Disney Parks fans worldwide were dismayed by the recent announcement of multiple attraction closures at Walt Disney World. Several iconic Disney World rides and experiences are set to go dark in the coming months, including both temporary shutdowns and permanent removals. For those planning their dream Disney vacations, these closures could significantly impact their magical memories in the making.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly which high-profile Disney World attractions are closing, when the closures are happening, and what Disney’s reasoning is behind these shocking announcements. We’ll also consider how these closures could alter the Disney World experience and what they might signal about the resort’s future direction. Buckle up, Disney fans – it’s going to be an emotional rollercoaster ride.
EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth Goes Dark
The first headline-grabbing Disney World closure is the temporary shutdown of EPCOT’s iconic Spaceship Earth attraction. This 16-story, geodesic dome houses a classic Disney dark ride taking guests on a journey through the history of human communication.
Spaceship Earth will be closed for refurbishment from July 19-July 20, just a two-day shutdown. But it’s still surprising given that the ride just completed a major multi-year renovation in 2020. The quick turnaround suggests that Disney identified additional upgrades they want to implement quickly.
The Magic Kingdom Loses The Haunted Mansion
Additionally, the fan-favorite Haunted Mansion ride in the Magic Kingdom is closing from August 7 through August 10 for undisclosed routine maintenance. This short closure shouldn’t directly impact many guests, but it further contributes to the sense that major attractions are unexpectedly going offline.
With both Spaceship Earth and the Haunted Mansion temporarily shuttering just weeks apart, is Disney World teetering on the edge of losing its magic?
Blizzard Beach Water Park Dries Up Indefinitely
Making matters worse is the ongoing closure of Disney World’s Blizzard Beach water park. This beloved “frozen” themed water park closed for annual maintenance in January 2022. But while sister park Typhoon Lagoon has reopened, Blizzard Beach remains closed indefinitely for a prolonged refurbishment.
Disney has not provided an updated reopening timeframe, leaving guests uncertain of when the iconic water slides and attractions like Summit Plummet will return. The unknown status of Blizzard Beach adds another huge question mark for Disney World visitors planning their summer vacations.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Ends Its Run
Potentially most disappointing of all is the confirmed permanent closure of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. This groundbreaking Star Wars-themed hotel and immersive roleplaying experience shut down on September 30th, 2023 after just over a year of operation.
Despite massive hype and investments by Disney, the Galactic Starcruiser failed to attract sufficient guest interest to be economically viable long-term. Its demise after such a short tenure casts doubt on the future of ambitious Disney Parks expansions.
With the Galactic Starcruiser now scrapped, attention turns to whether economic pressures could also doom EPCOT’s recently opened Guardians of the Galaxy rollercoaster or the upcoming TRON coaster. It’s clear the financial viability of Disney’s bold new projects is declining.
Voyage of The Little Mermaid Show Sinks Indefinitely
The parade of closures continues with the Voyage of the Little Mermaid show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios remaining closed with no reopening date. This musical show based on the classic Disney film has been shuttered since July 2020 with rumors of a potential Encanto-themed replacement.
But Disney has not provided any updates, leaving the future of the show building completely uncertain. Given that the live-action Little Mermaid film is coming in 2023, shutting this attraction indefinitely is a questionable choice.
Even Jedi Training Won’t Return From The Dark Side
Cynical observers may liken Disney’s closure spree to the evil Emperor shutting down Jedi temples in the Star Wars lore. Fittingly, the Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple interactive show at Hollywood Studios has also been permanently terminated since closing in 2020.
This beloved experience allowed children to face Darth Vader and Seventh Sister in lightsaber battles as Jedi padawans. While Disney blames economic factors, superfans see the Jedi Training closure as another loss of immersive storytelling that made visitors feel part of the saga.
What Do The Closures Mean For Disney World’s Future?
Stepping back, it’s clear a major shift is underway at Disney World. Between temporary and permanent closures, construction walls are emerging at a remarkable pace across the resort. The resulting disrupted guest experience risks damaging Disney’s brand as a seamless magical escape.
Disney World, without its famous rides and shows, would be like Cinderella’s Castle without the sparkling fireworks. Here’s hoping Disney leadership recognizes the toll these closures could take on lifelong fans’ affinity for the resort before even more of the magic disappears.
The resort that Walt built needs a unified, forward-thinking strategy for bringing in new generations of Disney lovers. The future of Disney World remains murky but let’s hope brighter days are ahead.
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