With the new year underway and the off-peak season starting at Walt Disney World, ride refurbishment announcements have begun rolling out. Although Animal Kingdom is already moving ahead with new additions and construction, Disney has allotted for some maintenance to be done on one of its most popular attractions, Expedition Everest.
Keep reading for the details we have on this refurbishment and how this will impact your visit to Animal Kingdom! At Mickey Visit, we cover the latest Disney news, such as updates on the Disney DAS disability pass and popular Disney World restaurant construction closures. See details on the new LEGOLAND addition here.
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Expedition Everest refurbishment started at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Construction materials have been put up around the station portion of the Expedition Everest ride. Guests will be happy to know that this specific refurbishment is not supposed to result in a closure for this popular attraction. The work is happening ahead of the permanent closure of one Animal Kingdom’s other popular attractions.
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Disney has not announced the nature of this Expedition Everest refurbishment, but it seems to only affect guest’s visual experience during a small portion of the queue and load station. The ride appears to be operating as usual with minimal construction in the area where guest board and deboard the ride. There is now a scrim blocking the view out across from the board station.
Unlike Disneyland, refurbishments at Walt Disney World often happen on attractions while they remain open. This work appears to be part of ongoing work to have this attraction in top shape ahead of the closure of another one of the rides in Disney’s Animal Kingdom for upcoming additions.
Animal Kingdom guests can expect more construction throughout the year with the slated 2027 opening of the new land replacing Dinoland called “Pueblo Esperanza.” The theming of this area will center around the Tropical Americas and will incorporate Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions.
Guests will have until Feb. 1, 2026, to ride the DINOSAUR attraction before its permanent closure to be transformed into a new Indiana Jones ride. Restaurantosaurus and the Dino Institute Gift Shop will also permanently close after Feb. 1.
You can find more information on all of the current and upcoming Disney World ride closures listed out in our 2026 refurbishments guide.
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