8 Disney World Ride & Operations Changes Happening in April 2026

Several changes are happening at Walt Disney World in April, including the reopening of a newly reimagined classic ride and updates on spring break crowds due to events happening across the resort. We cover all the latest changes from park policies to specific new offerings coming.

Let's get into all the changes you need to be aware of for April at Walt Disney World, including ride reopenings, restaurant menu changes, and Easter offerings. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including a new ride refurbishment at Disneyland and a popular Disney World restaurant closing soon for an overhaul. See the February changes and March changes detailed.

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1. Easter Events Happening at Disney World

Easter takes place on April 5th this year, and if you're celebrating at Disney World, you can find special character interactions with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny in Magic Kingdom, the Eggstravaganza scavenger hunt in EPCOT, and elaborate chocolate egg displays at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

2. Menu Changes at EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

During EPCOT festivals, the menu will change at the booths in CommuniCore Hall. During the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, the menu will change three times during the duration of the festival.

At the Farmers Feast booth, the current menu, Early Bloom, will run until April 5th before it changes over to the Springtime Menu through May 10th. The new Springtime Menu offers Grilled Beef Strip Loin, Peach Cobbler, plus Heirloom Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella.

3. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Reopens

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin reopens on April 8th after a multi-month-long closure to reimagine the attraction and update the technology.

The ride vehicles will be equipped with new video monitors that provide real-time scoring updates and other features plus a new ride scene will introduce Buddy, a new Audio-Animatronics character.

You can see all the new Magic Kingdom rides coming soon here.

4. runDisney Weekend Creating Crowds and Closures

runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend will take place April 16 through April 20th at Walt Disney World. The event will create road closures, so buses earlier in the day will be taking different routes.

Guests should allow for extra time for transportation on race days, especially on Sunday, which has the longest distance route. EPCOT will also open an hour later on April 19th at 10 AM rather than 9 AM.

5. Animal Kingdom Earth Day Celebration

Disney's Animal Kingdom will hold a small Earth Day celebration on April 22nd that includes interactive activities and animal encounters to celebrate conservation.

You often see rare characters in the theme park on Earth Day, including Koda and Kenai from Brother Bear and Princess Atta from A Bug's Life.

6. Sports Event Crowds Continue at Disney World

There are three major sports events taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which will create an increase in the resort's crowd, especially at the All-Star Resort hotels.

The Junior World & World Cheerleading Championships take place April 22nd through April 24th. The Cheerleading World Championship takes place April 24th through April 27th. Following those events, the Summit Championship of cheerleading junior and senior teams will take place April 30th through May 3rd.

7. Fantasmic! Changes Run Time for Later Sunsets

Disney has begun changing nighttime entertainment schedules to accommodate later sunsets. Starting April 24th, Fantasmic! Disney's Hollywood Studios will move to 9 PM from its earlier showtime of 8:30 PM.

8. All-Star Sports Reopening Pool Area

The pool area is scheduled to reopen at Disney's All-Star Sports resort in late April. Both the Surfboard Bay Pool and kiddie pool have been closed for refurbishment.

You can see all of the 19 currently announced Disney World Resort Refurbishments listed here.

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