Many venues closed during the March 2020 pandemic shutdown. While most Disney World locations have reopened, several remain closed or have been permanently retired. This guide explores the current status of these locations across the resort.
Magic Kingdom
The Pirate League in Adventureland permanently closed in March 2020. This unique venue once offered complete pirate transformations and experiences for guests of all ages. Its closure marked the end of an era for interactive character experiences in this section of the park. This space is currently under construction for the rumoured Pirates Lounge, which was announced at D23 but not in a confirmed space.
Club 626, a Tomorrowland dance party venue, has remained unused since its closure in 2018. While the space occasionally hosts special events, it no longer serves as a regular entertainment venue outside of holiday parties.
The Magic Kingdom News Stand at the park entrance closed in March 2020. This location held special significance for many guests as one of the few places offering official Disney postmark and is a retail space that thousands of guests walk by daily.
Aunt Polly’s on Tom Sawyer’s Island shifted from permanent to seasonal years ago and will be part of the Cars Land announcement, which will also see the entire Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer’s Island demolished.
Hollywood Studios
The Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost near Echo Lake has seen multiple attempted revivals, including a brief reopening in 2023 as a themed bar. Despite these efforts, the venue remains closed with no current plans for future use.
The Studio Store in the Muppets Courtyard permanently closed in 2020. While the historic sign remains as a park artifact, the space itself stands as a reminder of the park’s retail evolution. In addition, It’s a Wonderful Shop remains closed.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid in Animation Courtyard closed in 2020 and is currently under renovation. Plans indicate a new show format will debut in early 2025, marking a significant update to this long-running attraction. This is a location that continues to be an eyesore in a park that has invested in new experiences recently, with Toy Story Land and Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.
This is also where we insert the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, but that’s low hanging fruit.
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Animal Kingdom
The Outpost Shop outside Animal Kingdom closed over five years ago. Despite occasional cast member activity, the building remains largely unused. As this a retail space that continues to sit at the entrance of the theme park, it makes guests question the strategy of keeping it closed.
Discovery Riverboats ended their run in 1999. While the boats themselves are gone, their docks found new life as guest areas, demonstrating how Disney often repurposes rather than removes defunct attractions. Most of us still miss the idea of an attraction during a time when the park is going through a transition.
EPCOT
The Amanii Village Trader Shop, once a vibrant African street market at the back of World Showcase, now serves as storage space. Its closure followed a cultural reevaluation of the space’s theme and purpose.
The Wonders of Life pavilion shut years ago, and although was announced to be the home of The Play Pavilion, the space continues to be shut.
Le Hotel du Canada in the Canadian Pavilion continues to be a park icon although the only part of the building in use is Le Ceillier, leaving the upper section empty. In the past, the space was used as a storefront that showcased East Coast and Maritime merchandise.
Disney Springs
West Side
The NBA Experience had perhaps the briefest run of recent Disney attractions. Operating only from 2019 to 2020, this ambitious venture never reopened after the pandemic closure, marking one of Disney Springs’ most notable recent closures.
Marketplace
The Void left during the pandemic. The unused space is found in between the World of Disney and Bippidy Boppity Boutique.
Resort Venues
The Boardwalk
Big River Grill and Brewing Works at the BoardWalk closed in January 2024 following its operating company’s bankruptcy. This closure represents one of the most recent changes to Disney World’s dining landscape.
Grand Floridian
Census Spas at the Grand Floridian Resort permanently closed in March 2020. The space remains unused, reflecting broader changes in resort amenities following the pandemic.
The Garden View Tea Room, also at the Grand Floridian Resort, remains indefinitely closed since March 2020. This historically significant dining location hosted countless memorable afternoon teas and special occasions.
Other Resorts
The Fort Wilderness Resort Marina now operates with significantly reduced services. While not completely closed, its limited operations represent a notable scaling back of recreational offerings.
Bonfils Café at Port Orleans Resort found new life as a special events venue and test kitchen following the resort merger. This repurposing demonstrates Disney’s adaptability in finding new uses for existing spaces.
Tangaroa Terrace at the Polynesian Village Resort closed in 2018. The large building now primarily serves maintenance and storage functions, though its prominent location suggests potential for future development.
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Historical Abandoned Locations
Discovery Island, operating from 1974 to 1999, stands as perhaps Disney World’s most famous abandoned location. This former zoological park in Bay Lake remains visible from watercraft, sparking endless speculation about its future.
Future Considerations
Disney World’s landscape continues to evolve. Many venues that closed in 2020 have since become permanent closures, while others await new concepts. These changes reflect shifting guest patterns and operational strategies. As the resort continues to develop, some currently unused spaces may find new life in future projects.
Staying Informed
Changes to venue status can occur without notice, and historical status doesn’t guarantee future plans. Disney announces major developments through official channels, making it important to follow these sources for the most current information about closed and repurposed venues.