Disney World Refurbishments 2026: Every Closure, Opening, and Update You Need to Know
Disney World refurbishments and closures are a necessary part of ensuring the parks are always at their best. Whether it’s routine maintenance, the exciting reimagining of attractions, or the addition of brand-new rides, these updates are inevitable. For many visitors, the refurbishment schedule plays a significant role in choosing vacation dates, because nobody wants to discover that their favorite attraction is closed during their dream Disney trip!
Disney attractions can sometimes close unexpectedly, but the good news is that the schedule for routine maintenance and reimaginings is fairly reliable. This applies not only to the parks but also to Disney Resorts and transportation. So, here’s what you need to know about the current Disney World refurbishment and closure schedule.
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Planning a Disney World vacation? Be sure to check out our guides to Walt Disney World in 2026 and Walt Disney World in 2027 for everything the resort has to offer!
Please note that this list could change at any time. Always check Disney’s official calendar before you travel!
Magic Kingdom
Now Open: TRON Lightcycle Run
The highly anticipated TRON Lightcycle Run coaster, inspired by Shanghai Disneyland’s attraction, debuted at Magic Kingdom in April 2023. This exhilarating ride offers an adrenaline-pumping race on sleek, two-wheeled Lightcycles, and the surrounding Tomorrowland area was revamped to match the immersive theme. While the ride is rather short, it is honestly one of my family’s favorite rides in Magic Kingdom. The takeoff will take your breath away!
Now Open: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Splash Mountain closed in early 2023 to make way for this all-new attraction. Set in the enchanting bayous of Louisiana, visitors accompany Princess Tiana on a musical adventure as she launches her new venture, Tiana’s Foods. We just rode this on our most recent trip and honestly… it is so cute! The theming is beautiful, and the music will be stuck in your head for days.
And fair warning: I’m pretty sure you get more wet on this one than you ever did on Splash Mountain! Whether that’s by design or just my imagination, I’m not sure, but we were soaked. Come prepared!
Now Open: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad officially reopened on May 3, 2026, following an extended refurbishment focused on track replacement and ride enhancements. If you’ve been waiting to ride, the wait is over!
Now Open: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is back open! This fan-favorite interactive shooter lets you blast targets alongside Buzz on a mission to save the universe. Fair warning: the competition gets fierce in a family group, and someone is always going to be insufferably proud of their score.
Now Open: Pete’s Silly Sideshow
Good news: Pete’s Silly Sideshow has reopened in Storybook Circus after a nearly six-month closure to replace the tent covering the building. Character meet-and-greets are back inside, out of the Florida heat. Big Top Souvenirs next door remains closed for a separate refurbishment, with no reopening date announced yet.
Cinderella Castle Repainting: Complete
The Cinderella Castle makeover is officially finished! The project restored the icon to a more classic color palette, bringing back its pre-2020 look with soft grays, creams, blues, and touches of gold, replacing the rose-pink scheme that had been in place since 2020. Entertainment in front of the castle, including “Let the Magic Begin” and Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire, has returned to its normal schedule. One small note: Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire is closed July 7 through July 14, 2026 for a brief, separate stage refurbishment.
Carousel of Progress – Closed for reimagining (reopening in 2027)
Carousel of Progress closed on July 6, 2026, for its biggest overhaul in decades. The reimagined version will shift the attraction’s timeline forward and introduce a new Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney himself. No specific 2027 reopening date has been announced yet, so if this classic is on your must-do list, you’ll want to wait for the update.
Rivers of America, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island
These classic experiences have been permanently closed to make way for construction on the new Cars-themed area in Frontierland. (More on that below!)
Walt Disney World Railroad
The train is operating in “shuttle mode” for the next several years due to ongoing construction in Frontierland, with the Frontierland Station now closed.
Piston Peak National Park (Cars-Themed Area, Coming 2029+)
So many changes are coming to Magic Kingdom in the not-so-far-off future! Disney is transforming a section of Frontierland into an all-new Cars-themed area called Piston Peak National Park. The new land will include two attractions: a thrilling rally race through the mountains (navigating trails, geysers, and mudholes!) and a family-friendly experience for younger racers. Construction has begun following the closure of several classic attractions, but an opening is not expected until at least 2029.
New Villains Area (Coming 2029 or 2030+)
Disney has confirmed a new land dedicated to beloved Disney Villains, located beyond Big Thunder Mountain. This section will include two attractions plus exclusive dining and shopping. Preparations are already underway, though Disney has not released a specific timeline. Most expect this won’t open until 2029 or 2030 at the earliest.
EPCOT
Now Open: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
This wildly popular “omnicoaster” features vehicles that rotate to face the action as you zip through the attraction, and we can personally confirm that it lives up to every bit of the hype. We rode it on our most recent trip, and it was genuinely unlike any coaster we had ever been on. The rotating seats are disorienting in the best possible way, and the whole experience feels completely immersive from start to finish. That said, if you’re prone to motion sickness, the spinning screens can be a lot, so ride at your own risk!
Now Open: Test Track
Test Track has reopened following an extensive transformation with Chevrolet, giving this beloved attraction another exciting evolution.
Now Open: Frozen Ever After (with Enhancements!)
Frozen Ever After recently reopened following a major enhancement that upgraded the Audio Animatronics of Kristoff, Anna, and Elsa. The ride looks fantastic and is definitely worth a visit!
Now Open: Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along & Impressions de France
Both film experiences inside the Palais du Cinéma in the France pavilion have reopened following a theater refurbishment. Both are back on their regular schedules.
Now Open: Soarin’ Across America
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Soarin’ debuted a brand-new film on May 26, 2026. Soarin’ Across America showcases a bi-coastal journey across the United States, from the Grand Canyon to iconic city skylines and everything in between. It’s expected to stick around for roughly a year and a half before the previous “Around the World” version potentially returns, though Disney hasn’t confirmed an end date.
Now Open: La Poutinerie
This new quick-service spot in the Canada pavilion opened around Canada Day 2026, replacing Refreshment Port with a new sponsor and a nearly identical concept centered on poutine.
La Signature – Closed for refurbishment (reopening later in 2026)
This perfume shop in the France pavilion closed in July 2026 for a refresh. Guerlain merchandise is available at nearby Plume Et Palette in the meantime.
Hollywood Studios
Now Open: Villains Unfairly Ever After Show
This brand-new show has debuted and is already winning over crowds!
Now Open: The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
“Voyage of the Little Mermaid” is permanently closed and has been replaced with a fully reimagined live production called “The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure,” featuring beloved songs and characters from the classic film.
Now Open: Vacation Fun with Mickey and Minnie
This one had a bit of a confusing closure. The attraction closed April 29, 2026 so the venue could be used for May the 4th merchandise, then reopened about a week later. Worth knowing for future trips: this venue tends to close periodically around big merchandise events, so don’t be surprised if it happens again ahead of Jollywood Nights or other Star Wars celebrations.
Now Open: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – A New Mission
A brand-new mission featuring Din Djarin and Grogu debuted May 22, 2026, giving returning guests a fresh experience aboard the Millennium Falcon, with new destinations including Bespin’s Cloud City, Tatooine, and Coruscant.
Now Open: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets
Aerosmith has officially retired, and The Muppets have moved right along to Sunset Boulevard! The reimagined coaster featuring Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem opened as planned, bringing a completely new theme to the high-speed attraction.
Now Open: Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
This new dance party experience for younger guests debuted as part of the opening of The Walt Disney Studios Lot.
Now Open: The Walt Disney Studios Lot
Animation Courtyard has been fully reimagined as The Walt Disney Studios Lot, modeled after the real Walt Disney Animation Studios campus in Burbank, and the courtyard portion is now open. The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents remained open throughout construction.
The Magic of Disney Animation – Opening later in Summer 2026
The interior building portion of The Walt Disney Studios Lot, including character experiences and the “Off the Page!” area, is still slated for a “later summer” opening, most likely sometime in July. This one has a real chance of slipping further, so I wouldn’t count on it for a trip in the next few weeks.
Animation Academy: Olaf Draws! – Debuts later in Summer 2026
This new Animation Academy experience, where guests learn to draw Olaf, is tied to the same timeline as The Magic of Disney Animation above.
Star Wars Launch Bay – Permanently closed
The former Star Wars Launch Bay has officially closed. The space has been transformed back into The Magic of Disney Animation, which is what originally occupied this location years ago.
New Monstropolis Area (Construction Underway, No Opening Date)
MuppetVision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano have all permanently closed to make way for construction on a new Monsters, Inc. area. This land will feature Disney’s first suspended roller coaster, inspired by the iconic doors chase scene, plus the Glob Theater and a new sit-down restaurant called Harryhausen’s. Disney revealed the land’s story and name back in June 2026, and construction is actively progressing, but no opening date has been announced. Most estimates point to 2027 or 2028 at the earliest, with more details possibly coming at the D23 Expo in August 2026.
Animal Kingdom
Now Open: Zootopia: Better Zoogether
This brand-new 4D show featuring characters from the Zootopia movies has replaced It’s Tough to Be a Bug and is now open!
Now Open: Jumping Junction, Conservation Station, Bluey’s Wild World, and the Wildlife Express Train
The entire former Rafiki’s Planet Watch area reopened on May 26, 2026 (one day ahead of schedule), rebranded as Conservation Station. The headliner is Bluey’s Wild World, an interactive show where guests play games and dance alongside Bluey and Bingo, and it’s proven popular enough that Disney is currently running it with a Virtual Queue rather than standby. The former Affection Section petting zoo reopened as Jumping Junction, now featuring animals native to Australia. The only piece that didn’t return is the old Animation Experience, which has permanently closed.
DINOSAUR – Permanently closed
DINOSAUR has permanently closed as the first step in the Tropical Americas transformation of Dinoland U.S.A.
2027: Tropical Americas (Replacing Dinoland U.S.A.)
The entire Dinoland U.S.A. area is being transformed into a “Tropical Americas” land inspired by Encanto and the Indiana Jones franchise. TriceraTop Spin and The Boneyard have permanently closed, and DINOSAUR is now closed as well. Construction walls are up around the former Dino-Rama carnival area, and the new land will feature an Encanto dark ride (built on the former Primeval Whirl site) and a reimagined Indiana Jones Adventure (replacing DINOSAUR). The target opening is 2027.
Disney World Refurbishments Outside the Parks
Disney Skyliner – Closed January 24 through January 30, 2027
The Skyliner will undergo its annual routine refurbishment during this window. Complimentary bus service will be provided for guests at all connected resorts: Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Beach Club, Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk Inn, BoardWalk Villas, and Yacht Club. We strongly recommend planning around this closure if you’re staying at a Skyliner resort in late January 2027.
Typhoon Lagoon – Open for summer, closing September 9, 2026
Typhoon Lagoon reopened for the summer season alongside Blizzard Beach, and both water parks are open simultaneously through September 8, 2026. Typhoon Lagoon will then close for its seasonal refurbishment starting September 9, with Blizzard Beach remaining open through the fall and winter.
Blizzard Beach Water Park – Open for summer
Blizzard Beach is open and will remain open through the water park changeover in September.
Disney World Resort Updates & Closures
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Pop Century is in great shape after completing its year-long room refurbishment! Just a small note: the kiddie pool deck was closed for routine maintenance through late April 2026 and should now be fully reopened. The Hippy Dippy Pool and all other amenities remain open.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Guest rooms at All-Star Movies are undergoing a planned soft goods refurbishment (flooring, décor, furnishings, linens) from late May 2026 through the end of January 2027. Guests may see or hear construction during daytime hours. This is expected to be the first phase of a multi-year soft goods refurbishment across all of the All-Star Resorts, likely lasting into 2028 or 2029.
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Room refurbishments are underway through August 2027, with Magnolia Bend (including the Royal Rooms) being completed first, followed by Alligator Bayou. We actually stayed in the newly refurbished rooms on our most recent visit and were really impressed! Everything felt so fresh and well done, and we loved the new color scheme. If you’re booking now through the rest of 2026, requesting Magnolia Bend may help you avoid the second phase of construction noise. All amenities remain available throughout.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Room refurbishments have been happening in phases: Kidani Village through May 2026, followed by Jambo House from May 2026 through January 2027. All amenities remain open, though daytime construction may be noticeable at Jambo House currently.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
The Turf Club Bar and Grill and Turf Club Lounge are undergoing refurbishment through mid-September 2026. As of now, the Turf Club Lounge should be reopening around early August, with the patio closing mid-August, followed by the restaurant itself from mid-August through mid-September. Disney Springs is a short walk away for dining alternatives in the meantime. The tennis and basketball courts, previously closed for refurbishment, are expected to have reopened in June 2026.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Exterior work continues through late 2026, impacting views and some walkways. The Tidal leisure pool, previously closed through early May 2026, should now be reopened.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Refurbishment work is happening throughout 2026 (Disney has not yet detailed the full scope of the project). From January through April 2027, the Luna Park Pool, Luna Park Crazy Play Area, and Leaping Horse Libations will close for routine maintenance. The Villas Pool and the Inn Pool will remain open.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Multi-phase refurbishments continue through late 2027, including Bay Lake Tower and the main atrium. The Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower, previously closed through early May 2026, should now be reopened, as should the Skyway Bridge connecting Bay Lake Tower and the main tower, which was closed on weekdays through May 1, 2026.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
New DVC Cabins have fully replaced the original cabins. Construction near the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool continues through mid-2026, though the pool itself remains open. Next door, Disney Lakeshore Lodge (formerly Reflections) is under active construction and has now reached its full height of 10 stories, so expect that to be visible from the Fort Wilderness area.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Enhancements continue through early 2027, now including porte-cochère work. The lobby overhaul (including the new Birdcage Bar in place of the aviary) is complete. Note that Grand Floridian Café is temporarily closed from mid-July through October 2026 for a refresh. Brunch has moved to Cítricos during that time.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
The South Point Pool, spa, BBQ area, and playground were closed for routine maintenance through late April 2026 and should now be reopened. The Sandcastle Pool and the resort’s other leisure pools remain open regardless.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
The Island Tower is now open! Construction continues through 2026, primarily focused on entrance reconfiguration and roadway work. The boat dock closure that ran May 11 through early June 2026 has ended, and boat transportation to and from the resort has resumed.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Exterior refurbishment continues through late 2026 and possibly into 2027. All amenities remain open, though some views may be affected. Construction on Disney Lakeshore Lodge nearby is also visible and occasionally audible, especially from the Boulder Ridge side of the resort. The boat dock here was also under routine maintenance through late July 2026.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Exterior maintenance continues through late 2026. The Admiral Pool, previously closed through early May 2026, should now be reopened. Crew’s Cup Lounge and Yachtsman Steakhouse, both temporarily closed earlier in 2026 for refreshes, have also since reopened.
*Be sure to view Disney’s interactive park hours calendar for more detailed information about your specific travel dates.
Disney World Planning Guides
Magic in the Planning offers numerous guides to help you get started in your Disney World vacation planning! Here are some to get you started!
Walt Disney World Resort Guides:
- Disney Value Resort Hotels
- Disney Moderate Resort Hotels
- Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels
- Disney Deluxe Villas
Walt Disney World Dining Guides:
Walt Disney World Attraction Guides:
- Attraction Guide for Magic Kingdom
- Attraction Guide for Epcot
- Attraction Guide for Hollywood Studios
- Attraction Guide for Animal Kingdom
Planning your first Walt Disney World vacation? Be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to get started!
