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Something Feels Off About These 5 Disney World Rides Heading Into 2026

Disney doesn’t always announce change loudly. Sometimes, the signs appear quietly — long before a press release ever drops. Fans start noticing which rides feel untouched, which ones feel out of step, and which spaces feel like they’re waiting for something else.

As 2026 approaches, that uneasy feeling is becoming harder to ignore.

Guests ride DINOSAUR at Animal Kingdom
Credit: Disney

Two permanent closures are already confirmed. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will close on March 1, 2026, and DINOSAUR will permanently shut down after February 1, 2026. Those decisions alone suggest Disney is preparing for a broader reshaping of its parks.

With that in mind, here are five attractions that suddenly feel less secure than they once did.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Star Tours once carried the weight of Star Wars at Disney World. Now, it exists in a park dominated by Galaxy’s Edge.

Despite regular updates, the attraction’s short wait times point to a shift in guest priorities. As Hollywood Studios continues to lean into immersive lands, Star Tours feels like an experience that could be reimagined — or quietly retired — once surrounding projects wrap up.

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

Gran Fiesta Tour operates in one of EPCOT’s most beloved pavilions, yet rumors of a Coco (2017) replacement persist year after year.

Disney’s recent track record suggests that when a popular IP fits naturally into an existing space, patience eventually runs out. The attraction may still be operating in 2026, but the sense that it’s on borrowed time continues to grow.

Mission: SPACE ride in Disney World's EPCOT park
Credit: Disney

Mission: SPACE

Mission: SPACE remains divisive in a park that’s clearly trying to appeal to everyone.

Even with two ride options, many guests skip it entirely. As EPCOT continues its shift toward smoother, more universally enjoyable attractions, Mission: SPACE increasingly feels like a holdover from an earlier design philosophy.

Tomorrowland Speedway

Few attractions feel as visually out of place as Tomorrowland Speedway.

As Tomorrowland continues modernizing, the Speedway’s presence becomes harder to justify. Electric vehicles, a full replacement, or a complete removal have all been discussed by fans for years. Heading into 2026, it’s difficult to believe the attraction will remain untouched indefinitely.

tower of terror at disney world's hollywood studios with dark clouds in background
Credit: Disney

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Tower of Terror still defines Hollywood Studios’ skyline — for now.

Disney has shown it’s willing to replace icons when it believes a park needs a new identity. With Bob Iger’s focus on flexible, franchise-driven storytelling, Tower of Terror’s long-term future feels less guaranteed than it once did, even if no immediate change is planned.

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

One Comment

  1. Tower of Terror seems safe. It fits perfectly at the foot of Sunset Blvd. I wonder if Disney would ever replace Grand Fiesta with Coco simply because that would create crazy long lines inside the already crowded pyramid. I’d expect them to add Coco as an expansion to Tropical Americas (replacing the Nemo theatre). They could expand the Mexico pavilion in EPCOT replacing Odyssey Restaurant with a Mexican village.

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