Disney World Guests Left Reeling as Multiple ‘Opening Day’ Favorites Shut Down for Permanent Changes

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Cars drive toward the colorful Disney World entrance arch, featuring images of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Disney World freeze damage. Disney World ride closures 2026

Credit: Joe Schlabotnik, Flickr

Disney World has updated its long list of closures ahead of the Spring Break and early summer season. You might want to keep reading to ensure your vacation plans are not interrupted by all these closures.

Cars driving into Walt Disney World Resort. Disney World gun incident.
Credit: David Aughinbaugh II, Flickr

There’s nothing quite like planning a spring getaway to Walt Disney World. Whether it’s spring break, an early summer vacation, or a quick weekend escape, families expect a carefully crafted blend of nostalgia and innovation across Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

But this year, something feels different.

Construction walls are more noticeable. Refurbishment calendars are longer. And across multiple parks, beloved attractions and experiences have quietly gone dark. Fans are heartbroken in some cases, while others are cautiously optimistic about what’s coming next.

If you’re heading to Disney World this spring or early summer, here’s a full breakdown of what’s currently closed — and what it means for your trip.

Guests stream into Disney's Hollywood Studios through the main entrance.
Credit: rickpilot_2000, Flickr

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Is Undergoing a Major Transformation

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, change is happening fast.

March 1 marks the final day to experience Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Beginning March 2, the coaster will close to begin its retheme into a Muppets-themed attraction featuring Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. The high-speed launch system will remain, but the storyline will shift as the Muppets race to make it to their concert on time. The updated attraction is expected to debut in summer 2026.

Meanwhile, Muppets Courtyard — including Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo — has already closed to make way for a new Monsters, Inc. land. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano also shut its doors last year.

Animation Courtyard closed in September 2025 to make way for a Walt Disney Studios-inspired area set to open in summer 2026. During the transformation, guests can still experience “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and Walt Disney Presents, but the area will look and feel very different.

With Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster going down and Muppets Courtyard already walled off, Hollywood Studios is in the middle of a dramatic evolution.

Guests approaching Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park
Credit: gardener41, Flickr

Magic Kingdom Has Several Iconic Experiences Down

At Magic Kingdom, some of the most noticeable closures are underway.

The Rivers of America — including Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island — permanently closed in July to make room for the upcoming Cars-themed Piston Peak National Park area. Construction walls are up, and demolition work has already begun.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed on January 6 for an extended refurbishment expected to last at least a year, with a reopening slated for spring 2026. Disney has teased new “Rainbow Caverns” featuring glowing stalagmites and stalactites when it returns.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has been closed since August 4, 2025, and is not expected to reopen until spring 2026. The attraction will receive new ride vehicles, enhanced gameplay, reactive targets, handheld blasters, and even a new character.

Over in Storybook Circus, Pete’s Silly Sideshow is temporarily unavailable, though guests can still meet Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Minnie in adjusted locations. Big Top Souvenirs also closed in February, with Disney promising a reopening later this year — though no date has been announced.

For families with young children, these closures may affect touring plans more than expected.

Spaceship Earth in Disney World's EPCOT park on a sunny day
Credit: Erica Lauren Inside the Magic

EPCOT and Animal Kingdom Are Also Seeing Significant Updates

At EPCOT, Refreshment Port near the Canada Pavilion is temporarily closed for refurbishment. While Disney hasn’t shared reopening details, festival guests may need to adjust snack plans.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, DinoLand U.S.A. officially closed in early February to make way for the new Tropical Americas land, Pueblo Esperanza, which is expected to open in 2027 with three attractions, dining, and shopping.

Additionally, Rafiki’s Planet Watch and the Wildlife Express were temporarily closed in late February to prepare for a new Bluey attraction tied to Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.

For guests hoping to experience DINOSAUR or explore DinoLand’s quirky atmosphere one last time, that chapter has officially ended.

The Disney Springs water tower.
Credit: SJ Grant, Flickr

Resorts, Water Parks, and Disney Springs Are Not Immune

The closures extend beyond the theme parks.

Typhoon Lagoon is currently closed for refurbishment following Blizzard Beach’s February reopening, though both water parks are expected to operate simultaneously beginning May 12.

Multiple resort pools are under maintenance, including Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and several leisure pools at Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts. Surfboard Bay Pool at Disney’s All-Star Sports is also closed through April.

At Disney Springs, the Lime Garage is closed through March 13, with a brief reopening during Presidents Day weekend. Guests may want to allow extra time for parking.

Even entertainment venues have shifted — Jellyrolls at Disney’s BoardWalk closed in April 2025, and Promenade Fine Art Gallery relocated from its BoardWalk location.

Pluto stands in front of Storybook Circus at the Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

What This Means for Spring and Summer Travelers

There’s no denying it: Walt Disney World is in a rebuilding phase.

While the future promises new lands, refreshed attractions, and updated storytelling from The Walt Disney Company, spring and early summer visitors will encounter more construction walls and attraction closures than usual.

The best strategy? Plan ahead. Check refurbishment calendars. Arrive early for high-demand attractions. And manage expectations, especially if visiting with first-time guests.

Disney World is changing — and fast. The magic isn’t gone, but it is evolving. If you’re visiting soon, knowing what’s closed could make all the difference between frustration and a smooth, memorable vacation.

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