There’s a strange feeling around Walt Disney World right now.
On the surface, the resort is gearing up for a huge summer season. New entertainment is arriving, expansion projects are moving quickly, and Disney appears ready to make several major announcements throughout May. But at the exact same time, large portions of the resort remain closed, blocked off, or completely transformed by construction walls.
Guests visiting this week are running into more unavailable attractions than many expected.
Some closures are temporary refurbishments that Disney says will reopen soon. Others are permanent shutdowns tied to some of the company’s largest long-term projects. And when you combine all of them together, it becomes clear just how much Walt Disney World is actively changing behind the scenes.
In some parks, entire sections feel different.
Frontierland Looks Nothing Like It Used To
The biggest changes are happening at Magic Kingdom.
The Liberty Square Riverboat, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Rivers of America are permanently closed as Disney begins the transformation of the area into the future Piston Peak National Park expansion.
For decades, this section of Magic Kingdom represented one of the quietest and most scenic parts of the park. Guests could board the Liberty Belle Riverboat for a slow-moving trip around Frontierland or explore Tom Sawyer Island’s caves, bridges, and trails.
Now, the river has been drained and construction work has fully taken over the area.
Disney plans to replace the classic Frontierland experiences with a new Cars-themed expansion that will reportedly include two major attractions.
The closure has dramatically changed the atmosphere around that side of Magic Kingdom almost overnight.
And that’s not the only closure affecting the park.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow remains unavailable inside Storybook Circus while refurbishment work continues. Guests can still meet the featured characters elsewhere in the land, but the attraction itself remains closed.
Big Top Souvenirs is also shut down as crews continue structural repairs on the giant circus tent building. Construction has become one of the first things guests notice when entering Storybook Circus.
Disney says the location will reopen later this year, though no exact date has been announced.
Hollywood Studios Is Filled With Construction Walls
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the park is deep in the middle of multiple transformation projects.
Animation Courtyard remains closed as Disney works on the upcoming Walt Disney Studios area.
The closure impacts Star Wars Launch Bay, Disney Jr. Play and Dance!, and multiple meet-and-greet offerings that once helped anchor the section of the park. While some nearby attractions remain open, the entire area currently feels like one giant construction zone.
That should begin changing later this month when Disney starts phased openings for the new experiences coming to the area.
The first major debut will be Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, which is expected to open May 26.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster also remains unavailable while Disney completes the ride’s massive retheme from Aerosmith to The Muppets.
Guests can already see major visual changes happening outside the attraction. The entrance has been repainted, new signage has arrived, and Disney recently shared details about the updated soundtrack and story elements guests will experience when the ride returns.
The attraction is scheduled to reopen May 26, 2026.
That date is quickly becoming one of the biggest Disney World milestones of the month.
EPCOT Is Quietly Preparing for Its Own Overlay
EPCOT may look calmer than the other parks right now, but it’s preparing for a notable operational shift.
Disney recently confirmed that Soarin’ Around the World will temporarily close beginning May 14 before Soarin’ Across America returns on May 26 for a limited-time patriotic overlay tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
The return of the original Soarin’ version has created genuine excitement among longtime fans.
Many guests still consider the original California-based attraction to be the superior version because of its practical filming style, smoother transitions, and nostalgic connection to older EPCOT storytelling.
The overlay also continues Disney’s growing Americana push across the resort ahead of the national celebration.
One Hollywood Studios Attraction Has Finally Returned
There is at least some good news for guests this week.
“Vacation Fun” inside the Mickey Shorts Theater at Hollywood Studios has officially reopened after its temporary closure.
The attraction had paused operations during special May the 4th merchandise events, leading many guests to wonder when regular showings would return.
Now, the short film is back operating for guests looking for a break from the Florida heat or simply wanting another family-friendly indoor experience.
Still, when you step back and look at the bigger picture, it’s obvious Walt Disney World is in the middle of a major transition period.
Magic Kingdom is losing longtime Frontierland experiences.
Hollywood Studios is actively rebuilding major sections of the park.
EPCOT is preparing seasonal overlays and attraction changes.
And Disney appears to be positioning itself for an extremely announcement-heavy summer as all these projects continue moving forward.
For guests visiting right now, though, the biggest thing they’ll notice is simple:
There are construction walls everywhere.
