Brace yourselves—this is more than just a few dusty walls going up. Disney World is reshaping some of its most beloved lands, attractions, and eateries, which means the iconic seasonal events are facing disruption in a big way. From spooky Halloween nights to festive Christmas parties, guests will feel the impact—and it’s happening now.Credit: DisneyMagic Kingdom: ClosuresLet’s start at Magic Kingdom, which is currently a bit of a patchwork for some ambitious reimagining. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed since January 6, 2025, and it won’t reopen until sometime in 2026. And yes, that thrilling runaway‑train ride is out of commission. Meanwhile, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is set to shut down on August 4, 2025, for a significant overhaul, with promises of new vehicles, targets, animatronics, and scenes arriving in 2026.But that’s not all: Rivers of America, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island closed starting July 7, 2025, so Disney can carve out a new Cars‑themed area called Piston Peak National Park. And thrown into all of this is the permanent closure of the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, which shuttered June 23, 2024, and is now being replaced with a Disney Vacation Club member lounge.Credit: DisneyHollywood Studios: ClosuresNow over to Hollywood Studios, where entire swaths of beloved fare are closing to make room for a brand‑new Monsters, Inc.‑themed land. Most notably, Muppet Vision 3D closed on June 8, 2025—bringing to an end the final Henson‑era attraction at the park that opened in 1991. That closure was paired with the shutdown of PizzeRizzo (June 8) and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano (May 10) in the surrounding Muppets Courtyard.Star Wars Launch Bay will officially close September 25, with Disney preparing to reimagine the area as The Magic of Disney Animation, a tribute to the studio’s creative legacy. With the Muppet takeover of Rock’N’Coaster, it’s possible the retheming could shut down the ride smack dab in the middle of the holiday season. If you want to get that last ride in, you may want to visit the park before the holidays. Credit: Inside the MagicMagic Kingdom Holiday Shake-UpsSpecial seasonal events like Mickey’s Not‑So‑Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party traditionally depend on the accessibility of classic Fantasyland and Frontierland corridors. With key rides offline and fenced‑off areas, guests will find construction walls and narrowed parade corridors—a perfect storm for crowd bottlenecks. Certain food kiosks or restaurants that support seasonal treats may be gone or harder to reach, affecting both variety and convenience.Holiday Consequences at Hollywood StudiosHollywood’s seasonal offering, Jollywood Nights (formerly tied to Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!), typically uses areas around Sunset Boulevard and Muppets Courtyard. Now that those venues are closed or blocked by walls, guests will see truncated viewing areas and fewer themed food options. With Mama Melrose and PizzeRizzo closed, quick‑service or sit‑down holiday menus are shrinking fast. Wait times elsewhere may soar as crowds redistribute. Parade or projection show viewing spots are tighter than ever.Credit: DisneyWhat Guests Will Experience at Holiday EventsSo what does this all mean if you’re heading to Disney World for Mickey’s Not‑So‑Scary Halloween Party, Jollywood Nights, or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?Expect the following:Construction Zones EverywhereFrom blocked pathways in Frontierland to walls around Muppets Courtyard and Animation Courtyard, you’ll be navigating plenty of rerouted walkways.Fewer Dining OptionsWith spots like PizzeRizzo, Mama Melrose’s, and Launch Bay out of commission, you’ll see longer waits at remaining quick-service restaurants—and fewer holiday snack locations.Longer Ride Wait TimesWith rides like Buzz Lightyear and Big Thunder closed, more guests will flock to the still‑open attractions, increasing standby times across the board.Credit: DisneyTighter Viewing SpotsParade and fireworks areas are more limited, especially in Magic Kingdom, where construction near the Rivers of America narrows popular viewing zones.Lightning Lane PressureLightning Lane reservations may become more competitive and feel less valuable during these events, with fewer attractions available. The advantage of attending one of these events is the smaller crowds. However, with so many attractions closed and crowds not as spread out, Lightning Lane passes may become more necessary.Less Breathing RoomThe loss of spacious indoor areas like Launch Bay means fewer places to cool off or relax during Jollywood Nights—so plan your breaks wisely.Even with all that, there’s still plenty of magic to be had—but it’s clear that Disney’s current wave of change transforms the holiday experience in ways guests can’t miss.Credit: DisneyHow to Make the Most of ItHoliday events this year will feel different. If you’re planning on the Halloween or Christmas parties, give yourself extra time, be ready to navigate narrowed walkways, and don’t assume your favorite seasonal snack spot or restaurant will even be open. Waits will stretch. Favorite viewing regions may be off‑limits.But with some savvy planning—snagging Lightning Lane selections early, arriving before rope drop, and packing patience—you can still carve out a magical evening.Think of it this way: you’re among the first to experience Disney on the brink of something new. A few short months of disruption now means thrilling new lands later. Your parties may feel a little different, but they’ll still deliver memorable moments—just maybe with fewer hugs from the Muppets.The post Disney World Forced To Dramatically Change Iconic Events This Year appeared first on Inside the Magic.