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Disney World Refurbishments in 2026 – What’s Closed, What’s New & How to Plan Around It

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One of the biggest questions I always hear is: “Will my favorite Disney World ride be open when I go?”

The truth is, Walt Disney World is never standing still. New rides are being built, old favorites refreshed, and sometimes whole lands reimagined.

That means closures are inevitable.

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Refurbishments can feel frustrating, especially if you’ve planned your trip around certain must-dos, but they’re an important part of keeping the parks both safe and magical for generations to come.

Here’s your complete guide to Disney World refurbishments in 2026 so you know exactly what to expect, what’s coming soon, and how to make the best of it.

Why Disney Does Refurbishments

With millions of guests each year, Disney attractions need regular maintenance and upgrades. Some closures are just a few days for a repaint or track check. Others are months-long reimaginings that add brand-new scenes or themes.

I know it can be disappointing to arrive and discover something closed. But the long-term benefit is worth it.

Knowing what is going to be closed before you go helps to manage expectations. No more melt downs, well hopefully not, when you have to tell your child that the ride they want to experience is closed.

Magic Kingdom Closures in 2026

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  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – One of Disney’s classic “mountain” rides is down until late 2026 (possibly 2027). The entire track is being refreshed along with scenes inside. When it reopens, expect a smoother ride and improved show quality.
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Closed for enhancements through 2026. The blaster game is being overhauled to modernize technology.
  • Carousel of Progress – Sometime in 2026 this will close for reimagining, including a brand-new opening scene featuring Walt Disney as an Audio-Animatronic. Late 2026 reopening is a possibility, but 2027 is more realistic.
  • Liberty Square Riverboat & Tom Sawyer Island – Both permanently closed as work ramps up for Piston Peak National Park, a Cars-inspired land connecting with Villains Land.
  • Walt Disney World Railroad – Running in shuttle mode while Frontierland Station is impacted by construction projects.

Tip: With Big Thunder down, head to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Space Mountain early in the day to fill your thrill quota.

EPCOT Closures in 2026

  • Spaceship Earth – Closed since August 25, 2025, with reopening TBD (likely late 2025 for the holidays, but delays could push into 2026).
  • Journey Into Imagination with Figment – Nothing official yet, but refurb rumors are strong. This attraction is long overdue, so be prepared for it to join the schedule in 2026.
  • ¡Celebración Encanto! – Running indefinitely, so you’ll still have that entertainment alternative.
  • Test Track – Fully open again after its 2025 refresh, and now one of the top Lightning Lane priorities.

Hollywood Studios Closures in 2026

  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – Closing in 2026 to be re-themed into Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. Expect closure first half of the year and re-opening second half.
  • Disney Jr. Play & Dance! – On pause until 2026, returning likely with a refreshed name and show.
  • MuppetVision 3D, PizzeRizzo, & Mama Melrose’s – Permanently closed. The area is being reimagined as Monstropolis with a Monsters Inc. Door Coaster and new dining experiences.
  • Star Wars Launch Bay – Permanently closed, making way for Animation Courtyard’s reimagining into “Walt Disney Studios Lot.”

Tip: If you’re a Muppets fan, all hope isn’t lost—they’re moving to Sunset Boulevard with their new coaster later in the year!

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Which Order Should You Visit the Disney Parks?

Animal Kingdom Closures in 2026

This park is seeing the biggest changes of all.

  • DINOSAUR – Permanently closing February 2, 2026. It will reopen as Indiana Jones Adventure as part of the new Tropical Americas land in 2027.
  • Kali River Rapids – Already closed late 2025, reopening early 2026.
  • It’s Tough to Be a Bug, Boneyard, TriceraTop Spin – All permanently closed.
  • Zootopia: Better Zoogether – Opens November 7, 2025, so by 2026 it will be a must-see.

Tip: With DINOSAUR gone, your top “thrill” lineup in the park will be Expedition Everest and Avatar Flight of Passage. Plan Lightning Lanes carefully.

Outside the Parks

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  • Disney Skyliner – Scheduled closure January 25–31, 2026 for annual refurbishment. If you’re staying at a Skyliner resort (Pop, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Riviera), buses will run instead.
  • Water Parks – Expect the usual seasonal rotation. Blizzard Beach closed late 2025, reopening for holidays. Typhoon Lagoon likely swaps with it in early 2026. Both are planned to be open in summer 2026!

How to Plan Around Refurbishments

  1. Check closure calendars before booking – Especially if you have ride-specific favorites.
  2. Use the downtime for discovery – Take in parades, character meet-and-greets, or shows you’d otherwise skip.
  3. Rope drop what is open – Thrill rides across the park will feel busier when one big ride is down.
  4. Stay flexible and positive – Things change, and sometimes rides reopen ahead of schedule. Disney magic has a way of filling the gaps.

Yes, 2026 has a lot of refurbishments. Big Thunder, Buzz, Carousel of Progress, DINOSAUR—all heavy hitters. But here’s the thing: Disney isn’t just taking magic away. It’s trading short-term closures for long-term upgrades and brand-new experiences.

By the end of this refurbishment cycle, we’ll have Indiana Jones Adventure, Zootopia attractions, a Cars-inspired land at Magic Kingdom, refreshed Tomorrowland favorites, and even Muppets headlining a coaster. That’s worth a little patience.

So plan smart, stay flexible, and remember—sometimes the unexpected detours in Disney lead to the most magical memories.