Disney World Confirms 4 Rides Will Cease Operations in February 2026
Disney World has slipped an important update under the radar, and it could reshape early 2026 vacations. Four major attractions will be unavailable during February, and while most of the closures are temporary, one represents a permanent farewell. Disney hasn’t framed this as a headline announcement, but for guests planning winter trips, it’s a detail that matters.
The timing is what makes this stand out. February usually brings lighter crowds, cooler weather, and easier touring days. When multiple high-profile attractions go dark at once during that window, it signals that Disney’s transformation plans are moving fast—and not waiting for a “slow” season.
Why 2026 Feels Different at Disney World
Disney isn’t easing into 2026. New lands are rising, familiar rides are being reworked, and entire areas of the parks are changing direction. That kind of progress always comes with trade-offs. When Disney pushes forward, it often means stepping away from something guests have known for decades.
February 2026 captures that tension perfectly. Construction schedules overlap, refurbishments stack up, and guests feel the impact all at once. Some of these closures promise exciting upgrades. Others close the book on an era entirely.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Stays Closed
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad remains one of the most noticeable absences. The attraction continues its extended transformation and won’t reopen until spring 2026, leaving Frontierland without its runaway mine train for the winter.
The upside is what’s coming. Disney is introducing new scenes, including the long-anticipated Rainbow Cavern, alongside enhanced lighting, upgraded special effects, and a more straightforward storyline that ties the ride together more smoothly. This isn’t a minor refresh—it’s a meaningful update aimed at modernizing a Magic Kingdom classic. February guests, however, will have to wait.
DINOSAUR’s Permanent Goodbye
DINOSAUR officially reached the end of the line on February 1, 2026. With no reopening planned, the attraction is gone for good, and DinoLand U.S.A. has disappeared with it.
This closure carries more emotional weight than most. DinoLand isn’t being refurbished or reimagined—it’s being replaced. Disney is moving ahead with Pueblo Esperanza, a Tropical Americas–themed land that will redefine this section of Animal Kingdom. The shift reflects a broader move toward immersive storytelling, leaving behind DinoLand’s quirky charm in favor of a new vision.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Gets an Upgrade
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin also sits out February as it undergoes long-awaited improvements. Disney is updating the ride with more accurate shooting blasters, smoother mechanics, and the introduction of a new character named Buddy.
These changes aim to make gameplay feel sharper and more satisfying, especially for guests who noticed how dated the attraction had become. Like Big Thunder, Space Ranger Spin targets a spring 2026 reopening, leaving Tomorrowland a little quieter through winter.
Frozen Ever After’s Uncertain Timeline
Frozen Ever After remains the wildcard. The ride closed in January and is expected to reopen sometime in February, but Disney hasn’t confirmed an exact date. That uncertainty means early- and mid-February visitors may still find it unavailable.
The refurbishment focuses on upgraded animatronics inspired by newer Frozen figures introduced overseas. While the changes could be significant, the lack of a firm timeline makes planning for EPCOT visitors tricky.
Additional Closures to Factor In
Beyond rides, other closures add to February’s shifting landscape. Restaurantosaurus has permanently closed, marking another DinoLand farewell. Impressions de France will close for refurbishment beginning February 22, removing it for the final stretch of the month.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow remains temporarily unavailable, with reopening expected after March 20, while EPCOT’s Refreshment Port stays closed through at least late March.
What Guests Should Expect
February 2026 won’t be a bad time to visit—but it will be a transitional one. With multiple attractions offline, thoughtful planning matters more than usual. The upside is clear: Disney is building toward something bigger. Guests just have to navigate the in-between.
