Park Advisory: Disney World Flags 11 Closures Ahead of May 2026 Visits
Before you lock in your plans for May 2026, there’s something worth knowing. Walt Disney World isn’t just dealing with one or two routine closures—it’s facing a wide mix of ride refurbishments, entertainment pauses, and area transformations all at once. On paper, your trip may look normal. But once you start building your itinerary, the changes become much more noticeable.
You’ll still have full park days, but certain go-to experiences won’t be there. That can shift how you move through each park and even where you spend the most time.
Magic Kingdom Feels the Impact First
Magic Kingdom is seeing several changes at once, and they hit some familiar experiences. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed since January 6, 2025, and is scheduled to reopen on May 3, 2026. Guests visiting early in the month will miss it, while those arriving later might catch it on its return.
The Walt Disney World Railroad Frontierland Station has also been closed since July 7, 2025, and still doesn’t have a reopening date. The train keeps running, but without this stop, it’s not as useful for getting around.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow adds another gap. The meet-and-greet closed on January 4, 2026, and hasn’t announced a return yet. For families, that removes an easy character stop in Fantasyland.
EPCOT Continues Its Ongoing Changes
EPCOT has been evolving for a while, and May keeps that going. Refreshment Port has been closed since January 12, 2026, and there’s no timeline for its return. While it’s not a headliner, it still plays a role in how guests navigate the park.
The France Pavilion’s Impressions de France and the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along have been unavailable since February 22, 2026. They’re expected back on May 9, but until then, that area loses a key entertainment option.
Soarin’ Around the World will also close from May 14 through May 25, 2026. During that time, Disney will prepare the transition to Soarin’ Across America. It’s a short closure, but the timing lands right in the middle of the month.
Hollywood Studios in Transition Mode
Hollywood Studios is in a unique spot. It’s not just closing attractions—it’s preparing for new ones.
Animation Courtyard is currently closed as it transforms into a Walt Disney Studios-themed space, set to reopen May 26, 2026. Guests visiting earlier in the month won’t see the finished product yet.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is also down for its Muppets retheme and is expected to reopen on that same date. Until then, one of the park’s biggest thrill rides is unavailable.
Animal Kingdom and Water Park Changes
Animal Kingdom is also feeling the shift. Rafiki’s Planet Watch has been unavailable since February 23, 2026. Offerings are expected to return around Memorial Day weekend, with Bluey’s Wild World opening at Conservation Station on May 26, 2026. Until then, access to the Wildlife Express Train and that entire area remains limited.
Outside the parks, Typhoon Lagoon is closed from February 15 through May 11, 2026. It’s expected to reopen May 12, meaning early May guests won’t have access, but later visitors will.
Planning Around the Closures
When you add everything together, the impact becomes clear. These aren’t isolated updates—they’re happening across every park. That can shift crowd flow, wait times, and even how you prioritize your day.
At the same time, there’s a reason behind it all. Disney is preparing for what’s next. New experiences are on the way, and updated attractions are coming. But before they open, the parks need time to change.
If you’re visiting in May 2026, flexibility will matter. Keep an eye on reopening dates, adjust your plans as needed, and be ready for a park experience that feels a little different—but is still full of things to enjoy.
