2026 & 2027 Disney World Refurbishment Schedule & Ride Closures

Nothing is worse than spending hours upon hours planning your trip to Walt Disney World, only to find out your favorite attraction is under refurbishment. That’s why we created this 2026 & 2027 Disney World Refurbishments and Closure schedule, which will help you know what’s open and what’s closed.

In this post, we will look at all 4 theme parks at Walt Disney World (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom) and let you know the refurbishment calendar and which rides are closed in each park.

Why does Disney do refurbishments to rides?

As much as we don’t like them, attraction refurbishments are necessary from time to time. With the millions of people that ride these attractions each year, eventually, they break down and need fixing.

Some of the Disney World ride closures could last a few days, and sometimes they last for months. It all depends on the type of work being done. In the long run, it’s best for these attractions and if they didn’t close from time to time, their lifespan would be much shorter.

So while it’s never fun when you can’t ride certain attractions, they are unavoidable.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is the centerpiece of Walt Disney World, and there have been numerous refurbishments both big and small over the last few years.

Disney would like to touch up a lot of the older attractions before the festivities begin, but it’s unclear how much is in the budget for big refurbishments. It’s likely we’ll just see a lot of small improvements.

Refurbishments:

• Beak and Barrel (NOW OPEN) – This Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge is now open and has quickly become one of my favorite bars in Walt Disney World.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (NOW OPEN) – Disney has finished the long-awaited refurbishment to Big Thunder Railroad and it opened on May 3, 2026. It closed starting January 6, 2025 which means this was a 16-month closure in total. This is the attraction’s most extensive refurbishment since the attraction first opened focusing on the ride system, trains and other essential components.
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (NOW OPEN) – This attraction has received a major overhaul including new set elements, updated ride systems and enhanced gameplay features. It has updated ride vehicles, improved handheld blasters, interactive targets and a new opening scene with “Buddy”, a support robot developed by Pixar and WDI.
• Carousel of Progress – (7/6/26 – TBD 2027?) – This Walt Disney classic attraction is undergoing it’s biggest update in the attraction’s history. The time setting of all 4 show scenes are completely changing to allow modern audiences to better connect to them. A new Walt Disney audio-animatronic is also being added. No opening date has been announced yet, just a vague “sometime in 2027” from Disney.
• Cinderella Castle – (NOW OPEN) – Cinderella Castle underwent an extensive refurbishment including a refreshed color scheme that is inspired by its original 1971 appearance. The work required draining the moat around the castle and cranes that were lifted and lowered each day. The moat around the castle is now re-filled signaling the end of the work.
• Diamond Horseshoe (Closed 5/16/26 – Fall 2026) – This is closing temporarily to make way for Jessie’s Roundup, a Toy Story-themed experience during Cool Kids’ Summer.
• Haunted Mansion (1/20/26 – TBD) – Refurbishment work on the building’s exterior and interactive queue. The Haunted Mansion remains open during this work and no shutdown of the ride is expected. Work is wrapping up and should be finished soon.
• Liberty Square Riverboat (Closed Permanently 7/7/25) – This attraction has closed to make room for the new Cars-themed land Piston Peak.
• Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party (Closed 3/16/20 – TBD)
• Pete’s Silly Sideshow (NOW OPEN) – Now open from a refurbishment which lasted more than 4 months. Work was done that focused mainly on replacing the faded Big Top tent covering. The location brings Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, and Goofy back indoors for their meet-and-greets after the characters had been appearing in temporary outdoor spots during the closure.
• Tom Sawyer Island (Closed Permanently 7/7/25) – This attraction is closing to make room for the new Cars-themed land Piston Peak.
• Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant (Closed 8/5/21 – TBD) – The location of this quick service restaurant is often seasonal and used for fireworks show rather than a real restaurant.
• Westward Ho Refreshments (Closed Permanently 6/22/26) – Westward Ho Refreshments has permanently closed in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland as work continues on the upcoming Piston Peak National Park expansion. Disney removed the location’s hours from My Disney Experience and took down its official webpage, which follows the same quiet closure pattern used for Big Al’s earlier this summer.

Coming Soon:

• Cars Rally Ride – (ETA: 2029)
• Cars Kiddie Ride – (ETA: 2029)
• Villains Roller Coaster – (ETA: 2030)
• Villains Ride #2 – (ETA: 2030)

EPCOT

This is the park in Disney World with the most refurbishments at the time, which is understandable considering the massive transformation project EPCOT is currently undergoing.

Have patience, especially when visiting EPCOT park since it’s likely that attraction statuses could change between now and your vacation.

EPCOT is also the park with the most coming attractions, though again that is very much in flux right now since Disney’s huge budget cuts last year, and they aren’t spending as much money as originally planned.

We anticipate many of the park’s attractions to be delayed and the work as a whole to move much slower than thought.

Refurbishments:

• CommuniCore Hall (Closed 5/21/26 – 9/8/26) – CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT has temporarily closed so Disney can use the space for GoofyCore, a limited-time Cool Kids’ Summer experience running through September 8, 2026. The Goofy-themed takeover will feature Goofy’s Game Machine, DJ Dance Pants, the Goof Troop, and kid-friendly activities like Goofy Says, Balloon Bonanza, and Parachutes ’n’ Pipsqueaks. Goofy will also appear during the experience.
• Coral Reef Restaurant (Closing 9/8/26 – Late 2026) – Coral Reef Restaurant at EPCOT is scheduled to temporarily close beginning September 8, 2026, with Disney saying it is expected to reopen later in the year. Disney has not given a specific reason for the closure or confirmed an exact reopening date, so for now, guests planning EPCOT dining in the fall should look at other table-service options.
• Frozen Ever After (NOW OPEN) – This attraction got new audio-animatronics for Anna, Elsa and Kristoff. They vastly improved the realism of the figures over the current ones including more expressive faces, smoother movement, etc.
• Impressions de France & Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along (NOW OPEN) – This was a 3-month refurbishment to the Palais du Cinéma theater and involved projection system upgrades, seating repairs and other technical improvments.
• La Poutinerie (NOW OPEN) – La Poutinerie is now open at EPCOT’s Canada Pavilion, replacing the former Refreshment Port with a more Canadian-focused quick-service spot. The new location serves poutine as its main draw, and also includes Canadian beer options. It gives the Canada Pavilion a more fitting snack stop built around one of the country’s most recognizable comfort foods.
• Soarin’ Across America (NOW OPEN) – This popular EPCOT attraction has a brand-new film which has replaced Soarin’ Around the World. This new version is concentrated on locations just throughout the United States of America.
• Test Track (NOW OPEN) – Disney has completed an overhaul to the Test Track attraction, let’s call this version 3.0. The update includes homage to the classic attraction World of Motion. The reopening date was July 22, 2025.

Coming Soon:

• GEO-82 (Spaceship Earth Lounge) – (NOW OPEN)

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios just recently went through a ton of new construction and now most projects are being done in other parks. No big refurbishments are scheduled for the time being.

Refurbishments:

• Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! (NOW OPEN) – This is back up and running in the reimagined Walt Disney Studios courtyard. It invites guests to party with the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ series characters.
• Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple (Closed 3/16/20 – TBD)
• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy (Closed Permanently 10/7/24) – This closed down inside Sunset Showcase in 2024 to make room for the new Villains show “Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After” coming in the summer of 2025.
• Mama Melorose’s Ristorante Italiano (Closed Permanently 5/10/25) – Closing permanently for the new Monsters Inc. Land
• Mickey Shorts Theater (NOW OPEN) – The temporary closure is over and “Vacation Fun” is back up and running.
• Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run (NOW OPEN) – This was recently updated to The Mandalorian theme with the opening of the new film. It brings new characters, destinations and stories to the Star Wars attraction. It’s unclear how long this version of the ride will be in place, or if it is a long-term permanent replacement.
• Muppet*Vision 3D (Closed Permanently 6/7/25) – Closed permanently for the new Monsters Inc. Land
• PizzeRizzo (Closed Permanently 6/7/25) – Closed permanently for the new Monsters Inc. Land
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster featuring The Muppets (NOW OPEN)– This popular Aerosmith-themed coaster has closed permanently and has been re-imagined into a Muppets coaster. While the same track layout has remained, it introduced a brand-new storyline, aesthetic and musical overhaul.
• Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (Closed 3/16/20 – TBD) – All nighttime spectaculars including fireworks shows are closed right now in Disney World.
• Vacation Fun – (NOW OPEN) – This show has reopened after a short refurbishment. No changes were made to the show itself.
• The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure (NOW OPEN) – The Voyage of the Little Mermaid has permanently closed and has made way for a newly re-imagined show “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” which opened in 2025.
• Walt Disney Presents (NOW OPEN) – The walk-through exhibits and movie portion of the attraction are now running after a small refurbishment.

There are some very big refurbishments going on at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and with the addition of the Tropical Americas-themed area opening in 2027, things are getting very exciting here.

Refurbishments:

• Bluey’s Wild World (NOW OPEN) – Bluey’s Wild World has opened early at Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station. The area has been reworked with a new Bluey play space, updated queues, and a Bluey-themed soundtrack on the Wildlife Express Train. Guests can still visit the animal care areas at Conservation Station, including the Veterinary Treatment Room and Jumping Junction.
• Dinosaur (Closed Permanently on 2/1/26) – This closed as part of the Tropical Americas expansion and will be replaced by an Indiana Jones-themed attraction. Construction is now well underway.
• Harambe Market (NOW OPEN) – This closed temporarily with a refreshed menu with food items including burgers, chicken strips, and other quick service food once located at Restaurantosaurus.
• Kali River Rapids (NOW OPEN) – It closed for a standard refurbishment during the Fall months.
• Restaurantosaurus (Closed Permanently 2/1/26) – This closed as part of the transformation of DinoLand USA into the new Tropical Americas-themed area of the park.
• The Boneyard (Closed Permanently 9/2/25) – The Boneyard is closing as a part of the new Tropical Americas expansion. A new kids play area is coming in its place.
• TriceraTop Spin (Closed Permanently on 1/12/25) – It closed for the upcoming Animal Kingdom expansion project as well as the entirety of DinoLand USA.
• Trilo-Bites – (Closed Permanently on 10/19/25) – This will close as part of the transformation of DinoLand USA into the new Tropical Americas-themed area of the park.

Coming Soon:

• Encanto Ride – (ETA: 2027)
• Indiana Jones Ride – (ETA: 2027)
• Zootopia: Better Zoogether! – (NOW OPEN)

Water Parks

Both Disney World Water Parks, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach have been closing on and off since March 2020. Since the reopening in July 2020, only one water park has been open at a time. Each time they reopen one, they close the other.

However, last year, starting May 1, 2025, it was the first time that both water parks were open at the same time since 2020. This gives guests the option of choosing which water park or parks they would like to visit.

Blizzard Beach (OPEN)

• Annual Refurbishment (TBD) – Blizzard Beach usually closes at some point each year for an annual refurbishment. As of now, Disney has not given any info about this and the water park will remain open until Disney says otherwise.

Typhoon Lagoon (Closing 9/9/26 – TBD)

• Annual Refurbishment (Closing 9/9/26 – TBD) –Typhoon Lagoon will close for a multi-month refurbishment on September 9, 2026 and it will likely reopen sometime in Spring 2027, though Disney has not given any reopening info yet.
• Humunga Kowabunga (Closed 1/20/26 – TBD) – These popular slides have been closed at Typhoon Lagoon for a refurbishment or potential re-imagineering. Disney has not given many details of the project so we are waiting to find out. No re-opening date has been given yet.

General Disney World Water Park Refurbishment Info

• The Walt Disney World water parks run seasonally and are closed often due to the weather. The water parks usually close one at a time from January to March annually for regular maintenance and refurbishments, so one park should always be open.

Make sure you look at this list of Disney World hotel refurbishments before you plan your trip so you know what kind of work is being done at your hotel and if you are ok with it.

Unfortunately, there are also still some hotels in Walt Disney World that are closed, many without reopening dates. We’ll continue to update the list as soon as we have those dates. Read our post on Disney World Hotels after reopening to see all the changes to expect when you go and our Rankings of the Best Disney World Resorts if you are trying to figure out where to stay.

Here is the current list of Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Refurbishments:

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

• Re-Imagined Guest Rooms (Closed Late May 2026 – January 2027) – The reimagining of all the guest rooms will happen at All-Star Movies for an eight-month refurbishment.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

• No current refurbishments

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

• No current refurbishments

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort

• Re-Imagined Guest Rooms (Closed May 2026 through January 2027) – This is a months-long refurbishment to all guest rooms in Jambo House. All resort amenities will remain available to guests during this time.
• Samawati Springs Pool Slide (Closed 9/8/25 to TBD) – Closing for routine maintenance and repairs it has been prolonged due to the wider, multi-year resort modernization.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas

• Re-Imagined Guest Rooms (Closed October 2025 through January 2027) – This is a multi-months-long refurbishment to all guest rooms in Kidani Village. All resort amenities will remain available to guests during this time.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

• Guest Room Refurbishment (June 2027 – October 2028) – This is the biggest most extensive structural room redesign the resort has seen since its grand opening in 2012. Guest rooms at Art of Animation are getting changes to furniture, carpeting, etc. Work is done on the Cars suites, and now is being done to the Nemo suites, with The Little Mermaid and The Lion King after that.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• Resort-Wide Refurbishment (Work happening from September 2024 through Late 2027) – Disney is in the middle of a massive refurbishment to the resort including the guest rooms, common areas, exterior maintenance, and the pool and water play area.  Disney has not provided the details of all the work being done at this time.
• The Bay Cove Pool & Cove Bar (Closed January 2026 to July 2026) – The Bay Cove Pool, the Cove Bar, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower is temporarily closed for maintenance.  The Bay Lake Pool, the feature poo, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will remain open for guests to enjoy.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

• Exterior Maintenance (Early Summer 2025 – 2027) – The resort will undergo routine exterior maintenance and will require the closure of the porte cochere. This should be open again in November 2025, but other exterior maintenance will continue through 2027.
• Tidal Leisure Pool (Closed Mid January – Late 2026) – This pool area is undergoing regular maintenance. The Stormalong Bay Pool area will remain open during this refurbishment.

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

• No current refurbishments

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

• Resort-Wide Refurbishment (Work happening from November 2025 through Late 2026) – Disney is in the middle of a massive refurbishment to the resort.
• Jellyrolls (Closed Permanently on 4/19/25) – After almost 30 years, the popular dueling piano bar at Disney’s BoardWalk has ended operations.
• Leaping Horse Libations (1/11/27 – April 2027) – Closing for routine maintenance.
• Luna Park Pool (1/11/27 – April 2027) – There will be a total shutdown of the Luna Park Pool and Luna Park Crazy Play Area for routine maintenance.
• The Cake Bake Shop (NOW OPEN) – This new bakery/table service restaurant is takes the place of the old ESPN Zone restaurant. It has savory and sweet options and focuses on its many decadent dessert options including cakes.
• Big River Grille and Brewing Works (Closed Permanently on 1/21/24) – This restaurant and brewery located on the Disney BoardWalk closed for good on January 21, 2024. Food trucks will be added for additional lunch options.

Disney’s Boardwalk Villas

• Re-Imagined Guest Rooms (NOW OPEN) – The renovation to all the DVC Villas at the BoardWalk Inn is now complete.

Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

• No current refurbishments

Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

• Chuck Wagon Food Truck (NOW OPEN) – This was a short refurbishment.
• Meadow Simmin’ Pool Area (NNOW OPEN) – A major expansion just happened here that doubled the size of the pool area and added new recreational features such as a zero-entry pool, a new tennis court, 2 pickleball courts, and new deck space.
• The Cabins DVC Remodel (NOW OPEN) – The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness were refurbished and have now become a separate DVC property.
• Trail’s End Restaurant (NOW OPEN) – Trail’s End Restaurant has converted from a table service restaurant to a marketplace concept with expanded quick service options.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

• Resort-wide Upgrades (Closed 2025 – Early 2027) – Renovations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will continue in select areas through early 2027. Guests may see or hear refurbishment work during daytime hours or need to take alternate paths of travel.
• Convention Center (NOW OPEN) – Major refurbishment.
• Courtyard Pool (NOW OPEN) – The Courtyard Pool, Pool Bar and whirlpool spa is closed from January 13 until late February for regular maintenance.
• Garden Tea Room (NOW OPEN) – This closed with the resort back in 2020 but it’s now open once again for a new afternoon tea service themed to Alice in Wonderland. It includes both sweet and savory options and tea selections from Twinings.
• Grand Floridian Café (Closed 7/20/26 – October 2026) – This popular table service restaurant will close for an extensive refurbishment including an interior refresh and possible menu changes.
• Main Lobby (NOW OPEN) – Major renovation inspired by the lobby’s iconic birdcage. It keeps the soft piano music, glowing chandeliers, and aromatic floral arrangements create a luxurious, yet relaxing atmosphere.
• Narcoossee’s (NOW OPEN) – This was closed for a lengthy refurbishment, similar in size and scope to that of Citricos. There are new dining room updates and a refreshed menu.
• Porte Cochere (Closed February 2026 – Early 2027) – This main arrival area is part of the ongoing renovations around the resort.

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

• No current refurbishments

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

• South Point Pool & BBQ and Playground Area (NOW OPEN) – This pool and amenities area were closed for routine maintenance.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

• Resort Maintenance (1/15/26 – Early 2027) – Exterior maintenance work is being done at the resort and some views of the Seven Seas Lagoon will be partially or completely obstructed from certain locations such as ‘Ohana.
• Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace (Mid-April – Late October 2026) – This popular bar is closed through late October 2026. Work includes ongoing exterior facade and structural refurbishment work. The indoor Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto remains open during this time.
• Wailulu Bar and Grill (NOW OPEN) – The multi-month exterior roof refurbishment is finished and the restaurant is back up and running as normal.

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

• Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows (NOW OPEN) – Disney has built a a new DVC Tower at the Polynesian Resort on the old site of the Spirit of Aloha dinner show.
• Kiki Tiki’s Water Playground Resort (NOW OPEN) – The play area near the Lava Pool reopened from regular maintenance.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

• Resort-wide Refurbishment (NOW OPEN) – The entire resort has been updated with a refreshed look.
• Kiddie Pool Deck (Closed 4/13/26 – TBD) – Disney’s Pop Century Resort kiddie pool deck closed for routine maintenance with work expected to continue through later this year. No reopening date has been confirmed. The closure affects the kiddie pool area behind Classic Hall near the Hippy Dippy Pool, but the main Hippy Dippy Pool and other resort amenities remain open.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

• Resort-wide Refurbishment (NOW OPEN) – Over 1,000 guest rooms at Port Orleans Resort have been refreshed with a new interior design made to reflect the New Orleans-inspired look of the resort.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

• Alligator Bayou Guest Rooms Update (Late Summer 2026 – August 2027) – Now that the Magnolia rooms are complete, work on these 16 rustic backwoods cottages will commence late this summer.
• Magnolia Bend Guest Rooms Update (NOW OPEN) – Complete reimagining of the Magnolia Bend rooms which are currently mansion-style buildings. The outside style remained the same but the rooms themselves have got a total refurbishment.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

• No current refurbishments

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

• The Turf Club Bar & Grill and Lounge (Closed Mid-March 2026 – Late-September 2026) – This table service dining restaurant will close for an extensive remodel including changes to the interior and to the menu.
• Treehouse Villas Refurbishment (January 2025 – Mid-September 2026) – This is a major renovation to the Treehouse Villas, the first time since 2009. This will include new furniture, fixtures, appliances, and a major update to the bathrooms.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

• Boat Dock (NOW OPEN) – Reopened from a small refurbishment.  Boat transportation has now been resumed to all destinations.
• Resort-wide Refurbishment (TBD Late 2026) – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is undergoing an exterior refurbishment that will bring some construction activity to the resort through late 2026. The work includes updates around the front entrance area, with the security kiosk being expanded from late March through mid-October. While the resort entrance will remain open, guests should be prepared for visible work around the property and may notice occasional lane closures, construction noise, and some impacted views.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

• Crew’s Cup Lounge (NOW OPEN) – This lounge underwent a small refurbishment which includes changes to the food and drink menu.
• Stormalong Bay (NOW OPEN) – The popular pool area recently underwent a five-month refurbishment. This routine refurbishment included Stormalong Bay, the shipwreck, the lazy river, and waterslide. Everything is now open once again and better than ever!
• Yachtsman Steakhouse (Closed 5/11/26 – 8/28/26) – Closed for an extended refurbishment. Extensive changes will be made to the decor and the menu when it reopens.

Disney Springs

• Disney Springs Lime Garage (NOW OPEN) – Routine maintenance and structural repairs were made to the garage. This major refurbishment is finish and the structure is full back open for parking.
• Ghirardelli Soda Fountain (7/3/26 – Spring 2027) – Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop is temporarily moving while its original location at Disney Springs undergoes a major remodel. During the work, Ghirardelli will operate out of the former CrazyShake by Black Tap space in Town Center. Disney has not confirmed exact closure or reopening dates yet, but the remodeled original location is expected to return in spring 2027.
• Sprinkles (Closed Permanently 1/1/26) – All Sprinkles locations have closed down nationwide including the Disney Springs one. No word yet as to what is replacing it.

Permanent Ride Closures

While some attractions close only temporarily, others sadly close permanently. This happens when the ride is no longer deemed popular enough or Disney has other plans for that space, perhaps bringing in a new attraction in its place.

Here is a list of the permanent closures in Disney World in the recent past:

Magic Kingdom

• Disney Enchantment – (Closed 4/2/23)
• Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade – (Closed 6/23/24)
• Liberty Square Riverboat – (Closed 7/7/25)
• The Pirates League – (Closed 3/15/20)
• The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History – (Closed 1/1/20)
• Splash Mountain – (Closed 1/23/23)
• Stitch’s Great Escape – (Closed 1/6/18)
• Tom Sawyer Island (Closed 7/7/25)
• Wishes – (Closed 5/11/17)

EPCOT

• Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure – (Closed 2/17/20)
• The Circle of Life – (Closed 2/4/18)
• Disney Harmonious (Closed on 4/2/23)
• Ellen’s Energy Adventure – (Closed 8/13/17)
• EPCOT Forever – (Closed 9/28/21 and again 12/4/23)
• Illuminations: Reflections of Earth – (Closed 9/30/19)
• Mariachi Cobre Presents… The Story of Coco – (Closed 6/2/20)

Hollywood Studios

• The Disney Society Orchestra and Friends – (Closed 10/4/20)
• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy (Closed 10/7/24)
• Muppet*Vision 3D (Closed 6/7/25)
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (Closed 3/2/26)
• Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away – (Closed 2/23/20)
• Star Wars Launch Bay – (Closed 9/25/25)
• The Great Movie Ride – (Closed 8/13/17)
• The Voyage of the Little Mermaid – (Closed 3/16/20)
• Wonderful World of Animation – (Closed 5/13/20)

Animal Kingdom

• The Boneyard (Closed 9/2/25)
• Dinosaur – (Closed 2/1/26)
• Finding Nemo – The Musical (Closed 3/16/20)
• Primeval Whirl – (Closed 3/16/20)
• Rivers of Light: We Are One – (Closed 3/16/20)
• TriceraTop Spin (Closed 1/12/25)

Resorts/Experiences

• Jellyrolls (Closing 4/19/25)
• Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser – (Closed 9/30/23)

Disney World Seasonal Closures

Some closures in Disney World are seasonal, meaning similar work happens on those rides around the same time each year. Some of this is weather-based, like water parks for example, that are less likely to be popular during the Winter.

Here is a list of Seasonal Refurbishments in Disney World. These dates are estimates based on closures in past years:

• Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – Closes October to January for general maintenance and seasonal refurbishment.
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Closes January to March for general maintenance and seasonal refurbishment.
• Kali River Rapids – Can close anytime from January to March for general maintenance and seasonal refurbishment.
• Jungle Cruise – Usually closes in Late October to Early November for Jingle Cruise holiday overlay; closes in Early January to remove holiday overlay.
• Splash Mountain – This is one of the most refurbished attractions in Disney World. Usually closes in January/February for general maintenance and seasonal refurbishment.

What Season Does Disney Do Refurbishments?

Disney tends to do more refurbishments and ride closures in the “off-season” and when there are fewer people in the parks.

January and February are popular months and are good times to tune up the rides after the holiday season. This is especially true for water attractions like Kali River Rapids, Splash Mountain, or the water parks.

September is another popular month for refurbishments in Disney World since most of the crowds have gone home with the kids back in school. That means it’s a perfect time to fix up attractions needing maintenance.

While going to Disney World during the holidays or the busy season is more crowded, you are also less likely to find your favorite attraction closed for refurbishment at that time, which is a definite advantage.

Rumored Refurbishments

There are many rides in Disney World that NEED refurbishing, some staying the same for decades.

Here is a list of some Disney World attractions that have been rumored to be getting refurbishments and could be closing soon. Most of these haven’t been confirmed by Disney yet, but they are the most likely to close.

Magic Kingdom:

• Big Thunder Mountain – special effects additions added
• Walt Disney World Railroad – scene enhancements
• Carousel of Progress – scene changes coming
• It’s a Small World – Disney character addition
• Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
• Astro Orbiter

EPCOT:

• Spaceship Earth – A total overhaul of this attraction was supposed to happen in May 2020, but then was postponed when the parks closed. No new date has been given yet.
• Journey Into Imagination – This has been the most rumored attraction to be getting a refurbishment, yet nothing confirmed from Disney. Many fans are not fans of the current version, but doing something that keeps Figment in the attraction is a must.

Hollywood Studios:

• Tower of Terror – It’s possible new special effects could be added

Animal Kingdom:

• Expedition Everest – We’ve been hearing about fixing the Yeti for years now, but it’s a very complicated task that would take months to do. Not sure that this will ever get done but we can hope.

Your Thoughts

I want to know what you think about the current list of ride closures and attraction refurbishments at Disney World…

• Which ride are you most disappointed to see close?
• Which rides need refurbishing the most?

Let us know in the comments section below!

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