8 Changes Coming to Disney World in January 2026

There are a number of changes happening at Walt Disney World in January, with the holiday celebrations coming to an end and construction ramping up for many projects across the resort.

Let’s get into all the changes you need to be aware of for January at Walt Disney World, especially as we enter refurbishment season at the theme parks. At Mickey Visit, we report on all the most recent Disney news, like crowded days to avoid at Disneyland and new Disney World summer discounts.

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1. New Policy Change at Disney World Hotel

Effective starting January 1st, fully-equipped campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort will only be able to accommodate 8 people instead of 10.

This change applies to all campsites that aren’t cabins, which accommodate up to 6 guests. This includes Premium Campsites, Premium Meadow Campsites, Full Hook-Up Campsites, Tent or Pop-Up Campsites, and Preferred Campsites.

2. Extended Evening Hours Events Return

Extended Evening Hours have returned in January at all four theme parks. Extended Evening Hours allow eligible resort guests to remain in a theme park after it officially closes.

Select attractions stay open with significantly lower crowds, making it one of the most efficient ways to experience popular rides with shorter wait times. This perk is available to guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villa Resorts, and select partner hotels.

3. Disney After Hours Events Start Up Again

Disney World After Hours ticketed events kick off on January 12, 2026, and take place through the month at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT.

After Hours is a separately ticketed, limited-capacity nighttime event that allows guests to enter a park late and enjoy several hours of access after it closes, with complimentary snacks. Unlike Extended Evening Hours, which is a free perk only for guests staying at Deluxe level resorts, After Hours events are open to any guest who purchases a ticket.

4. EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Begins

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts begins on January 16, 2026, at EPCOT, which is one of the most underrated festivals of the year.

The festival introduces new menu items at food marketplaces, called Food Studios, around EPCOT, and also offers one of our favorite EPCOT concert series.

5. Cinderella Castle Construction Taking Place

Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom is set to receive a refreshed paint scheme, returning to its classic blue, gray, and white look and phasing out the pink and blue tones introduced ahead of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary. Repainting work is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and will involve draining the moat surrounding the castle as well as the use of large cranes.

Disney plans to lower the cranes and keep them out of sight by noon each day so guests can continue taking castle photos during the project. Starting on January 28, 2026, there will also be modifications made to the Let The Magic Begin welcome show as work takes place.

6. Disney Skyliner Closing for Refurbishment

The Disney Skyliner is closing for refurbishment from January 25 through January 31, 2026. During the closure, Disney will be providing bus transportation for the Disney Skyliner hotels to and from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

7. Frozen Ever After Closing for New Audio-Animatronic Upgrades

Frozen Ever After will close for refurbishment on January 26, 2026, and will reopen with upgraded Audio-Animatronics with newly sculpted heads and facial features of Elsa, Anna, and friends to improve the realistic effects of the ride.

This has been a change Disney fans have been requesting for years. There is no exact date announced for the reopening, but the upgrades to the attraction should be ready in February 2026.

8. Disney Starlight Parade Reduces Showtimes

The parade schedule for Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away will switch to only one showtime a day on weeknights and two showtimes on Fridays and Saturdays.

On weeknights, Disney Starlight is scheduled to take place at 7:45 PM and also at 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

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