When these Disney, Universal attractions are shutting down

Yahoo

4 days ago

It's a mark your calendars moment mixed with a last-call warning as a handful of attractions in Central Florida are bowing out soon. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando are busily planning replacements. Details are various levels of hush-hush, but here's what we know so far and when it will be too late for that last visit.
What: Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America
Where: Magic Kingdom
Since when: May 1973
When's the last day to visit: July 6
What's there: The manmade island has Mark Twain-inspired adventures out in nature, including explorable caves and pathways, a fort and challenging footbridges. It's accessible only by log rafts, which travel across the Rivers of America, home of the quadruple-decker Liberty Belle riverboat that circles the island. Among the sights: Harper's Mill, Wilson's Cave Inn, woodland animals and Haunted Mansion.
What's next: Two 'Cars' rides are planned for the area, an extension of Frontierland and part of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history, Disney says.
What: The Boneyard
Where: DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Since when: April 1998
When's the last day to visit: Sept. 1, which also happens to be Labor Day
What's there: It's a dino dig-themed play area that was, the story goes, established in 1947. There are slides, caves, rope bridges, digging opportunities, fans and shade.
What's next: The new Tropical Americas land will take over this space, although it too is expected to have a playground. Opening date: Sometime in 2027.
What: Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Where: Universal Studios Florida
Since when: August 2009
When's the last day to visit: Aug. 17
What's there: Music-themed roller coaster was innovative with on-board speakers with songs chosen by individual riders. Visually, it is known for a dramatic deep dive that lifts up into a loop and, from the sky, the track layout resembles a treble clef.
What's next: That's not been shared yet by Universal Orlando, but visitors can see activity beyond the new construction walls in the vicinity.
What: Dinosaur
Where: Disney's Animal Kingdom
Since when: April 1998
When's the last day to visit: It's a mystery.
What's there: A dark ride/simulator that involves the Dino Institute and a something-suddenly-goes-wrong trip to prehistoric times.
What's next: The attraction will be rehabbed with an 'Indiana Jones' theme and become part of the park's Tropical Americas.
What: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Where: Disney's Hollywood Studios
Since when: April 1998
When's the last day to visit: It's a mystery, but Disney says it will rock on through the end of 2025.
What's there: Another music-driven thrill ride, this one featuring Aerosmith tunes, Hollywood streetscapes and a ride vehicle designed to look like a superstretch limo.
What's next: The coaster will be rethemed and go for contrast by including the Muppets. It's expected to reopen next year.
But there are first dates, too.
• 'Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,' a nighttime parade, debuts at Magic Kingdom on July 20.
• The revamped version of Test Track thrill ride reopens at Epcot on July 22.
• Sometime In late 2025, 'Zootopia: Better Zoogether!' will debut inside the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. The 4D show is replacing 'It's Tough to Be a Bug,' which closed down earlier this year.
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