Walt Disney World is going through one of its biggest transition periods in years, and guests visiting right now are starting to feel it everywhere.
From permanent closures inside Magic Kingdom to large-scale construction projects at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, entire experiences are either unavailable or completely gone as Disney continues reshaping multiple parks at once. Some of these closures are temporary refurbishments that will eventually reopen. Others are permanent losses tied to Disney’s aggressive expansion plans for the future.
Either way, guests arriving this week are walking into a version of Disney World that looks very different from what many families experienced even a year ago.
And the biggest thing about these closures? Most of them are happening simultaneously.
Magic Kingdom Has Lost Several Major Experiences
Magic Kingdom alone currently accounts for five of the seven affected attractions and offerings.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow remains closed inside Storybook Circus. The indoor meet-and-greet location typically allows guests to meet Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, and Goofy in circus costumes, but the attraction has been unavailable for months as refurbishment work continues.
The characters themselves have not disappeared entirely. Guests can still find them around Storybook Circus in alternate locations, but the actual attraction space remains closed.
Nearby, Big Top Souvenirs is also unavailable.
That closure is especially noticeable because the massive circus tent building serves as one of the visual anchors of the entire Storybook Circus area. Disney has been conducting structural repairs on the location, and construction work has dramatically changed the exterior appearance of the building during the project.
Disney has only said the location will reopen later this year.
But the biggest changes in Magic Kingdom are happening over in Frontierland.
For longtime Disney fans, this still feels like the end of an era.
The Rivers of America had existed since Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. The Liberty Belle Riverboat became a relaxing break from the crowds for generations of guests, while Tom Sawyer Island offered something increasingly rare at Disney parks: an attraction built around exploration instead of screens and ride systems.
Now, the river has been drained, construction walls dominate the area, and demolition work is actively underway.
Disney plans to replace the area with a new Cars-themed expansion inspired by Piston Peak National Park. The project will reportedly feature two new attractions and significantly reshape the overall layout of Frontierland.
That means guests visiting this week are already seeing the park in transition.
Hollywood Studios Is Deep in Transformation
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also undergoing major changes right now.
Animation Courtyard officially remains closed as Disney works on the upcoming Walt Disney Studios expansion area.
Even though Walt Disney Presents and The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure remain open nearby, the overall section feels dramatically different with construction walls still dominating much of the area.
Disney has already started removing portions of those walls ahead of phased openings later this month. The first major debut will be Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, which is scheduled to open on May 26.
The entire project signals Disney’s continued effort to modernize Hollywood Studios with newer intellectual properties and more interactive experiences.
And then there’s Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster.
The attraction remains closed as Disney finishes transforming the ride from Aerosmith theming to The Muppets.
The updates have become impossible to miss. The entrance has already been repainted, new signage has appeared, and Disney recently revealed details about the attraction’s updated soundtrack and storyline.
Not every fan is thrilled about the changes, especially after the colorful redesign of the iconic guitar outside the attraction sparked mixed reactions online.
Still, Disney is pushing ahead quickly.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is currently scheduled to reopen on May 26, 2026.
Until then, Hollywood Studios guests are missing one of the park’s biggest thrill rides during an already crowded vacation season.
EPCOT Is About To Undergo Its Own Major Shift
While EPCOT isn’t dealing with one of the seven closures listed above, the park is preparing for a significant seasonal overlay change of its own.
Soarin’ Around the World will soon temporarily close before Soarin’ Across America takes over beginning May 26 as part of Disney’s celebration tied to America’s 250th anniversary.
For many guests, this is actually welcome news.
The original Soarin’ experience remains incredibly popular among longtime Disney fans, many of whom still prefer the California-focused version over the current globe-trotting edition.
The temporary return of Soarin’ Across America also fits with Disney’s growing focus on Americana-themed offerings leading into the United States’ 250th celebration.
At Least One Attraction Has Returned
Not everything at Disney World is disappearing right now.
“Vacation Fun” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has officially reopened after its temporary closure.
The Mickey Shorts Theater presentation had paused operations during special May the 4th merchandise events, leading some guests to wonder whether the attraction would stay unavailable longer.
Thankfully, it’s back operating once again, giving guests another indoor entertainment option during the increasingly hot Florida afternoons.
Still, the larger story across Disney World right now is impossible to ignore.
Between Frontierland’s massive overhaul, Hollywood Studios construction projects, attraction rethemes, and upcoming EPCOT overlays, Disney is actively reshaping nearly every corner of the resort at the same time.
Some of these closures will eventually lead to major additions and new experiences.
Others represent permanent goodbyes to attractions many guests assumed would always be part of Disney World.
And for families visiting this week, those changes are already very real.
