Rope Drop: Happy birthday to Walt Disney World
As the "rope drop" starts a day at theme parks, the Sunday "Rope Drop" post kicks off the week here at Theme Park Insider. Here is what lies ahead for fans at the parks this week.
On Thursday, the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will celebrate its 55th birthday. The Magic Kingdom first opened to guests on October 1, 1971. Thursday is also the birthday for Walt Disney World's EPCOT, which debuted 11 years later, on October 1, 1982.
It's a relatively quiet anniversary for Disney World this year, as the resort works on building several major new attractions that should be open in time for its 60th anniversary in 2031. At the Magic Kingdom, work is well underway for the two new rides themed to Pixar's Cars that are replacing the old Rivers of America attractions.
Elsewhere at the resort, Disney's Hollywood Studios will open its new Monsters, Inc.-themed Welcome to Monstropolis next year. Disney's Animal Kingdom next year is expected to open the Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent retheme of the former Dinosaur ride, while work continues on the debut of the new Antonio's Fiesta de Encanto dark ride.
Beyond Disney, Orlando means haunt events at theme parks across the country, including the ongoing Halloween Horror Nights at Universal's parks, Fright Fest at Six Flags and select Enchanted Parks, Low-O-Scream at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, as well as the industry's original Halloween event, Knott's Scary Farm.
Planning a trip?
Here are the current refurbishment schedules from Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.
September 28 - October 29: Walt Disney World Railroad is closed.
October 26: Volcano Bay closes for the season, with a planned return on or before April 1, 2027.
October 30: It's a Small World closes at Disneyland for its holiday overlay installation.
November 1; Redwood Creek Challenge Trail closes at Disney California Adventure, with no reopening date.
November 2: Tiana's Bayou Adventure closes at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, with no reopening date.
November 3: Animal Actors on Location closes permanently at Universal Studios Florida.
November 20: Jurassic Park River Adventure reopens at Islands of Adventure.
January 4 - February 2, 2027: Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges closes at Islands of Adventure.
January 25 - February 4, 2027: Fyre Drill closes at Universal Epic Universe.
February 8-19, 2027: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey closes at Islands of Adventure.
Indiana Jones Adventure and Mad Tea Party are closed at Disneyland, with no reopening date.
Universal's Horror Make-Up Show is closed at Universal Studios Florida. Estimated reopening in winter 2026.
Carousel of Progress is closed at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. New show debuts in 2027.
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The greatest vision, concept and project delivery in the history of entertainment. It still amazes me. Chapeau Walt, Roy and the team!!