Credit: Inside the MagicSeveral refurbishment closures across Walt Disney World Resort took effect on Monday, January 12, 2026. Overnight, Disney cast members also quietly installed scrims around parts of the Expedition Everest attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, beginning an unannounced maintenance project on the roller coaster.
Three Closures Begin at Disney World on Monday
Three different Walt Disney World Resort areas closed for refurbishment on January 12: the Lime Garage at Disney Springs, Refreshment Port at EPCOT, and the boat dock at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Here’s what we know about each project.
Lime Garage Closure
The Lime Garage, one of the free parking structures at the Disney Springs shopping, dining, and entertainment district, is now closed through February 11, 2026. However, when it reopens on February 12, it will only remain open through February 16, providing more parking spaces for the busy Presidents’ Day weekend. It will close again on February 17 and remain closed through March 13, officially reopening on March 14.
The five-story parking garage will undergo a similar refurbishment to the one the nearby Orange Garage received last January. Disney cast members also installed new stanchions and themed barriers in October.
In the meantime, guests can park in the Orange Garage, Grapefruit Garage, Watermelon Parking Lot, or Strawberry Parking Lot. The My Disney Experience app features a function that allows guests to check which Disney Springs parking areas are full, making it easier to find a spot.
Refreshment Port Update
Over at EPCOT, guests can no longer buy snacks and drinks at Refreshment Port, a Quick-Service dining spot near one of the entrances to the World Showcase. According to the Walt Disney World Resort website, it will remain closed through at least March 13, although that’s as far as the calendar extends as of the article’s publication date. Disney hasn’t said when Refreshment Port will reopen.
This closure marks a significant change for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, which will run from January 16 through February 23, 2026. Refreshment Port typically offers a themed poutine during this limited-time event, but it will not be doing so this year. The Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie and Blood Orange Cosmo, previously offered at this location, have been relocated to Refreshment Outpost.
🚨Poutine lovers, rejoice!
Introducing the new Caprese Poutine at 📍Refreshment Port! is a must-try!
With Tuscan-spiced French fries, confit tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls, this dish is a game-changer! 💵$8.50
#Epcot #Poutine #Foodie
🚨Poutine lovers, rejoice!
Introducing the new Caprese Poutine at 📍Refreshment Port! is a must-try!
With Tuscan-spiced French fries, confit tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls, this dish is a game-changer! 💵$8.50 #Epcot #Poutine #Foodie pic.twitter.com/1Q14Ewy911
— Disney for Foodies (@disney_foodies) January 17, 2025
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Boat Dock Refurbishment
From January 12 to early April 2026, Walt Disney World Resort will be refurbishing the boat dock at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom Park will be suspended through January 30; however, it is expected to resume as usual after that, despite the ongoing refurbishment throughout the first few months of the year.
Additional Expedition Everest Refurbishment
On Monday, Disney Park guests noticed a scrim at both the loading and unloading areas on Expedition Everest, suggesting a potential maintenance project for the roller coaster. Walt Disney World Resort typically announces refurbishment projects that require attraction closures, so it’s unlikely that the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park ride will close.
However, it’s also unusual for Disney to do a “rolling refurbishment” like this one, where cast members repair parts of the attraction while it remains in operation and welcomes guests.
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t issued any statements about the project or an anticipated completion date.
Follow Inside the Magic for updates on these four refurbishments and other projects around Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs, and the Disney Resort hotels!
Has construction ever impacted your visit to the Central Florida Disney parks? Share your experience with Inside the Magic in the comments!