Walt Disney World 2026–2027 attraction closures, refurbishments, construction projects, and operating-hour changes

The Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are undergoing a profound transformation throughout 2026 and into 2027, marked by extensive attraction closures, major refurbishments, ambitious construction projects, and significant operational changes. These developments reflect Disney’s dedication to enhancing guest safety, updating classic experiences, and introducing cutting-edge storytelling—though they also require visitors to navigate a park environment in considerable flux.

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Extensive Attraction Closures and Refurbishments Across the Resorts

Many beloved attractions across Walt Disney World’s four parks, as well as Disneyland Resort’s theme parks, are closed for extended periods or indefinitely to accommodate deep safety upgrades, narrative overhauls, and infrastructure improvements:

• Magic Kingdom faces several key closures:

  • Pirates of the Caribbean remains closed well into 2027, with indications of a potentially permanent reimagining focusing on next-generation ride technology and enhanced safety protocols.
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closed through late 2027 for a more comprehensive safety overhaul and story enhancements than initially planned.
  • The classic Jungle Cruise continues its indefinite closure amid narrative reassessment and safety work.
  • The Haunted Mansion exterior is concealed behind a photo-realistic scrim during ongoing refurbishments expected to complete by late 2026.
  • The Tomorrowland Launch Depot remains walled off following the permanent ending of the TRON Identity Program, casting uncertainty on Tomorrowland’s thematic future.
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is nearing reopening after nearly a year of refurbishment, promising refreshed guest experience.

• EPCOT closures and refurbishments include:

  • The Mexico Pavilion, along with its cultural staples like Impressions de France and the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, will remain closed through all of 2027.
  • Living with the Land is undergoing a phased reopening expected in early 2027.
  • The Frozen Ever After attraction has introduced a one-ride-per-guest-per-day limit requiring advance voucher reservations due to capacity management challenges.
  • The World Discovery Playground reopened in 2026 after refurbishment and is currently expanding to enhance family-friendly offerings.

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios sees several notable changes:

  • The iconic Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster remains open through 2026 but is scheduled to close early in 2027.
  • The classic Muppet landmark was permanently dismantled in 2026*, symbolizing Disney’s willingness to retire long-standing icons in favor of new narratives.
  • New experiences such as Olaf Draws!, featuring an audio-animatronic providing drawing classes, launched in 2026.
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul, including queue and exterior redesigns to improve reliability and guest immersion.

• Animal Kingdom closures have created significant gaps in thrill and water rides:

  • Kali River Rapids, Expedition Everest, and Rafiki’s Planet Watch are all closed indefinitely for major thematic and infrastructure updates, with no reopening dates announced.
  • Extended Evening Hours for deluxe resort guests have been made permanent, providing additional nighttime access despite ride downtimes.
  • A new Bluey-themed experience is planned to replace Rafiki’s Planet Watch, reflecting Disney’s efforts to refresh park offerings.

• Disneyland Resort also faces major ride and service suspensions:

  • Autopia remains closed indefinitely following multiple vehicle incidents, reflecting Disney’s intensified safety-first approach.
  • Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is under refurbishment through spring 2027.
  • The Disneyland Monorail has been suspended since August 2026, and the Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) shuttle service is being phased out throughout 2026, impacting intra-resort mobility.
  • Several rides, including Toy Story Midway Mania and Radiator Springs Racers, are scheduled for extended maintenance and closures into 2027.

• Across Walt Disney World’s resorts, refurbishments are underway at 13 hotels, affecting guest amenities and transportation, as part of a broad property enhancement strategy.

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Ambitious Construction Projects Shaping Disney’s Future

Alongside these closures, Disney is advancing several high-profile construction projects that promise to redefine the guest experience over the next several years:

• Princess Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom is visibly progressing, with infrastructure and thematic landscaping underway. Scheduled to open between 2027 and 2028, this new attraction aims to combine cultural authenticity with cutting-edge technology, spotlighting Tiana’s story in an immersive setting.

• The Cinderella Castle is undergoing a major aesthetic and technological refresh throughout 2026, modernizing this iconic symbol while preserving its magical appeal.

• At Hollywood Studios, the overhaul of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror includes queue redesign and exterior enhancements to improve reliability and guest engagement.

• Disneyland California Adventure’s Avengers Campus expansion is actively under construction, with two new Marvel-themed attractions progressing. Official opening dates remain unannounced, but this project underscores Disney’s commitment to superhero storytelling.

• EPCOT continues to expand its family-friendly offerings, notably with the refurbishment and expansion of the World Discovery Playground.

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Operational Changes and Policy Updates Impacting Guest Experience

To effectively manage capacity and guest flow amid these closures and construction projects, Disney has implemented several operational adjustments and policy changes:

• Operating hours adjustments:

  • Disneyland has extended operating hours through February 2027, including multiple midnight closures, to provide guests with greater flexibility amid construction disruptions.
  • Walt Disney World executed an unprecedented full-day simultaneous closure of all four theme parks earlier in 2026 to facilitate critical infrastructure upgrades.

• Transportation shifts:

  • The Disneyland Monorail has been suspended since August 2026.
  • The Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) shuttle service is being phased out, requiring guests to seek alternative transportation options.

• Extended Evening Hours at Animal Kingdom have been made permanent for deluxe resort guests, offering additional nighttime park access despite ride closures.

• Lightning Lane and reservation policies:

  • EPCOT’s Frozen Ever After now requires a special ride voucher due to a one-ride-per-guest-per-day limit to better manage demand.
  • Lightning Lane availability has been quietly updated amidst widespread attraction closures, impacting guest planning.

• Annual Passholder regulations have tightened with additional “Good-to-Go” days introduced to manage crowd levels during heavy refurbishment periods.

• The removal of the 11 AM park hopping restriction at Disneyland Resort increases guest flexibility in park navigation despite ongoing transportation and attraction disruptions.

• Disney encourages guests to leverage official mobile apps and trusted third-party platforms for real-time updates on attraction statuses, wait times, and park hours.

• Premium offerings such as Disney VIP Tours are gaining prominence, providing invaluable assistance for guests aiming to efficiently navigate the complex landscape of closures, construction zones, and crowd dynamics.

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Month-by-Month Closure Calendars and Crowd Forecasts

The scale of closures and operational shifts has led to notable crowd fluctuations throughout 2026 and 2027:

• Certain dates at Magic Kingdom in 2026 are forecasted to be especially crowded due to limited attraction availability and extended refurbishments.

• March 2026 sees a wave of closures impacting multiple parks, including 13 ride closures announced for refurbishment and updates.

• April 2026 features entertainment schedule changes, such as adjusted Fantasmic! showtimes at Magic Kingdom, requiring guests to plan accordingly.

• Late 2026 and early 2027 will continue to see closures like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closing early in 2027 and extended maintenance on attractions at Disneyland Resort.

Guests are advised to plan with flexibility, considering backup options and staying informed via official channels to make the most of their visits during this period of transition.

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Navigating the Disney Transformation: Tips for Guests

Given the unprecedented scale of refurbishment, closures, and operational changes, guests can enhance their experience by:

• Planning itineraries with built-in flexibility, anticipating ride availability changes or unexpected early closures.

• Using official Disney apps and reliable third-party tools for the latest real-time updates on attraction status, wait times, and park hours.

• Considering premium services like Disney VIP Tours to maximize park efficiency amid disruptions.

• Prioritizing open attractions and new experiences such as Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Olaf Draws!, and family-friendly spaces like the World Discovery Playground.

• Preparing for transportation challenges, especially at Disneyland with the Monorail suspension and ART shuttle phase-out.

• Maintaining realistic expectations and patience, understanding these disruptions are investments toward a safer, more immersive future.

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Looking Ahead: Foundations for a New Disney Era

While the extensive closures and permanent removals of iconic attractions—such as Pirates of the Caribbean and the classic Muppet landmark*—mark the end of cherished eras, they lay the groundwork for a revitalized Disney that harmonizes nostalgia with innovation.

Operational changes like the Frozen Ever After voucher system and transportation adjustments underscore Disney’s strategic emphasis on capacity management, guest safety, and immersive experience flow. As the transformation continues through 2027 and beyond, guests can look forward to new chapters of storytelling, enhanced technology, and culturally authentic experiences that will define the next generation of Disney magic.

By staying informed, flexible, and patient, guests can continue to discover magic amid this historic transformation—while eagerly anticipating the exciting new adventures on the horizon.