Sometimes good things must come to an end. At Disney World, this is especially true.

Disney World offerings such as attractions close temporarily all the time, whether it be due to refurbishment or inclement weather. Sometimes things close for seasonal overlays. Change at the Disney Parks is inevitable. However, on occasion, restaurants, attractions, shops, and hotels don’t just close temporarily — they close permanently.

This year, we saw a few big-time closures throughout Disney World. Let’s look at what was confirmed to be permanently closed in Disney World in 2023!

Splash Mountain

Let’s start with the big one. Splash Mountain, the longtime popular log flume attraction at Magic Kingdom, permanently closed on January 23rd, 2023.

Fans of log rides and great Disney animated movies need not worry, however, as it is being replaced by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in late 2024.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser didn’t have a long shelf life. The immersive Star Wars-themed hotel opened in March 2022 and offered guests a 2-night voyage on the Halycon, of which they would only disembark to go on excursions to Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

So why did it close? Each person cost $2,000 or more, limiting practical lodging and Disney executives stated that it “didn’t perform.” The final voyage took place on September 30th, 2023.

Harmonious

Often controversial for its barges in World Showcase Lagoon, Harmonious at EPCOT ended its run on April 2nd, 2023.

The nighttime spectacular was replaced by the temporary return of EPCOT Forever, which in turn will be replaced by Luminous: The Symphony of Us, on December 5th.

Some Disney Springs Shops

In 2023 we saw a few Disney Springs shops and restaurants permanently close. Let’s get into them.

Sosa Family Cigars permanently closed earlier this year on January 3rd, 2023. Once located on the West Side of Disney Springs, this shop used to feature over 80 cigar brands, including some rare ones.

The UGG Store in Disney Springs closed for good a couple months after on March 16th, 2023. A new Lululemon location replaced the space and recently opened this fall.

Eco-friendly shoe store Melissa Clube quietly closed its doors in May of this year. Claiming the “original jelly since ’79”, this shop sold jelly shoes and other accessories made from recyclable materials.

Tokyo Dining in EPCOT

This one was kind of surprising. Tokyo Dining in EPCOT’s Japan Pavillion closed earlier this year, in what was expected to be a refurbishment. It ended up being a permanent closure.

However, in August 2023, EPCOT opened Shiki Sai: Sushi Izakaya in its place. Here, you can still get high-quality Japanese cuisine while learning about Japanese culture and history. Check out our full review!

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We’ll continue to keep you in the know regarding any possible Disney World closures, and stay tuned right here at DFB for all the latest Disney news!

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Which permanent closure caught you off guard the most? Let us know!