A May 2026 Disney World trip might not look the way you expect. A large number of closures are lining up across the parks, and they’re not small changes. Rides, shows, and entire areas are going offline simultaneously, creating a different kind of park experience.
You can still have a great visit, but it’s one where planning ahead matters more than usual. Guests who go in expecting a typical lineup may be caught off guard, especially if they haven’t checked the latest updates. Taking a few extra minutes to review what’s open—and what isn’t—can make a big difference once you’re inside the parks.
Magic Kingdom Is Missing Key Experiences
Magic Kingdom is where many guests will notice changes first. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed since January 6, 2025, with a reopening set for May 3, 2026. That timing splits the month—early visitors miss it, while later ones may get lucky.
The Frontierland Station for the Walt Disney World Railroad has also been closed since July 7, 2025. Without it, transportation around the park feels more limited.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow remains closed as well, with no reopening date. That leaves fewer character experiences in Fantasyland.
EPCOT’s Changes Add Up
EPCOT continues to evolve, and that means more closures. Refreshment Port has been unavailable since January 12, 2026, and has yet to announce a return.
In France, both Impressions de France and the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along have been down since February 22, 2026, with a return expected on May 9.
Soarin’ Around the World will close from May 14 to May 25, 2026, as it prepares for Soarin’ Across America. It’s a short closure, but it hits right in the middle of the month.
Hollywood Studios Prepares for New Additions
Hollywood Studios is shifting quickly. Animation Courtyard is closed while it transforms into a Walt Disney Studios-themed area, reopening May 26, 2026.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is also down for its Muppets retheme and will return that same day. Until then, guests lose one of the park’s major attractions.
Animal Kingdom and Typhoon Lagoon
Rafiki’s Planet Watch has been unavailable since February 23, 2026. It’s expected to return around Memorial Day weekend, with Bluey’s Wild World opening May 26 at Conservation Station. Until then, the Wildlife Express Train and that area will remain limited.
Typhoon Lagoon is also closed from February 15 through May 11, 2026, before reopening on May 12. That affects visitors in early May the most.
What This Means for May Trips
When you combine all of these closures, you get a very different park experience. It’s not about fewer parks—it’s about fewer options within them. Some areas may feel more crowded as guests shift toward what’s still open, while other parts of the parks may feel quieter than usual.
Still, these changes aren’t permanent. They’re setting up what comes next. New experiences, updated attractions, and refreshed areas are all on the way.
For now, the best approach is simple. Plan, stay flexible, and keep checking for updates. May 2026 might look different, but it still has plenty to offer.
