Credit: DisneyDisney World is in the middle of a massive evolution—and if you’ve been paying attention lately, you can feel it. New lands are rising, classic attractions are being reimagined, and entire sections of the parks are shifting to make way for what’s next. But with all of that forward momentum comes something else: closures.
Some are temporary. Some are permanent. And others fall somewhere in between, quietly disappearing while Disney reshapes the future of its parks.
If you’re planning a 2026 trip, this is the kind of information that can make or break your itinerary. Here’s a full breakdown of 11 closures—some already underway, others confirmed—that every Disney World guest should know about.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Tomorrowland’s longtime interactive attraction is officially set for a major overhaul. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed in August 2025 for a reimagining aimed at modernizing the ride experience.
The ride is scheduled to reopen on April 8, 2026. Updates are expected to include improved targeting systems, refreshed ride vehicles, and enhanced visuals. This isn’t a permanent closure, but it will be down long enough to impact travel plans—especially for families who consider it a must-do.
Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and Liberty Square Riverboat
This is one of the biggest permanent changes happening at Magic Kingdom. The Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat have all closed to make way for a massive expansion.
That expansion? Piston Peak National Park—a Cars-inspired land that will completely transform this section of the park. Disney has already begun land work, and the entire area is being reshaped from the ground up.
If you’ve visited Magic Kingdom for years, this is one of those changes that truly marks the end of an era.
Animation Courtyard and Star Wars Launch Bay
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is undergoing another major transformation, and Animation Courtyard is at the center of it.
Star Wars Launch Bay and the old Animation Courtyard are already permanently closed. The entire area is being reimagined as the new Walt Disney Studios Courtyard. This updated space is set to start its phased opening on May 26, 2026, with the last addition, The Magic of Disney Animation, opening late summer 2026. This new area will feature new experiences, including an updated animation attraction, character meet-and-greets, and a refreshed environment.
This closure isn’t just about one attraction—it’s about redefining an entire section of the park.
Muppets Courtyard
Muppets Courtyard has officially closed as Disney moves forward with plans to bring Monstropolis to Hollywood Studios.
The area, which was home to Muppet*Vision 3D and surrounding theming, is being cleared to make way for the Monsters, Inc. land, Monstropolis. While Disney hasn’t confirmed an exact opening timeline for the new land, the closure signals a major shift in the park’s identity.
The Muppets aren’t disappearing entirely, but their footprint in the park is changing significantly.
Wildlife Express Train
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Wildlife Express Train has also officially closed as of February 23, 2026.
This attraction, which transports guests to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, will be temporarily unavailable. This closure is to make way for the long-awaited Bluey experience.
While it is expected to reopen, this will be a notable disruption for guests seeking to experience everything Animal Kingdom has to offer.
For 2026 visitors, it’s something worth checking before heading into the park.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed on January 6, 2025, for a lengthy refurbishment that will carry into 2026.
Disney has confirmed the attraction will return in early May 2026 with “a little bit of new magic.” While the track layout will remain the same, updates are expected to enhance the storytelling, lighting, and overall experience.
This is one of Magic Kingdom’s most popular rides, so its absence—and eventual return—will play a big role in crowd patterns throughout 2026.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow
This Fantasyland character meet-and-greet location has also been closed as Disney continues to adjust entertainment offerings across Magic Kingdom.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow has been unavailable for extended periods, and while it could return in some form, there’s no confirmed reopening timeline right now.
For guests who enjoy traditional character interactions, this is one of those quieter losses that can still impact the overall experience.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith closed on March 2, 2026, for a full retheme—and this one is moving fast.
The attraction is being transformed into Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, with an expected reopening in summer 2026. This marks a major shift not just for the ride, but for how Disney is using the Muppets moving forward.
It’s a temporary closure, but one tied to a permanent change in theme.
Dinoland U.S.A.
Animal Kingdom’s Dinoland U.S.A. is now completely gone, making way for an entirely new Tropical Americas land.
The new land will feature attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones, giving this section of the park a completely new identity.
This is another example of Disney trading nostalgia for something new—and doing it on a large scale.
Refreshment Port at EPCOT
Refreshment Port, a quick-service location near World Showcase, has been impacted by EPCOT’s ongoing evolution.
While not always framed as a headline closure, its operational changes and intermittent availability have made it less reliable for guests. EPCOT continues to shift its dining and festival offerings, and locations like this are often caught in that transition.
It’s a smaller change, but one that frequent EPCOT visitors will notice.
Typhoon Lagoon
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park closed back in February 2026 as part of its scheduled refurbishment cycle, but it won’t be down for long.
The park is officially set to reopen on May 12, 2026, just in time for the busy summer season. And in a notable shift from recent years, Disney has confirmed that both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will operate simultaneously throughout the summer.
That’s a big change from the usual rotation system, where only one water park is open at a time. For 2026 visitors, this adds more flexibility and could help spread out crowds across both parks.
If a water park day is part of your plans, this is one of the few updates that actually works in your favor.
What This Means for 2026 Guests
When you step back and look at all 11 closures together, a clear pattern emerges. Disney World isn’t just maintaining its parks—it’s actively rebuilding them.
That means some of your favorite experiences may be unavailable. It also means construction walls, shifting crowds, and longer waits in certain areas. But it also means something else: the parks you visit in 2026 are laying the groundwork for what Disney World will look like for the next decade.
If you’re planning a trip, the key is preparation. Know what’s closed. Know what’s coming. And most importantly, build flexibility into your plans.
Because right now, Disney World isn’t standing still—and neither should your expectations.