Disney World Refurbishments and Closures for 2026 (and beyond)

Disney World refurbishments and closures are a necessary part of ensuring the park is always at its best. Whether it’s routine maintenance, the exciting reimagining of attractions, or the addition of new rides, these updates are inevitable. For many visitors, the refurbishment schedule plays a significant role in choosing their vacation dates, as nobody wants to realize that their favorite attraction is closed during their dream Disney vacation!

Disney attractions can sometimes close unexpectedly, but the good news is that the refurbishment schedule for routine maintenance and reimagining is fairly reliable. This not only applies to the parks but also to the Disney Resorts, as well as transportation. So, here’s what you need to know about the current refurbishment schedule for Disney World.

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Planning a Disney World vacation in 2026? Be sure to check out our guide to all that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer this year!

In This Post

Magic Kingdom

EPCOT

Disney World Planning Guides

Disney World Refurbishments and Closures

Please note that this list could change at a moment’s notice.

Magic Kingdom

Now Open – TRON Lightcycle Run Roller Coaster – The highly anticipated Tron Lightcycle Power Run coaster, inspired by Shanghai Disneyland’s attraction, made its debut at Magic Kingdom in April 2023. This exhilarating ride offers an adrenaline-pumping race on sleek, two-wheeled Lightcycles. The introduction of this coaster also prompted a revamp of Tomorrowland to align with the immersive Tron Lightcycle theme.

Now Open – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – In early 2023, Splash Mountain closed its doors to make way for this exciting, all-new attraction. Set in the enchanting bayous of Louisiana, visitors accompany Princess Tiana on a musical adventure as she embarks on her new venture, Tiana’s Foods. While utilizing the same ride system as the original Splash Mountain, riders still get to enjoy a massive splash after an exciting drop!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Closed until Spring 2026
This is a major refurbishment focused on track replacement and ride enhancements. Based on Walt Disney World’s 2026 calendar announcements, the expectation is that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen by Easter 2026. But time will tell…

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Closed until Spring 2026
Buzz Lightyear is currently undergoing updates, though the exact scope hasn’t been fully detailed.

Pete’s Silly Sideshow – Closed for refurbishment (reopening date TBD)
This is currently the only project on the list that qualifies as a routine refurbishment. The circus tents are being repaired or replaced, and the character meet-and-greets normally housed inside have temporarily moved outdoors in Storybook Circus.

Cinderella Castle Repainting – The Cinderella Castle makeover is now fully underway. The project restores the icon to a more classic color palette, bringing back its pre-50th Anniversary appearance with soft grays, creams, blues, and touches of gold.

Rivers of America, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island – These classic attractions have permanently closed to make way for construction on the new Cars area in Frontierland. (More on that below…)

Walt Disney World Railroad – The train will be operating in “shuttle mode” for the next few years due to construction projects, as the Frontierland Station is now closed.

Piston Peak National Park Area – Disney is planning to revamp a section of Frontierland and turn it into a Cars-themed area. This new area will include two exciting attractions. The first attraction will offer a thrilling rally race through the mountains, allowing guests to race across the landscape, navigate mountain trails, avoid geysers, and splash through mudholes. The second attraction will be a family-friendly experience designed for younger racers. Construction is now beginning as several attractions have closed for the project, but it’s likely not to open until at least 2029.

New Villains Area – Disney has confirmed the development of a new section of the park, located beyond Big Thunder, which will be centered around beloved Disney villains. This new area will feature two exciting attractions, along with exclusive dining and shopping options. While preparations for construction are already underway, Disney has not yet released any information regarding a specific timeline for the new area. Although many believe it will be at least 2029 or 2030 before the new land is open to visitors.

EPCOT

Now Open – Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind – Now open, this brand-new “omnicoaster” features vehicles that rotate on the track to turn the guests to face the action happening around them. This VERY popular Epcot attraction has been touted by some as the “best ride in all of Disney.” That being said, many others have had issues with motion sickness, so ride at your own risk!

Now Open – Test Track – This major attraction underwent an extensive transformation with assistance from Chevrolet, marking another evolution for this ride since its inception with the original World of Motion.

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along – Closed for refurbishment (Reopening TBD)
This film experience inside the Palais du Cinéma in the France pavilion is currently closed due to a refurbishment of the theater.

¡Celebración Encanto! – Extended indefinitely
The popular Encanto-themed stage show continues its run at EPCOT with no announced end date, making it a longer-term entertainment offering in the park.

Impressions de France – Closed for refurbishment (Reopening TBD)
This classic film presentation is also temporarily unavailable due to the ongoing refurbishment of the Palais du Cinéma. Like Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, its return date has not yet been announced.

Soarin’ Across America – Debuts by Memorial Day 2026
Walt Disney World has announced that Soarin’ Across America will return by Memorial Day 2026. It’s likely this means just ahead of the holiday weekend rather than earlier in the spring. It’s currently unclear whether Soarin’ Around the World will close briefly for the swap or if the film change will happen overnight.

Hollywood Studios

Now Open – Villains Unfairly Ever After Show – This brand-new show debuted recently and is already gaining popularity!

Now Open – The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure – “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” is permanently closed, and was replaced with a fully reimagined production called “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.” This live performance of Ariel’s story features beloved songs and characters from the classic movie.

Animation Academy: Olaf Draws! – Debuts later in Summer 2026
This new Animation Academy experience will allow guests to learn how to draw everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf. It will be part of the reimagined animation offerings coming to the park and is expected to open later in Summer 2026.

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! – Debuts Summer 2026
This new dance party experience is expected to open alongside the debut of the reimagined land in time for Cool Kids’ Summer on May 26, 2026. It will bring high-energy entertainment designed especially for younger guests.

The Magic of Disney Animation – Opens later in Summer 2026
In a full-circle moment, The Magic of Disney Animation returns to its original name and theme. The former Star Wars Launch Bay location (which was once the original Magic of Disney Animation) has now permanently closed to be transformed back into this updated animation experience. The attraction and everything inside the building is expected to open later in Summer 2026 — likely after late June.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – A New Mission – Debuts May 22, 2026
A brand-new mission is coming to Smugglers Run beginning May 22, 2026, giving returning guests a fresh experience aboard the Millennium Falcon.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets – Opens Summer 2026
The Muppets are movin’ right along to Sunset Boulevard and replacing Aerosmith as the stars of the show! The reimagined coaster featuring The Muppets is set to open in Summer 2026, bringing a completely new theme to the high-speed attraction.

Star Wars Launch Bay – Permanently closed
The former Star Wars Launch Bay has officially closed. The space is being transformed back into The Magic of Disney Animation, bringing the building full circle to its original concept.

The Walt Disney Studios Lot – Opens Summer 2026
Animation Courtyard is now permanently closed and will be reimagined as The Walt Disney Studios Lot. The new area is expected to open in phases throughout Summer 2026. Two attractions within this space — Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents — will remain open during construction.

New Monstropolis Area – This new Monsters, Inc. area will feature a suspended roller coaster inspired by the doors chase scene in the original movie. MuppetVision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano are all now officially closed to allow for construction to begin on the project. The Muppets Courtyard area is set to be replaced by a Monstropolis “miniland,” with a new (unannounced) show taking over the MuppetVision 3D theatre and new restaurants replacing the ones that closed.

Animal Kingdom

Now Open – Zootopia: Better Zoogether – This brand-new show features some of your favorite characters from the Zootopia movies in an all-new 4D adventure, replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug.

Affection Section – Temporarily closed
Affection Section is currently closed as part of the temporary shutdown of the entire Rafiki’s Planet Watch area. The good news? It’s expected to reopen on or around May 26, 2026, likely in time for the kickoff of Cool Kids’ Summer alongside the debut of the new Bluey experience.

Animation Experience – Permanently closed
The Animation Experience at Conservation Station has permanently closed to make way for upcoming changes tied to the Bluey takeover of Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

Bluey Experience – Opens Summer 2026
The new Bluey experience is set to debut in Summer 2026 and is likely to open on or around May 26, 2026, coinciding with the start of Cool Kids’ Summer. Most of Rafiki’s Planet Watch is expected to return once this new offering officially opens.

Conservation Station – Temporarily closed
Conservation Station is currently closed as part of the broader Rafiki’s Planet Watch shutdown. It is expected to reopen when the Bluey experience debuts later this spring/summer.

Wildlife Express Train – Temporarily closed
The train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch is temporarily unavailable during construction and is expected to resume service when the area reopens around late May 2026.

2027 – Tropical Americas (re-theming of Dinoland U.S.A.) – Exciting changes are coming to Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The entire area is set to be transformed into a “Tropical Americas” land, drawing inspiration from the enchanting film Encanto and the action-packed Indiana Jones franchise. In order to begin construction on the project, TriceraTop Spin was permanently closed, and The Boneyard will permanently close on September 2, 2025. New attractions coming to Animal Kingdom include an Encanto dark ride and a reimagining of DINOSAUR as an Indiana Jones Adventure ride.

Outside the Parks

Disney Skyliner – Closed January 24–30, 2027
The Disney Skyliner will undergo its routine annual refurbishment from January 24 through January 30, 2027. During this brief closure, guests will need to use complimentary Disney bus transportation instead.

Blizzard Beach Water Park – Recently reopened
Blizzard Beach has officially reopened, marking the start of the seasonal water park transition. The park will remain open through the summer months.

Typhoon Lagoon – Reopens for summer by May 26, 2026
Walt Disney World has announced that Typhoon Lagoon will return for the summer season by May 26, 2026.

Disney World Resorts

Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach & Riviera Resorts – The Disney Skyliner will undergo routine refurbishment from January 24-30, 2027. Keep this in mind if planning to stay in a Skyliner resort during this time as buses will be offered in place of the Skyliner.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort – The Surfboard Bay Pool and kiddie pool are closed for maintenance through late April 2026. The Grand Slam Leisure Pool remains open, but expect it to be busier than usual. Guests may also use pools at the neighboring All-Star Resorts.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort – Guest rooms are being refreshed through mid-February 2026. This is a soft goods update (flooring, décor, furnishings), and most buildings are already complete. All amenities remain open.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – The Fuentes del Morro water play area is closed through early March 2026. The main feature pool remains open.

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside – Room refurbishments are underway through August 2027. Magnolia Bend (including Royal Rooms) is first, through Winter 2026. Alligator Bayou will follow. Expect construction noise during the day, but amenities remain available.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Room refurbishments are happening in phases: Kidani Village through May 2026 and Jambo House from May 2026 through January 2027. All amenities remain open, though daytime construction may be noticeable.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Exterior work continues through late 2026, impacting views and some walkways.
The Tidal leisure pool is closed through early May 2026.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn – Refurbishment work is happening throughout 2026 (details not yet announced). From January–April 2027, the Luna Park Pool area will close for maintenance. Other pools will remain open.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Multi-phase refurbishments continue through late 2027, including Bay Lake Tower and the main atrium. Additionally, Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower is closed through early May 2026. Other pools remain open.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – New DVC Cabins have fully replaced the old cabins. Construction near the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool continues through mid-2026. Pools remain open, but nearby recreation areas may close temporarily. Next door, Disney Lakeshore Lodge (formerly Reflections) is under active construction and is now 10 stories tall. This project is most noticeable from Fort Wilderness.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Room renovations are complete, including Big Pine Key. Additional enhancements continue through mid-2026, though most amenities remain open. The lobby overhaul is finished, and Garden View Lounge reopens on March 19, 2026.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort – Turtle Pond Pool and nearby recreation areas are closed through early February 2026. The Sandcastle Pool and other leisure pools remain open.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – The new Island Tower is now open. Construction continues through 2026, primarily related to entrance reconfiguration and roadway work. Dining and pools remain open, though some views may be impacted.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Exterior refurbishment continues through late 2026 (possibly into 2027). Amenities remain open, though some views may be affected. Nearby construction on Disney Lakeshore Lodge may be visible and occasionally audible, especially from Boulder Ridge.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – Exterior maintenance continues through late 2026. Admiral Pool is closed through early May 2026. Crew’s Cup Lounge closes February 23–May 2026. Yachtsman Steakhouse closes May–August 2026 for refurbishment.

*Be sure to view Disney’s interactive park hours calendar for more detailed information regarding your specific travel dates.