effects that make the show even more engaging.
To make way for the new attraction, “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” closed permanently on March 17.
Dinosaur
The closure of a ride named Dinosaur brings to mind so many extinction puns that I don’t even know where to start. So, I’ll cut to the chase. Dinosaur — along with the rest of DinoLand U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom — is going the way of the dodo as Disney prepares to build out a Tropical Americas-themed land in its place.
DinoLand U.S.A. is already in the midst of a phased closure. Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, TriceraTop Spin and the Fossil Fun Games carnival game area closed in January, with only Dinosaur, a handful of dining locations and Boneyard, the dig-site-themed outdoor play area, remaining open.
The new Tropical Americas area will feature two anchor attractions: one themed to “Encanto” and another designed to mimic one of Indiana Jones’ many adventures. The latter will eventually replace Dinosaur.
Disney held an official groundbreaking ceremony for the Tropical Americas section of Animal Kingdom on Jan. 17, and behind-the-scenes construction is already underway.
Disney has yet to release an exact closure date for Dinosaur, but when they revealed everything new coming to the parks this year, they shared that Dinosaur will be available “through 2025” and that this would be your “last chance” to ride. So, if you have a 2025 trip on the calendar, you may want to pay a visit to Animal Kingdom before this ride goes extinct.
Muppet*Vision 3D
At this year’s Disney Experiences Showcase during the biannual D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California, Disney announced that a “Monsters, Inc.”-themed land was being planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Eagle-eyed fans knew it would likely be going in one of two places: Animation Courtyard (home to Star Wars Launch Bay) or Muppets Courtyard.
Related: Disney confirms Muppet*Vision 3D closure at Hollywood Studios, but it’s not all bad news
To the collective dismay of Muppets fans the world over, Monstropolis is replacing the park’s Muppets-themed area and shuttering Muppet*Vision 3D.
Attractions come and go, but this particular one was beloved for more than its slapstick comedy gags; it was one of the final projects that Muppets creator Jim Henson worked on before he died in 1990. Disney said in a blog post that it was “exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future,” but it is unclear at this point what that might mean.
June 7 is officially the last day to watch Muppet*Vision 3D and its “glorious three-hour finale” before it closes permanently June 8 for the forthcoming “Monsters, Inc.” land. Construction on the new land is slated to begin later this year.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
As part of the announcement regarding the Muppet*Vision 3D closure, Disney shared that the Muppets weren’t moving out of Hollywood Studios for good. Rather, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and their friends are relocating to Sunset Boulevard.
The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster ride currently features music and a storyline based on the band Aerosmith, but their residency is coming to an end. The Muppets will soon take over Disney World’s only upside-down roller coaster.
Disney has not revealed an exact closure date for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in its current form, but with Muppet*Vision 3D’s imminent demise, this may be your final year to ride along in a super stretch limo with Aerosmith.
Bottom line
I’m beyond excited about everything new that will happen in the next few years at Walt Disney World, but that doesn’t make the loss of some of my longtime favorite rides sting any less.
Much of my next Disney World trip will include visits to the attractions on this list so that I can ride one last time before all I have are memories. If you don’t already have a trip on the books this year, the stories below can help you plan your farewell tour of these soon-to-close rides.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.