Credit: Disney DiningPlanning a Walt Disney World vacation always takes a bit of strategy, but May 2026 is one of those months where doing your homework ahead of time really matters. Several attractions across the parks are either already closed or scheduled to go offline for refurbishment, updates, or full reimaginings. That combination creates a unique moment where your usual park plan might need some serious adjustments.
Some of these closures are short and relatively minor. Others are tied to much larger changes that will shape the future of the parks for years to come. Either way, if you’re heading to Disney World in May, it’s important to know exactly what won’t be operating so you can avoid surprises once you arrive.
Here’s a full breakdown of the attractions that will be closed in May 2026 and how each one could impact your trip.
A Busy Month for Closures
Disney is always working on something, but May 2026 stands out because multiple projects are overlapping at once. Instead of just one or two rides going down quietly, several experiences across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios are affected at the same time.
That can shift crowd patterns in a big way. When popular rides close, guests naturally move toward the next best option, which can drive up wait times and make certain areas feel more crowded than usual.
If you’re visiting during this time, flexibility is going to be key.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow Remains Closed
Over in Magic Kingdom, Pete’s Silly Sideshow has been unavailable longer than originally planned. The character meet-and-greet location closed in early January 2026 and is expected to remain closed through at least late June.
This means guests won’t be able to meet Goofy, Donald, Minnie, and Daisy in their circus-themed setting during a May visit. Both sides of the experience are unavailable, which removes one of the more reliable indoor character spots in Storybook Circus.
The characters themselves are still around the park, but they’re no longer in this dedicated space. For families who like to plan character interactions ahead of time, this can make things a bit more complicated.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Nears Its Return
One of the biggest closures to be aware of is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The ride has been down since early 2025 and is scheduled to reopen on May 3, 2026.
This isn’t just routine maintenance. Disney has been working on replacing sections of track and adding new elements that are expected to enhance the ride experience. At the same time, Frontierland is undergoing major changes, including updates tied to the Rivers of America and early work connected to the upcoming Cars-themed expansion.
If you’re visiting before May 3, you’ll miss this attraction entirely. And even after it reopens, the surrounding area may still feel like an active construction zone.
Because Big Thunder is such a popular ride, its absence tends to push more guests toward other thrill attractions, which can lead to longer wait times elsewhere.
Impressions de France Temporarily Closes
At EPCOT, Impressions de France is taking a short break for refurbishment. The closure isn’t expected to last long, with the attraction set to reopen on May 10.
Even though it’s not a headliner, this film is a favorite for guests looking to relax and cool off. Losing it for part of the month means one less quiet escape in the France Pavilion, which could be noticeable on busy or hot days.
Soarin’ Around the World Transitions to Something New
One of the most notable changes happening in May involves Soarin’.
Soarin’ Around the World will have its final day of operation on May 13 before closing on May 14. It’s being replaced by a new version, Soarin’ Across America, which is scheduled to open on May 26.
This update is part of a larger celebration tied to the United States’ 250th anniversary. While the ride system itself isn’t changing, the film and overall experience will be updated to showcase locations across the country.
There’s also a gap between the closure and reopening dates, meaning Soarin’ won’t be available at all for part of May. If it’s one of your must-do attractions, your travel dates will make a big difference.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Undergoes a Major Transformation
Hollywood Studios is seeing one of its biggest changes with Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster.
The Aerosmith version of the ride has officially closed and will not return in its original form. Instead, the attraction is being reimagined with a Muppets theme, featuring the Electric Mayhem band.
The updated version is set to debut on May 26, bringing a new story, updated queue, and refreshed visuals. The ride itself will still deliver the same high-speed launch and indoor coaster experience, but the overall theme will feel completely different.
For most of May, though, the attraction will simply be unavailable. That removes one of the park’s biggest thrill rides and shifts more demand to other major attractions.
Vacation Fun Also Temporarily Unavailable
Another Hollywood Studios closure to note is Vacation Fun with Mickey and Minnie.
This animated short experience closed in late April and is expected to reopen later in the year, though no specific date has been announced.
While it’s a smaller attraction, it plays an important role as an indoor break from the heat and crowds. Its absence means one less place to relax during a busy park day.
How These Closures Impact Your Trip
When you look at each closure on its own, some of them don’t seem like a big deal. But when you combine them, the impact becomes much more noticeable.
Magic Kingdom is missing a major coaster for part of the month. EPCOT temporarily loses one of its most popular attractions. Hollywood Studios is down a major thrill ride during a full reimagining.
That combination can lead to longer waits, more crowded walkways, and a need to rethink your daily plans.
Lightning Lane choices may need to be more strategic than usual, and it’s worth building extra flexibility into your schedule so you can adapt if needed.
A Resort in Transition
Beyond the immediate impact, these closures point to something bigger happening at Disney World.
The parks aren’t just being maintained—they’re evolving. Frontierland is changing. EPCOT continues to update its offerings. Hollywood Studios is refreshing one of its signature attractions.
May 2026 sits right in the middle of that transformation.
While it might mean missing out on a few experiences during your trip, it also means there’s a lot to look forward to in the near future.
Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World in May 2026, preparation is everything.
Check the park calendars before your trip. Keep an eye on reopening dates. And most importantly, stay flexible once you’re there.
Closures are never ideal, but they’re part of how Disney continues to improve and update its parks. And in many cases, the experiences returning later in the year will be even better than before.
Knowing what to expect ahead of time can make all the difference—and help you still have an incredible trip, even with a few rides temporarily out of the picture.
