Disneyland Resort 2026–2027 attraction closures, refurbishments, park hopping changes, and family-focused updates

The Disneyland Resort continues its ambitious transformation through 2026 and into 2027, a period marked by a complex interplay of attraction closures, extensive refurbishments, operational policy shifts, and exciting construction projects. These changes underscore Disney’s commitment to modernizing its parks while maintaining guest safety and delivering immersive storytelling experiences. Recent developments provide fresh insights into navigating the resort amid these transitions and highlight the scope of ongoing expansions, particularly at Disney California Adventure’s Avengers Campus.

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Expanded Attraction Closures and Refurbishments

The landscape of available attractions through late 2026 and early 2027 remains dynamic, with several closures extended or newly announced:

• Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar’s refurbishment has been further confirmed to last through spring 2027, reflecting the scale of its reimagining. The closure is now one of the longest among dining and experiential venues, emphasizing Disney’s investment in elevating guest experience at this iconic location.

• Autopia remains closed indefinitely following safety incidents involving vehicle derailments. Disney continues to prioritize a cautious, safety-first approach before determining the attraction’s future, leaving fans uncertain about its return.

• Toy Story Midway Mania is scheduled to close in late 2026 for refurbishment, with reopening dates still pending. This closure, combined with others, intensifies the need for guests to plan carefully around their must-see rides.

• Radiator Springs Racers is undergoing extended maintenance through spring 2027, temporarily reducing Cars Land’s full lineup and impacting one of Disney California Adventure’s most popular attractions.

• Smaller refurbishments, such as those recently completed on Jumpin’ Jellyfish, continue to rotate through the park’s portfolio, ensuring safety and freshness.

• A newly added spring 2027 ride closure further complicates itineraries, though details on the specific attraction remain forthcoming.

• Family-oriented rides like Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind are also temporarily closed for updates, reflecting Disney’s focus on refreshing experiences that appeal to younger visitors.

• Encouragingly, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! has been confirmed to remain open through 2027, serving as a key family-friendly anchor in Disney California Adventure amidst other closures.

• Seasonal rotations continue to impact availability, with eight attractions temporarily closing ahead of events like the Food & Wine Festival, reinforcing the importance of advanced planning during festival seasons.

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Operational Policy Updates: Park Hopping & Transportation

Disneyland Resort’s operational changes aim to ease guest mobility and manage crowd dynamics during this intensive refurbishment period:

• A major policy update has eliminated the 11 AM park hopping restriction, allowing guests with Park Hopper tickets or Magic Keys to move freely between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure at any time during park hours. This newfound flexibility is especially valuable given the shifting ride availability and extended park hours.

• Despite this, park reservations remain mandatory for all guests, including Magic Key holders, to help manage overall capacity during the resort’s transformation phase.

• The longstanding Disneyland Monorail system has been suspended since August 2026, removing a key intra-resort transit option. Additionally, the Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) shuttle service is being phased out throughout 2026, requiring guests to proactively arrange alternate transportation.

• To compensate, Disneyland has extended park hours through February 2027, including occasional midnight closures, offering guests more time to explore and avoid peak congestion near construction zones.

• Disney increasingly promotes the use of its official mobile applications and trusted third-party platforms to provide real-time updates on attraction status, wait times, and operating hours. This approach helps guests adapt swiftly to changing conditions and maximize their park experience.

• Premium services such as Disney VIP Tours have gained prominence, offering guests personalized navigation assistance to circumvent closures, optimize Lightning Lane use, and streamline their visit despite ongoing disruptions.

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Insights on Park Hopping and Lightning Lane Usage

Recent firsthand accounts from guests and influencers provide practical guidance on navigating Disneyland’s evolving operational landscape:

• On busy days, using Lightning Lane selections in tandem with the new unrestricted Park Hopper policy can significantly enhance guest flow and attraction access. Guests report that jumping between parks to capitalize on shorter Lightning Lane queues has become a key strategy.

• The removal of time-based hopping restrictions means visitors can now dynamically shift between parks as wait times fluctuate, using Lightning Lane to reduce standby waits effectively.

• However, the absence of the monorail and shuttle services means guests must plan for longer walking distances or arrange private transportation between parks, impacting how they schedule Lightning Lane reservations and park hops.

These operational nuances emphasize the need for real-time planning and flexibility, with technology playing a critical role in guest decision-making.

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Construction Progress and Expansions: Avengers Campus and Beyond

Construction at Disneyland Resort continues apace, signaling exciting future offerings:

• The Avengers Campus expansion at Disney California Adventure has entered a visible new phase, with the new Avengers Campus show building now towering prominently backstage. Recent construction videos showcase the scale and ambition of this addition, which promises to deepen Marvel storytelling immersion. Although no official opening date has been announced, progress is substantial.

• Disneyland has filed new permits for redevelopment of the former FastPass area within Disney California Adventure, hinting at forthcoming enhancements to guest flow or new experiences, though details remain under wraps.

• While outside Disneyland Resort, the ongoing development of Princess Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World reflects Disney’s broader strategic emphasis on culturally authentic, next-generation attractions that will likely influence future park projects coast-to-coast.

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Reinforcing Family-Focused Experiences

Disneyland Resort’s efforts to maintain family appeal during this transitional period are evident:

• Keeping Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! operational through 2027 helps retain a beloved, child-friendly attraction amid widespread closures.

• The resort is rolling out curated entertainment and experiences targeting younger visitors, recognizing the importance of multigenerational families and the need to deliver magic accessible to all ages despite ongoing refurbishments.

• Enhanced safety protocols and guest comfort measures continue to be a priority, ensuring that even amid extensive construction, visits remain enjoyable and memorable.

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Summary Table: Key Attraction Status (Updated)

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Guest Recommendations for Navigating Disneyland Resort (2026–2027)

Given the complexity of the current environment, guests are encouraged to:

• Leverage the removal of the 11 AM park hopping restriction to optimize daily touring plans, switching parks as crowd patterns and Lightning Lane availability dictate.

• Use official Disneyland apps and reputable third-party tools to track real-time attraction status, wait times, and operational notices, adapting plans dynamically.

• Consider Disney VIP Tours or other premium services for personalized guidance, particularly during peak days or when managing multiple closures.

• Prepare for reduced transportation options by arranging alternate transit or planning for additional walking between parks, especially given monorail suspension and ART phase-out.

• Focus on open family-friendly attractions, such as Monsters, Inc., and other recently refreshed rides, to ensure a satisfying experience for all ages.

• Build flexibility into itineraries, anticipating potential last-minute changes due to construction or festival-related ride closures.

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Looking Ahead: A Transformative Period for Disneyland Resort

The ongoing transformation at Disneyland Resort throughout 2026 and 2027 represents a pivotal chapter in the parks’ evolution. While the temporary closure of cherished attractions like Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and Autopia may disappoint some visitors, these measures are necessary to enhance safety, modernize experiences, and lay the groundwork for a new era of storytelling.

Operational updates—most notably the removal of park hopping restrictions and extended hours—offer guests greater freedom and time to adapt to the shifting landscape. Meanwhile, the visible progress on the Avengers Campus expansion signals exciting additions on the horizon that promise to elevate Disney California Adventure’s appeal.

As the resort balances construction, refurbishments, and guest experience enhancements, it continues to reaffirm its commitment to delivering magical moments for families and guests of all ages. Visitors embracing flexibility, tech tools, and premium services will be best positioned to navigate this transformative period and enjoy the evolving magic that Disneyland Resort has to offer.