News Summary
Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are set to close several major attractions to make way for significant expansions aimed at improving visitor experiences. At Disney, Tom Sawyer Island and the Boneyard in DinoLand U.S.A. will undergo changes, including new rides and lands. Universal will shut down the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster with Epic Universe continuing to attract attention. The competitive landscape between the two giants is expected to boost tourism in Orlando as each resort innovates and enhances their offerings.
Orlando, Florida — Major attractions at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are set to close and undergo significant transformations as both resorts embark on massive expansions aimed at enhancing visitor experiences. Various iconic locations are scheduled for shutdown amid exciting new developments that align with industry trends and competition between the two entertainment giants.
First, Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America at Disney’s Magic Kingdom will close on July 6. Operating since May 1973, this attraction has provided guests with explorations inspired by author Mark Twain. The upcoming changes for the area will include two new rides themed around the popular Cars franchise, marking the largest expansion in the park’s history.
At DinoLand U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Boneyard, a play area designed as a dino dig that opened in April 1998, will close on September 1. In its place, a new Tropical Americas land is expected to debut, which will include a playground and is anticipated to open in 2027. Additionally, the park’s Dinosaur ride will close as well, although its reopening date and plan details remain undisclosed; it is confirmed to be rethemed with an Indiana Jones theme.
Another major closure is the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida, which will shut down on August 17. This music-themed attraction first opened in August 2009, but no future plans for it have been announced by Universal Orlando. The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will remain operational through the end of 2025, after which a retheming involving the Muppets is planned.
In the realm of new attractions, guests can look forward to the nighttime parade titled “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away”, set to debut at Magic Kingdom on July 20, along with a revamped Test Track ride, reopening at Epcot on July 22. Furthermore, a new 4D show called “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” will replace “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” at Animal Kingdom in late 2025.
On the Universal side, the recently opened Epic Universe has rapidly drawn attention since its debut on May 22. Spanning 750 acres, this fourth theme park is celebrated for being the largest in the world, with development costs reaching up to $7.7 billion. Epic Universe features multiple themed worlds, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon, and Super Nintendo World. Industry forecasts predict that Epic Universe will attract around 6 million guests in its first year, and Universal intends to position its resort as a destination for week-long stays.
To compete, Disney plans a substantial investment of $60 billion in its experiences segment, with $30 billion allocated for park enhancements, all aimed at countering Universal’s expansion efforts. Historical attendance numbers underline the rivalry’s impact, as Universal noted a 36% increase in visitors after launching the Harry Potter-themed area in 2010, reflecting ongoing growth in guest numbers.
Ticket pricing at Epic Universe will adopt a dynamic approach similar to Disney’s, ranging from $134 to $199 per day, depending on the season and demand, underscoring how both parks are strategically positioning themselves to attract and retain visitors while enhancing the overall experience.
The competitive landscape between Disney and Universal is expected to stimulate tourism in the Orlando area, likely extending visitor durations and boosting park revenues as both resorts continue to innovate and evolve.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: Theme Parks Last Call
- Wikipedia: Walt Disney World
- Click Orlando: Central Florida Attractions Closing
- Google Search: Theme Parks News
- CNBC: Disney & Universal’s Investments in Theme Parks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theme Park
- CNN: Epic Universe and Universal’s New Park
- Google News: Universal Orlando Epic Universe
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
