Planning a Walt Disney World Resort trip next month? Before you finalize that itinerary, there are four attractions worth crossing off your must-do list — at least for now. Spanning Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, each of these rides and experiences will be unavailable for some or all of April 2026 due to ongoing refurbishment work.
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
The Tomorrowland classic has been dark since August 2025, undergoing a significant overhaul that includes upgraded interactive targets, redesigned handheld blasters, and a new sequence featuring an audio-animatronic robot character named Buddy. A handful of Magic Kingdom Park guests have already gotten a sneak peek through unofficial ride tests popping up in recent days.
The official reopening date, however, is April 8, 2026. Anyone arriving before then will need to get lucky with a test run to experience the refreshed Toy Story (1995)-themed attraction.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The self-proclaimed Wildest Ride in the Wilderness has been out of commission since January 2025. The steel roller coaster track has been fully replaced, new steam train-style ride vehicles have been installed and painted, and Walt Disney Imagineers are currently in the middle of ride testing.
When the Frontierland staple does return, Magic Kingdom Park guests will find a revamped Rainbow Caverns scene complete with glimmering stalagmites, phosphorescent pools, and audio-animatronic bats — plus a new story beat in which the mountain itself begins to “fight back” against the gold mining operations on its slopes. Disney has listed the reopening window as “spring 2026,” but has not announced a specific date, making an April return unlikely.
Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster
Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith welcomed its final guests on March 2, 2026, permanently closing to make way for a full retheme. Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed the Sunset Showcase coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be reimagined as Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, drawing inspiration from the Muppets Mayhem musical series.
A “summer 2026” reopening has been announced, but no exact date has been confirmed — meaning the attraction will remain under wraps throughout all of April.
Wildlife Express Train
Over at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch has been closed since February as the entire surrounding area undergoes a transformation. The Affection Section petting zoo and Conservation Station are both being reimagined as an Australian outback setting tied to the hit animated series Bluey.
When the area reopens on May 26, guests will be able to ride the train to an interactive experience with Bluey and Bingo, along with a new petting zoo called “Jumping Junction” featuring Australian animals. Until then, the iconic steam train isn't departing from its station in Africa.
Are you visiting Walt Disney World Resort next month? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments!
