Disney World Refurbishment Alert: What’s Closing, What’s Changing, and How to Plan Around It
Plus: Enjoy EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts, track major resort updates and earnings, and savor new savory Mickey waffles at Disney Springs.
A whirlwind of activity is taking place all over Walt Disney World as attractions are closing for refurbishment, as the resort continues with its massive expansions, as well as normal upkeep.
Here’s what you need to know:
Magic Kingdom
Cinderella Castle: Work will begin later this week to repaint Magic Kingdom’s icon from its 50th anniversary pink look back to its classic color palette of traditional blues, grays, and creams. While cranes may be visible during the morning hours, they are scheduled to be lowered by midday to preserve those iconic photo opportunities. This means the “Let The Magic Begin” welcome show will be temporarily modified. While characters will not be making an appearance during this time, you will still hear the welcome fanfare and music to start your day at Magic Kingdom. “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire,” a show that takes place in front of the castle, will not have morning appearances but will be in the afternoon only.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: This roller coaster attraction remains closed as work continues to bring a smoother track, enhanced show scenes, and the introduction of the "Rainbow Caverns.” This is scheduled to reopen this summer.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: The attraction in Tomorrowland is slated to reopen this summer as the ride is going through major changes, including new blasters, interactive targets, a new character, and visual enhancements.
Piston Peak National Park and Villains Land: Thanks to the incredible bird’s-eye perspective from @bioreconstruct, we are getting our first real look at the massive work taking place for the new Cars Land called Piston Peak National Park and the new Villains Land area.
EPCOT
Frozen Ever After: The popular boat attraction in the Norway Pavilion is currently closed but is scheduled to reopen in late February with updated animatronics. All of the faces for Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff will be more lifelike.
Animal Kingdom
DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus: It is the end of an era. The DINOSAUR attraction that introduced us all to Dr. Grant Seeker and The Iguanodon will permanently close on Feb. 2, with Feb. 1. being its last day of operation. “:They're not gonna make it! They're not gonna make it!") In addition, Restaurantosaurus, the beloved burger joint will also close on Feb. 2, with Feb. 1 being its last day of operation. The closures are part of a major overhaul to transform DinoLand U.S.A. into a new 11-acre “Tropical Americas” land, which will feature an Indiana Jones attraction and an Encanto-themed ride, expected to open in 2027.
Harambe Market: This quick-service area that has been closed for refurbishment will reopen earlier than announced on Feb. 5, bridging the gap as Restaurantosaurus closes. There is a need for a high-capacity replacement, and the menu as changed to include burgers.
Tropical Americas: The transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into the highly anticipated Tropical Americas is moving at a rapid pace. New aerial photography from @bioreconstruct has revealed the first major vertical milestones, with a massive new ride show building now clearly visible from the air. This 11-acre site is quickly evolving into the vibrant, lived-in village of Pueblo Esperanza.
Hollywood Studios
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: The original Aerosmith-themed experience will have its last day on March 1. It officially closes for its transformation on March 2. The ride will be reimagined as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, featuring Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. It is expected to reopen in Summer 2026.
Monstropolis: We’re getting our clearest look yet at the massive expansion of Monstropolis taking place at Hollywood Studios in Disney World. The latest aerial photos paint a clear picture of the scale of this ambitious project. A colossal show building is rapidly taking shape for the signature attraction that will immerse guests in the heart of the Monsters, Inc. door vault, where they’ll embark on a thrilling roller coaster adventure.
Disney Springs
Six Ravens: Gideon’s Bakehouse has announced a major expansion. The award-winning bakery, famous for its nearly half-pound cookies, gothic aesthetic, and long lines, is introducing a brand-new savory concept. Read more
🎢 Notes & News
EPCOT Festival of Arts: If you happened to be near the World Celebration Gardens in EPCOT and heard a roar usually reserved for a stadium-filling encore, don’t worry—the park hadn’t suddenly turned into a late-night music festival. It was something arguably more impressive: Trevor Carlton and a fresh tub of black acrylic. Read more
During the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, a pair of jugglers perform in the World Celebration area.
The brand-new “Once Upon a Stage” exhibit at the International Festival of the Arts is officially open, and it is a theater lover’s dream come true.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: The Crew’s Cup Lounge and Yachtsman Steakhouse are scheduled to close later this year. Read more
Hollywood Studios: Ahead of the attraction's imminent closure in March 2026, Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton and his new band, Close Enemies, stopped by Hollywood Studios for one final high-speed send-off at the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. See more
The Walt Disney Company: Disney’s Q1 Fiscal Year 2026 Earnings Results Webcast will take place Feb. 2 at 8:30 a.m. ET The Annual Shareholder Meeting is scheduled for March 18 at 1 p.m. ET. Read more
🍽️ On the Menu
Featured Treat: New Mickey Waffle Cones
Location: Marketplace Snacks, Disney Springs
Marketplace Snacks, the waterfront kiosk known for its elaborate “Bubble Waffle” sundaes, pivots from purely sweet treats to a brand-new savory menu. While the location will continues to serve its signature soft-serve stacked cones, three new “heavy-hitter” offerings are set to debut, turning the classic waffle into a handheld meal. The upcoming menu expansion features three distinct flavor profiles designed to cater to the “lunch on the go” crowd: Hot Honey Chicken Waffle, Bacon Cheeseburger Waffle, and BBQ Brisket Mac and Cheese Waffle.
🛠️ Planning Toolkit
Planning a Disney vacation in 2026 is about more than just picking a week and hoping for the best. Between massive resort overhauls and milestone celebrations, the “when” and “where” of your trip have never been more important. Before you lock in your dates, make sure you’ve checked these three essential entries in the Diary:
Lock in Your Calendar: From marathon weekends to holiday shifts, not all weeks are created equal. We’ve mapped out the 2026 dates that offer the best balance of low crowds and peak magic.
The 2026 Hotel Construction Guide: Don’t let a “refurbishment” sign ruin your resort stay. From lobby renovations to pool closures, see which Disney World hotels are currently under construction so you can book with confidence.
Milestones & Magic: 2026 is a year of big numbers! We’re tracking the major Disney anniversaries happening this year, from classic attraction birthdays to resort milestones, so you can be in the park when the celebration hits.
🛍️ Mickey’s Merch Corner
"Celebrate your own 'once upon a time' this Valentine’s Day. Nothing makes the holiday feel more magical than a gift inspired by the stories we love. Whether it’s for a family member, a partner, or a gift to yourself, our curated Disney collection brings a touch of enchantment to every connection you cherish." More here
🎥 This Week’s Playlist
Before it became the Astro Orbiter we know today, we had Star Jets! This was the peak of the original "Space Age" look in Tomorrowland when it opened in 1974. Instead of weaving through planets, you were piloting your very own Saturn V-style rocket high above the Magic Kingdom.
Before the entrance of Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom in Disney World was changed, this animatronic icon—the Barker Bird, also known as Peg-Leg Pete—spent his days greeting guests with a "Yo Ho!" and plenty of attitude.