New lands, major refurbishments, ride tech, closures and operational impacts

Expansions, Closures & Tech

Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World continue to advance through one of the most transformative periods in their histories, driven by an unprecedented wave of multi-year expansions, refurbishments, ride technology breakthroughs, and infrastructure modernization. This coordinated effort, extending through 2026 and into 2027, is redefining the theme park experience by blending immersive storytelling, sustainability, and cutting-edge Imagineering innovations—while managing significant operational impacts and guest experience challenges.

A New Era of Immersive Lands and Attractions

Both resorts are unveiling a compelling portfolio of new lands and attractions that deepen Disney’s commitment to culturally authentic storytelling and next-generation ride technology:

Villains Land and Dark Kingdom (Disneyland)
Nearing final integration, these lands feature dynamic LED arrays and real-time projection mapping that respond interactively to guest presence, creating evolving narratives. The landscaping incorporates native drought-resistant species and bioswales, exemplifying Disney’s sustainability focus. Phased openings are set across late 2026 and 2027, with early previews drawing enthusiastic fan reaction.
Encanto and Coco Areas (Disneyland)
These culturally rich, sensory-friendly zones are on track for extensive guest testing during 2026. Accessibility innovations, developed alongside cultural consultants, ensure authentic representation and inclusivity, including adaptive ride vehicles and multi-sensory experiences.
Lion King Log Flume Ride (Disneyland)
This eagerly awaited attraction integrates next-generation ride mechanics and sensory accommodations, reimagining the classic story for modern audiences with enhanced interactivity and environmental theming.
Pixar and Marvel Expansions (Disneyland and Walt Disney World)
Significant upgrades at Avengers Campus introduce AI-driven adaptive storytelling and augmented reality (AR), allowing personalized superhero narratives that react dynamically to guest decisions, advancing immersive entertainment to new heights.
Walt Disney World Animation-Themed Experience
Scheduled for a late summer 2026 debut, this attraction blends classic animation storytelling with state-of-the-art animatronics and interactive elements, designed to appeal broadly amid closures of other beloved rides.

Extensive Ride Closures and Refurbishments: Balancing Legacy with Innovation

To deliver these ambitious projects, many iconic attractions at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World have entered significant refurbishment phases or temporary closure, marking some of the longest downtimes in recent memory:

Disneyland Resort
- Space Mountain remains partially closed indefinitely as Tomorrowland undergoes comprehensive modernization, affecting one of the park’s most iconic thrill rides.
- Toy Story Midway Mania is closed since May 2024 for major storytelling and technology upgrades.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds is scheduled to reopen on February 15, 2027, following extensive mechanical and safety renovations.
- Radiator Springs Racers is closed for immersive storytelling enhancements and technical improvements, with reopening expected by late 2026 or early 2027.
- Grizzly River Run is undergoing mechanical refurbishments, water filtration upgrades, and accessibility improvements aligned with environmental goals.
- Two additional beloved Disneyland rides will enter closure and retheming phases starting next month, prompting fans to experience these classics one last time before transformation.
- The Storytellers statue photo op on Buena Vista Street is closed temporarily for refurbishment as part of broader asset refreshes.
- A popular table-service bar and dining venue’s planned closure has been delayed, allowing guests extended access before refurbishment.
Walt Disney World
- Six major attraction closures confirmed for 2026, including indefinite suspensions of EPCOT staples such as Impressions de France and Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is undergoing a phased reimagination to incorporate dynamic, guest-driven storytelling aligned with The Mandalorian timeline, with completion targeted for 2026–2027.
- The transformation of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is progressing steadily, aiming for a late 2027 opening featuring culturally authentic narratives and advanced animatronics.
- Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster has been closed since May 2024 for a Muppets-themed retheming.
- The refurbishment of Monsters, Inc. Ride has been postponed through 2027 following strong fan advocacy for its continued operation.

Pioneering Ride Technology and Imagineering Breakthroughs

Disney Imagineering is pushing technological frontiers to foster deeper immersion and guest interaction:

The Boom Arm Ride System, now in final testing, offers multi-axis motion synchronized with narrative beats and guest inputs, enabling ride intensity and story branching personalized to individual preferences.
AI-Powered Autonomous Animatronics, exemplified by new “Living Olaf” figures, provide context-aware, unscripted interactions with rich emotional nuance, elevating character engagement.
Advanced AR and AI Systems at Avengers Campus deliver fully adaptive superhero experiences, seamlessly blending physical and digital storytelling layers.
Guest-controlled interactive interfaces, integrated into the Disneyland mobile app, empower visitors to influence ride pacing and narrative direction in real time, a transformative step in personalized entertainment.
AI-enhanced crowd and queue management systems optimize guest flow to mitigate congestion amid widespread construction zones and fluctuating attendance.
The Disneyland app now includes real-time construction navigation, crowd density alerts, adaptive itinerary scheduling, and a queue re-entry pilot program allowing guests to exit and rejoin lines without losing their place—an innovation improving guest comfort during lengthy refurbishments.

Infrastructure Modernization and Sustainability Commitments

Behind the scenes, Disney is investing heavily in resilient infrastructure and environmental stewardship:

The Disneyland Monorail system has been indefinitely suspended since February 25, 2026, to undergo critical structural upgrades aligning with enhanced safety standards. This suspension has shifted guest transit reliance toward buses and pedestrian routes, prompting operational adjustments.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is receiving vital ride control system retrofits to improve safety and technology compatibility.
Landscaping across new lands emphasizes native drought-resistant plants, bioswales, and naturalistic waterways, balancing immersive theming with ecological responsibility.
Water recycling and upgraded filtration systems at attractions like Grizzly River Run reduce environmental impact, supporting Disney’s sustainability goals.
The Accessibility Innovation Lab continues advancing sensory-friendly zones, adaptable ride vehicles, and noise-reduction technologies, with new guest flow designs optimized for sensory-sensitive visitors slated for debut in late 2026.

Operational Adjustments and Guest Experience Enhancements

To manage the complexities of this large-scale transformation while maintaining guest satisfaction, Disney has implemented several operational changes:

The 11 a.m. park hopper restriction at Disneyland was removed, restoring all-day hopping flexibility between Disneyland Park and California Adventure.
Introduction of a $104 low-price ticket tier targets local families and day visitors, aiming to stimulate attendance amid global travel uncertainties.
Enhanced crowd management staffing, improved signage, and upgraded wayfinding help alleviate congestion near construction zones and popular dining venues.
Traditional rope-drop gatherings have been replaced by app-based arrival notifications to stagger guest entry and reduce bottlenecks.
Advance purchase requirements for Lightning Lane access smooth demand and reduce onsite congestion.
Cast member training programs have been intensified to uphold service quality amid operational complexities.
Guests are advised to allocate extra travel time due to active construction zones and altered transit routes.
Dining availability is tighter in some locations due to refurbishments, prompting guests to secure reservations early and maintain itinerary flexibility.

Commitment to Safety and Environmental Health

Guest safety and environmental health remain top priorities amid this intensive transformation:

Following a February 2026 tree fall incident at Disneyland, Disney launched a comprehensive landscaping safety audit and implemented enhanced protocols to safeguard guests and cast members.
Extended closures at Magic Kingdom’s It’s a Small World address black mold remediation and other environmental health concerns.
The monorail suspension reflects Disney’s commitment to rigorous structural safety standards despite operational inconvenience.

Planning Ahead: Guidance for Guests

Given the fluid operational landscape, guests planning visits during 2026–2027 should adopt a flexible and informed approach:

Regularly check official Disney mobile apps and websites for the latest updates on ride availability and construction.
Anticipate longer wait times and increased crowding in open attractions and operational areas.
Secure dining reservations well in advance due to reduced availability.
Maintain itinerary flexibility to accommodate unexpected changes or phased openings.
Prepare for altered transit options and longer travel times within the resorts.

Conclusion

Under CEO Josh D’Amaro’s visionary leadership, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World are boldly ushering in a new era of theme park entertainment. By harmonizing immersive storytelling, breakthrough ride technologies, infrastructure modernization, and sustainability initiatives, Disney is crafting experiences that both honor cherished legacies and push innovation boundaries.

Though the path forward entails operational challenges—long ride closures, transit suspensions, and construction impacts—the foundation laid by these efforts promises unparalleled magical experiences that will captivate guests well into the 2030s and beyond.

Guests navigating this historic transformation are encouraged to stay informed, embrace flexibility, and leverage Disney’s expanding digital tools to unlock the magic amid this exhilarating period of change.

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