Walt Disney World Resort implemented multiple refurbishment closures on Monday, January 12, 2026, affecting parking, dining, and transportation facilities across the Central Florida property. Disney cast members also quietly installed scrims around portions of Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, launching an unannounced maintenance project on the popular roller coaster.
Three Simultaneous Closures Take Effect
Three separate Walt Disney World Resort locations entered refurbishment status on January 12: the Lime Garage at Disney Springs, Refreshment Port at EPCOT, and the boat dock at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
Lime Garage Faces Extended Closure
The Lime Garage—one of several free parking structures serving the Disney Springs shopping, dining, and entertainment district—closed Monday and will remain unavailable through February 11, 2026. The garage will briefly reopen February 12 through February 16 to accommodate Presidents' Day weekend crowds before shutting down again February 17. The second closure phase will last through March 13, with a permanent reopening scheduled for March 14.
The five-story parking structure is receiving similar upgrades to those completed at the nearby Orange Garage last January. Disney cast members also installed new stanchions and themed barriers in October as part of ongoing improvements.
During the closure, guests can use the Orange Garage, Grapefruit Garage, Watermelon Parking Lot, or Strawberry Parking Lot. The My Disney Experience app features a function showing which Disney Springs parking areas have reached capacity, helping guests locate available spaces efficiently.
Refreshment Port Shuts Down at EPCOT
Refreshment Port, a Quick-Service dining location near a World Showcase entrance at EPCOT, closed Monday for refurbishment. The Walt Disney World Resort website lists the closure extending through at least March 13, though that's the furthest date currently visible on Disney's calendar system. The company hasn't announced a confirmed reopening date.
The closure significantly impacts the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, running January 16 through February 23, 2026. Refreshment Port traditionally offers themed poutine during this limited-time event, but will not participate this year. Two menu items previously available at this location—the Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie and Blood Orange Cosmo—have been relocated to Refreshment Outpost.
Was just at the festival of the arts at Epcot and tried the Caprese poutine.
Was just at the festival of the arts at Epcot and tried the Caprese poutine. pic.twitter.com/kEPTq6mpuW
— Bret Valencia (@bv_animefan30) January 22, 2025
Disney's Wilderness Lodge Boat Dock Under Construction
The boat dock at Disney's Wilderness Lodge closed for refurbishment on January 12, with work scheduled through early April 2026. Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom Park will be suspended through January 30, but is expected to resume normal operations afterward despite ongoing construction through the first quarter of 2026.
Expedition Everest Gets Surprise Maintenance
Disney Park guests noticed scrims installed on Monday at both the loading and unloading areas of Expedition Everest, signaling an unexpected maintenance project. Walt Disney World Resort typically announces refurbishment projects that require attraction closures, suggesting that Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park's roller coaster will remain operational during the work.
The approach represents an unusual “rolling refurbishment” in which Disney cast members repair attraction components while continuing to welcome guests, rather than closing the ride entirely. Walt Disney World Resort hasn't issued statements about the project scope or expected completion date.
Have you noticed any other changes around Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, or Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
