Credit: DisneyJanuary has always been Disney’s reset month. The holidays end, crowds dip, and behind the scenes, crews move in. This time, though, the reset feels heavier than usual. Across both coasts, 10 well-known Disney attractions and experiences are unavailable at some point during January 2026.
Some closures are quick and expected. Others span months and signal significant changes that fans have been watching closely. If you’re planning a trip—or just trying to keep track of what’s disappearing and when—here’s the full breakdown.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Location: Disneyland
Status: Temporarily closed January 20–TBA
Rise of the Resistance isn’t just a ride—it’s a full-scale Star Wars experience that blends massive sets, live-action scenes, and trackless ride vehicles into one long narrative. Starting January 20, the attraction at Disneyland will close for an extended refurbishment that has no current official reopening date.
Disney hasn’t detailed what’s being updated, but extended closures for this attraction typically indicate system upgrades or reliability improvements. Given how intricate the ride is, downtime like this often means behind-the-scenes work guests will never see—but will definitely feel when it returns.
Mark Twain Riverboat
Location: Disneyland
Status: Closed January 12–15, 2026
The Mark Twain Riverboat offers something increasingly rare in modern theme parks: a slow, peaceful ride with no screens and no rush. Gliding around Rivers of America, it’s a classic Frontierland experience. The riverboat will be closed for a short window from January 12 through January 15, likely for routine maintenance. While brief, the closure removes one of the land’s most relaxing options during that stretch.
Haunted Mansion
Location: Disneyland
Status: Closed January 12–22, 2026
This closure is expected—but still emotional. The Haunted Mansion shuts down in mid-January so Disney can remove the The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay and restore the original attraction.
From January 12 through January 22, the mansion goes dark while Imagineers reset scenes, audio, and effects back to the classic version. For many fans, this reopening is just as exciting as the overlay itself, bringing back familiar ghosts, the ballroom scene, and the traditional tone.
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
Location: Disney California Adventure
Status: Closed January 5–22, 2026
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind may look simple, but it plays a vital role on Pixar Pier as a family-friendly attraction with bright visuals and recognizable characters. The ride closes January 5 and reopens January 23. This type of refurbishment typically focuses on refreshing ride vehicles, lighting, and show elements that see constant use throughout the year.
Incredicoaster
Location: Disney California Adventure
Status: Closed January 5–February 5, 2026
Incredicoaster is Pixar Pier’s anchor thrill ride, and its absence is immediately noticeable. Closing January 5 and staying down through February 5, the length of this refurbishment suggests more than cosmetic updates.
Disney may be conducting track inspections, performing launch system maintenance, or making adjustments to the onboard audio and effects that drive the Incredibles storyline. When it returns, guests can expect a smoother and more reliable ride experience.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Location: Walt Disney World
Status: Closed since January 2025; expected to reopen Spring 2026
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad remains one of the most talked-about closures at Walt Disney World. The attraction has been closed since January 2025 and will remain closed throughout January 2026 as part of a massive refurbishment.
Disney has already teased new effects and an updated storyline. While the runaway mine train isn’t moving, this extended closure suggests that meaningful enhancements are being made that go beyond routine maintenance.
Frozen Ever After
Location: Walt Disney World
Status: Closed January 26–February 2026
Frozen Ever After closes at EPCOT starting January 26 and will remain closed into February. While Disney hasn’t officially announced any changes, fans are closely watching this refurbishment. There’s growing speculation that updated animatronics could be introduced, possibly inspired by newer versions overseas that feature more advanced Olaf figures. Even subtle upgrades would make a noticeable difference on one of EPCOT’s most popular rides.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow (Meet-and-Greet Area)
Location: Walt Disney World
Status: Closed January 4, 2026; reopening unconfirmed
Pete’s Silly Sideshow quietly closed on January 4 for refurbishment, removing a popular character meet-and-greet from Magic Kingdom. Disney hasn’t confirmed what’s changing or when it will reopen, although expectations suggest it will reopen by at least March 2026. Until Disney shares more, guests are left wondering whether the space will return unchanged or come back with updated theming or characters.
Disney Skyliner
Location: Walt Disney World
Status: Closed January 25–31, 2026
The Disney Skyliner isn’t a ride, but it’s become an essential part of how guests move around Walt Disney World. The gondola system will be shut down from January 25 through January 31 for scheduled maintenance. During this time, buses replace Skyliner routes, which can significantly impact travel times for guests staying along the line. It’s a reminder of just how much the Skyliner has reshaped transportation habits.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Location: Walt Disney World
Status: Closed since August 2025; expected to reopen Spring 2026
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin has been closed longer than many expected, and it remains unavailable throughout January 2026. The attraction is undergoing a significant refurbishment, with rumors pointing to upgraded blasters, improved targets, and refreshed ride technology. While Disney hasn’t confirmed specifics, the extended timeline suggests meaningful improvements rather than a simple refresh.
What This Means for 2026 Trips
January 2026 is shaping up to be a transformative month for Disney parks. With 10 attractions offline across both coasts, guests will feel the impact—but they’ll also benefit from what comes next.
Short refurbishments keep classics running smoothly, while more extended closures hint at updated effects, improved reliability, and refreshed storytelling. For Disney, January isn’t just about shutdowns. It’s about setting the stage for what’s coming next.