10 Fan-Favorite Disney Attractions Going Dark in January 2026
January has always been Disney’s quiet reset button. Holiday crowds disappear, decorations come down, and the parks finally get room to breathe. But January 2026 feels different. This time, the reset comes with noticeable absences. Across Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World, 10 familiar attractions and experiences are unavailable at some point this month. Some closures are quick tune-ups. Others stretch far longer, hinting at bigger changes that fans have been anticipating—or worrying about—for months.
Rise of the Resistance Goes Dark
Location: Disneyland
Status: Closed January 20–TBA
Rise of the Resistance isn’t the kind of attraction Disney casually shuts down. The massive Star Wars experience relies on complex ride systems and detailed show scenes, which makes extended maintenance almost inevitable over time. Starting January 20, the ride closes with no reopening date announced. Disney hasn’t said what’s being worked on, but history suggests reliability improvements and behind-the-scenes upgrades that guests won’t see—only feel once it returns.
Frontierland Slows Down
Location: Disneyland
Status: Closed January 12–15, 2026
The Mark Twain Riverboat offers a rare moment of calm amidst a busy park day. From January 12 to January 15, the peaceful loop around Rivers of America will pause for routine maintenance. It’s a short closure, but it temporarily removes one of Frontierland’s most relaxing offerings.
A Familiar Mansion Reset
Location: Disneyland
Status: Closed January 12–22, 2026The
Haunted Mansion’s January closure is expected, yet it still evokes strong emotions. The attraction shuts down so Disney can remove the seasonal The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay and restore the original experience. When it reopens, guests will once again step into the classic version filled with familiar ghosts, eerie music, and timeless scenes.
Pixar Pier Takes a Hit
Location: Disney California Adventure
Status: Closed January 5–22, 2026
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind may not grab headlines, but it plays a vital role for families on Pixar Pier. The attraction closes January 5 and returns January 23 after standard refurbishment work that likely focuses on ride vehicles and visual elements.
A Major Coaster Pause
Location: Disney California Adventure
Status: Closed January 5–February 5, 2026
Incredicoaster’s absence is noticeable. Closing January 5 through February 5, the extended downtime suggests more than surface-level maintenance. Disney may be inspecting track systems, fine-tuning launch mechanics, or refreshing onboard audio tied to the Incredibles storyline.
Big Thunder’s Long Silence
Location: Walt Disney World
Status: Closed since January 2025; reopening Spring 2026
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad remains closed throughout January 2026 as part of a massive refurbishment. Disney has teased updates and enhancements, making it clear this isn’t a quick fix. When the runaway train finally returns in spring, guests should expect noticeable changes.
EPCOT’s Frozen Break
Location: Walt Disney World
Status: Closed January 26–February 2026
Frozen Ever After closes January 26, continuing into February. While Disney hasn’t confirmed updates, speculation surrounds possible animatronic improvements. Even minor enhancements would have a significant impact on one of EPCOT’s most popular rides.
Characters Step Away
Location: Walt Disney World
Status: Closed January 4, 2026; reopening unconfirmed
Pete’s Silly Sideshow quietly closed January 4. With no reopening date announced, expectations currently point toward at least March 2026, leaving guests uncertain about what changes may be in store.
Transportation Takes a Break
Location: Walt Disney World
Status: Closed January 25–31, 2026
The Disney Skyliner will shut down in late January for scheduled maintenance. Bus transportation fills the gap, but guests staying along Skyliner routes will feel the shift immediately.
Buzz Takes Longer Than Expected
Location: Walt Disney World
Status: Closed since August 2025; reopening Spring 2026
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin remains closed, with Disney targeting a return in the spring. Rumors suggest that upgraded ride systems will be introduced, making this closure worth the wait.
Disney Parks in 2026
January 2026 brings disruption, but also promise. These closures reflect Disney’s long-term investment in keeping its attractions running smoothly—and in some cases, better than before. Planning ahead will matter, but so will patience as the parks quietly prepare for what comes next.
