8 Big Disney World Closures & Impacts From Construction Happening in 2026

Walt Disney World is in a state of growth right now as multiple projects are in the works to add new rides, entertainment, and even entire new themed lands. While we wait for all these projects to be completed, there will be construction to navigate the next few years.

Let’s get into all the construction projects impacting Walt Disney World in 2026. At Mickey Visit, we report on recent Disney news, like the end date for the Taylor Swift exhibit and the new seasonal water park pass.

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1. Construction Walls in Magic Kingdom

Currently, the biggest construction eyesore for 2026 is the extensive walls in Magic Kingdom as Disney works on replacing the Rivers of America with a new Disney Cars-inspired area. There are currently construction walls blocking the view of the previous Rivers of America area that extends from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad down to the Haunted Mansion queue.

As a result of this major upcoming change to Magic Kingdom, the Rivers of America and its attractions are permanently closed. Aside from the attraction closure and the eyesore of the construction walls, there isn’t much of an impact on the pathways around this area of Magic Kingdom, and some guests may not even realize at first that the walls are there since Disney always blends their construction as best they can.

2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s Ongoing Closure

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed for most of 2025, and this closure has had a large impact on Magic Kingdom, as it has created a bit of a dead zone in that area of the theme park. Big Thunder Mountain’s closure is likely tied to the new Magic Kingdom Villains Land expansion, which has always been referred to as “Beyond Big Thunder” in original teaser concepts shared by Disney Imagineering.

Big Thunder Mountain also sits directly between the area where Villains Land is being built and the new Cars-inspired land replacing Rivers of America. The good news is that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is expected to reopen in early 2026 with “new magic.” If you are visiting before the opening of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, read our advice on how to handle rope drop at Magic Kingdom without this e-ticket attraction available.

3. Walt Disney World Railroad Running Modified Loop

Also connected to that ongoing construction is the shortened “shuttle” route of the Walt Disney World Railroad. Due to the massive construction in Frontierland, the railroad is currently operating as a back-and-forth service between Main Street, U.S.A., and Fantasyland while skipping Frontierland and Tomorrowland for now. Stitch was added as a new narrator during this change.

There is currently no end date for this modified experience of the Walt Disney World Railroad.

4. Cinderella Castle Repainting Project

Cinderella Castle will receive a new paint refresh that brings it closer to its original color palette. The most recent repaint occurred in 2020 for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, when the castle shifted from its traditional gray and blue tones to a rose pink and royal blue scheme. The new paint job will be in line with the former appearance of the castle.

The repainting will begin in January 2026 with work expected to be completed in late 2026. The tall cranes used to paint the castle will be lowered and out of sight by noon each day in order to still allow guests to get castle photos throughout the work timeline. This construction also will impact the castle shows.

Starting on January 28, 2026, there will be adjustments made to the Let The Magic Begin welcome show. Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire and Happily Ever After will continue to be available with minor adjustments.

5. Popular Thrill Ride Receiving New Theme

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is permanently closing on March 2, 2026. The new Muppets retheme opening date has not been announced, but we do know it will be in summer 2026. This means we can expect a few months of downtime for the attraction, which will create some crowd issues in this area of Hollywood Studios.

Tower of Terror will likely experience heavy wait times during the downtime for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster since these two attractions dominate popularity on that side of Hollywood Studios.

6. Animation Courtyard Closed for Reimagining

A portion of Hollywood Studios is currently closed as Animation Courtyard is reimagined into “The Walt Disney Studios,” featuring a new animation experience. This is part of a large overhaul to the entire Animation Courtyard area to transform the space. Star Wars: Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! both closed permanently due to the construction. A new and “fresh” Disney Jr. show will take place over at the “soundstage” when the area reopens in 2026.

Guests can still access the newly improved “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” during the land’s closure.

7. Monsters, Inc. Land Construction Continuing Through 2026

The Muppets Courtyard, along with Muppet*Vision 3D, is closed and the site of new construction to prepare for the Monsters, Inc. land coming to Hollywood Studios. This new land will feature the long-dreamed-of “door coaster,” where guests will be able to visit the Monsters, Inc. factory and “zoom through the building” on a door from the film in this new coaster.

The impact of this construction, aside from the closure of The Muppets Courtyard, should minimally impact guests in 2026.

8. DinoLand U.S.A. Closures

Over in Animal Kingdom, the area by DinoLand U.S.A. is a bit of a maze of construction walls as Disney prepares to reimagine the land into a Tropical Americas themed area. To prepare for this area to transform, DINOSAUR and the rest of DinoLand will close permanently on February 2, 2026.

Currently, the former main entrance at DinoLand has been blocked off. Guests will have to walk through construction walls to access DINOSAUR during its final months. Once it closes permanently, this entire area will likely be blocked off, meaning this area of Animal Kingdom will be a bit of a ghost town.

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