If you’re heading to Walt Disney World in May 2026, there’s one thing you’ll want to double-check before locking in your plans: ride closures. Disney is known for rotating refurbishments throughout the year, but this particular month feels a bit more crowded than usual when it comes to attractions going offline.
The biggest impact is coming from a mix of long-term projects and shorter updates all happening at once. That means you’re not just dealing with one missing ride—you’re adjusting to several changes across multiple parks.
Let’s start at Magic Kingdom. Pete’s Silly Sideshow remains closed throughout May, continuing a shutdown that began back in early January. This removes a popular indoor character meet-and-greet from Storybook Circus, which can be frustrating for families trying to plan those classic photo moments. The characters are still around, but they’re more spread out, which adds a bit of unpredictability to your day.
Then there’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This one is a major piece of the puzzle. The ride has been closed for an extended refurbishment and is finally set to reopen on May 3. If you’re visiting before that date, you’ll miss one of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic coasters. Even after it reopens, the surrounding Frontierland area may still feel like it’s under construction due to ongoing expansion work.
Over at EPCOT, things get a little more complicated. Impressions de France is temporarily closed but returns relatively quickly on May 10. The bigger story is Soarin’. The current version, Soarin’ Around the World, closes on May 14, leaving a gap before Soarin’ Across America opens on May 26. That means for part of the month, one of EPCOT’s biggest attractions won’t be operating at all.
Hollywood Studios is also in transition. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster has closed and is being transformed into a Muppets-themed experience. While that new version is expected to debut later in May, the ride is unavailable for a large portion of the month. That’s a big deal in a park that already leans heavily on a small number of high-demand attractions.
Another quieter closure is Vacation Fun with Mickey and Minnie, which is temporarily unavailable as well. It’s not a headliner, but it’s a great indoor break—something you may find yourself missing more than expected.
When you add all of this together, May 2026 becomes a month where flexibility is key. You may need to shift priorities, rethink your Lightning Lane selections, and be ready for longer waits in certain areas.
The upside? Many of these closures are tied to upgrades and new experiences, meaning future visits will likely feel even better. But for now, a little extra planning will go a long way.
