Walt Disney World is no stranger to construction walls. If you’ve been visiting for years, you’re used to the occasional refurbishment or attraction closure popping up here and there. That’s normal.
What isn’t normal is what’s happening right now.
Disney World is currently dealing with a wave of closures that stretches across all four parks, plus Disney Springs and even several resorts. And while Disney fans can handle one or two missing attractions, the current situation feels a lot bigger than that. It’s starting to feel like the resort is operating in “unfinished mode.”
If you’re planning a trip in the next few months, it might be worth slowing down and asking a tough question: is this really the best time to go?
Because at the moment, Disney isn’t just refurbishing a ride or touching up a show. They’re removing major pieces of the parks while simultaneously rebuilding new ones. That’s exciting in the long term, but it can make a current-day trip feel like you’re paying full price for half the experience.
Animal Kingdom Is Losing More Than Guests Expected
Animal Kingdom has taken some of the biggest hits lately, and the timing couldn’t be worse. DinoLand U.S.A. has officially been shut down as Disney moves forward with the Tropical Americas transformation. That’s a huge chunk of the park gone, and it’s not the kind of closure that’s easy to ignore.
But what really makes guests nervous is the next closure coming right behind it.
Disney has announced that the Wildlife Express Train is closing, which means Rafiki’s Planet Watch will become inaccessible. That also impacts the Affection Section, which has always been a popular spot for families who want something relaxing and interactive.
When you combine those closures, Animal Kingdom starts feeling noticeably smaller. The park already has a different rhythm compared to Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios, and losing entire areas makes the day feel shorter.
Magic Kingdom Is Missing Too Many Crowd Favorites
Magic Kingdom is usually the park that “saves” your trip. Even if another park feels off, Magic Kingdom normally has enough attractions to carry the vacation.
Right now, though, Magic Kingdom is missing some major experiences.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has been closed for refurbishment since 2025, with Disney promising updates like enhanced gameplay, upgraded ride vehicles, and a new show scene. That sounds great, but it also means Tomorrowland is missing one of its biggest family-friendly attractions.
Then there’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which is also down for long-term work. That one is especially painful because it’s one of the park’s biggest people-eaters. When Big Thunder is closed, crowds pile into other attractions, and the park feels more congested.
And of course, the biggest loss of all is the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat. That closure isn’t temporary. It’s permanent. Disney is clearing the area to build Piston Peak National Park, and guests are currently stuck in the awkward stage where the classic experience is gone but the replacement isn’t ready.
Hollywood Studios Is Becoming a “Work Zone”
Hollywood Studios might be the park that feels most chaotic right now.
Animation Courtyard has been closed, and Disney has plans to transform it into a new Walt Disney Studios area expected to open in summer 2026. That’s a long time for a major park space to sit behind walls.
At the same time, Muppets Courtyard has been shut down permanently. Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo are gone, and the area is being cleared for a Monsters, Inc. land.
That means guests are watching Disney erase a huge chunk of Hollywood Studios history while waiting for something new that won’t arrive for a while.
Summer Looks Like the Smartest Option
Here’s the thing: Disney World will probably look a lot better by summer.
Several major refurbishments are expected to be completed by then, and Disney will have time to work out the operational issues that sometimes happen when attractions reopen.
Even more importantly, Cool KIDS’ SUMMER is returning, and that includes the new Bluey experience that Disney is preparing Animal Kingdom for.
Instead of visiting while the parks feel incomplete, summer gives guests a better chance of experiencing Disney World when it feels more stable, more polished, and more like the version they’re paying for.
