Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World just quietly confirmed something that’s going to impact a lot of trips this year. Four major attractions will be unavailable during February 2026, and while three are temporary closures tied to updates and overhauls, one is gone for good. Disney hasn’t made a big show of it yet, but if you’re planning a winter trip, this is the kind of detail that can absolutely shape how your days play out.
What makes this moment feel bigger than a typical refurbishment cycle is the timing. February is usually a sweet spot for crowds, weather, and planning flexibility. So when Disney locks down multiple headline attractions at once—especially during a year that’s supposed to be all about growth and expansion—it sends a pretty clear message that change is accelerating across the resort.
2026 Is a Turning Point for Disney World
There’s no way around it: 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most transformative years Disney World has seen in a long time. New lands are taking shape, existing rides are being refreshed, and entire areas of the parks are shifting direction. Disney has been clear that the future is forward-focused, but that momentum comes with a cost.
When Disney builds something new, it almost always means retiring, reworking, or temporarily sidelining something familiar. February 2026 is a snapshot of that reality in action. With construction timelines overlapping and multiple projects running at once, guests will feel the impact in real time. And while some of these closures come with exciting upgrades attached, others mark a more permanent goodbye.
Here are the four rides that will be unavailable in February—and why each one matters.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been down for a significant transformation, and while Disney fans are eager to see what’s coming next, February 2026 won’t be the month it returns. The attraction is still scheduled to reopen in spring 2026, which means winter visitors will have to admire Frontierland without its runaway mine train.
The good news is that this closure comes with real substance. Disney is adding new scenes, including the long-rumored Rainbow Cavern, along with updated lighting, enhanced special effects, and a more straightforward storyline that ties the ride together more cohesively than before. This isn’t just a cosmetic touch-up—it’s a meaningful refresh meant to modernize one of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic experiences.
That said, February guests won’t get to experience any of it yet. Big Thunder remains firmly off limits until at least spring, making this one of the most noticeable temporary losses of the month.
DINOSAUR Has Officially Gone Extinct
February 2026 marks a hard stop for DINOSAUR. February 1, 2026, was the attraction’s final day of operation, and there are no reopening plans—because there won’t be a reopening at all. The ride is permanently closed, and with it, the last remnants of DinoLand U.S.A. are officially gone.
This closure carries extra weight because it isn’t just one attraction disappearing. DinoLand, as a concept, is finished. In its place, Disney is moving forward with Pueblo Esperanza, a Tropical Americas–themed land that will completely redefine this section of Animal Kingdom. That transition represents a philosophical shift for the park, trading the chaotic charm of original dinosaur fun for a more immersive, story-driven environment.
For longtime fans, February marks the first whole month in which DINOSAUR exists only in memory. There’s no refurbishment sign, no reopening date to watch for—just construction walls and a clear signal that Animal Kingdom is entering a new chapter.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is also sitting out February 2026, and this one falls squarely into the “temporary but necessary” category. The attraction is undergoing a much-needed update to address some of the most common guest complaints without losing what makes the ride fun.
Disney is improving the accuracy of the shooting blasters, smoothing out ride mechanics, and introducing a new character, Buddy, to freshen up the experience. These changes are designed to make the game feel more responsive and satisfying, especially for repeat riders who’ve noticed how dated parts of it have become.
Like Big Thunder, Space Ranger Spin is expected to reopen in spring 2026. But until then, Tomorrowland will feel just a little quieter, and February visitors will have to wait it out.
Frozen Ever After’s Reopening Is Still Uncertain
Frozen Ever After is the wildcard on this list. The ride closed back in January and is technically expected to return sometime in February, but Disney hasn’t locked in a firm date. That leaves open the very real possibility that it stays closed until later in the month—or even closer to the end of February.
The refurbishment itself is aimed at adding newer, more advanced animatronics similar to the Olaf figure that debuted at Disneyland Paris. If that level of detail carries over, the upgrade could be substantial. Still, uncertainty is the main issue here. Guests visiting early or mid-February may find the attraction unavailable, even if it technically reopens before the month is over.
For EPCOT visitors, that unpredictability matters, especially since Frozen Ever After is one of the park’s most consistently popular rides.
Additional Closures Guests Should Know About
Beyond rides, several other closures will shape the February experience. Restaurantosaurus has permanently closed this month, bringing another piece of DinoLand history to a close. Impressions de France at EPCOT is scheduled to close for refurbishment starting February 22, 2026, which means it will be unavailable during the final stretch of the month.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow, the character meet-and-greet area, is also temporarily unavailable with reopening expected after March 20, 2026. Over at EPCOT, Refreshment Port remains closed for refurbishment through at least late March, limiting quick-service options in that area.
What This Means for February Trips
February 2026 won’t be a bad time to visit Disney World—but it will be a different one. With four major rides offline and several supporting experiences unavailable, planning will matter more than usual. The upside is that many of these closures point to a stronger, more up-to-date park in the months ahead.
For now, guests should expect a transition. Disney is clearly investing in what comes next, even if it means short-term inconvenience. Hopefully, more concrete reopening dates will arrive soon, giving travelers a clearer picture of what to expect—and what exciting changes are right around the corner.