As 2025 came to a close, Disney didn’t just tease the future—it confirmed what would need to step aside to make room for it. Across Walt Disney World, attractions are closing, experiences are relocating, and limited-time offerings are coming to an end. Some of these changes are temporary. Others mark permanent farewells.
By December, Disney had effectively set the stage for 14 closures, operational shifts, or time-limited runs that will reshape the parks throughout 2026.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Leads the Way Out
The most definitive closure arrived on December 12. Disney confirmed that Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster will close in early 2026, with March 1 serving as the final day to ride and March 2 marking its official shutdown.
The closure clears the runway for a Muppets-themed rework, and Disney has already begun removing Aerosmith elements. With the countdown underway, Hollywood Studios is preparing to say goodbye to a longtime headliner.
Big Thunder’s Long Closure Finally Gets Answers
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed in January 2025, and its absence has loomed large over Magic Kingdom all year. Disney offered few updates until recently, when it finally confirmed the ride will reopen in Spring 2026.
While the closure has tested patience, Disney has hinted that refreshed elements will greet guests when the ride returns, positioning this as a closure with long-term payoff.
Buzz Lightyear’s Upgrade Stretches Into 2026
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin also spent 2025 offline. The Tomorrowland attraction closed for upgrades and has remained shuttered as Disney works behind the scenes.
Disney now says the ride will reopen in Spring 2026, with new features planned while preserving the familiar gameplay fans expect.
Soarin’ Prepares for a New Version
EPCOT’s Soarin’ will temporarily close as Disney prepares Soarin’ Across America, a new version created to honor the United States’ 250th anniversary. The updated experience will focus entirely on American scenery.
Disney expects the attraction to debut by Memorial Day 2026, confirming another operational pause as EPCOT transitions to its new version.
Frozen Ever After Joins the Closure List
Frozen Ever After is also scheduled for a brief shutdown. Disney confirmed the EPCOT attraction will close on January 26, 2026, and reopen in February with updated audio-animatronics for Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff.
Hollywood Studios Redraws Its Map
Animation Courtyard is officially on its way out. Disney confirmed that The Magic of Disney Animation will open in the reimagined Walt Disney Studios area in Summer 2026.
Inspired by Once Upon a Studio (2023), the new experience replaces the former courtyard with interactive animation-themed environments.
Disney Jr. Expands the Shift
That same space will also debut Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, a new show encouraging kids to dance and interact with familiar characters. Together, these changes close the chapter on Animation Courtyard’s former lineup.
Seasonal Swaps Continue at the Water Parks
Disney also confirmed the annual rotation of its water parks. Typhoon Lagoon will close on February 14, 2026, with Blizzard Beach reopening the next day. The return of the water park seasonal pass reinforces this recurring operational shift.
Smaller Moves Complete the Picture
Pete’s Silly Sideshow will close on January 4, with its characters relocating nearby. EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival returns March 4 through June 1, temporarily replacing other offerings. Bluey and Bingo arrive at Animal Kingdom in Summer 2026.
Disney Springs will welcome Level 99 in 2026, replacing earlier plans for the space. Disney also announced a Hallmark holiday movie filmed at Walt Disney World for 2026, while a Taylor Swift Eras Tour costume display will quietly end on January 23.
What These Endings Signal
Individually, these changes may feel manageable. Together, they demonstrate that Disney is intentionally rotating experiences to prepare for what’s next. Some closures will be brief. Others will permanently reshape the parks.
2025 may be coming to a close, but for Disney World, the transition has only just begun.
