When these Disney, Universal attractions are shutting down

[Disney4me]

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.

The Twain shall meet

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.

Bone dry

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.

JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINEL

Rip Ride Rockit riders burst through a cityscape along the roller coaster's route at Universal Studios theme park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Ripped out

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.

Mystery dates

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.

Coming up

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, the “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” will debut inside the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. The 4-D show is replacing “It’s Tough to Be a Bug,” which closed down earlier this year.

Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.

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