A trip to Walt Disney World in May 2026 comes with a bit of a catch. While the parks are still packed with things to do, several attractions are either temporarily closed or in the middle of major updates—and that can change how your entire day plays out.
This isn’t just about routine maintenance. Disney is juggling multiple projects at once, and that overlap is what makes this month stand out.
Magic Kingdom is one of the most affected parks. Pete’s Silly Sideshow, a go-to character meet-and-greet location, has been closed since early 2026 and won’t be available during May. That removes a convenient stop for meeting Minnie, Daisy, Goofy, and Donald in one place. Guests can still find those characters elsewhere, but it takes more effort and a bit of luck.
At the same time, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is just about ready to return—but not quite. The ride reopens on May 3, meaning anyone visiting earlier in the month will miss out. Since this coaster is a staple of Frontierland, its absence shifts crowds toward other popular rides, which can make wait times feel longer than usual.
EPCOT brings a different kind of challenge. Impressions de France closes briefly and returns on May 10, so that one is manageable. The real disruption comes from Soarin’. The current version closes mid-month, and the new version doesn’t open until later. That leaves a window where the attraction is completely unavailable, which is rare for a ride of that popularity.
Hollywood Studios is going through one of its more noticeable changes. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster has already shut down as it transitions to a new theme featuring the Muppets. While the ride system itself isn’t changing, the experience is being completely refreshed. The problem for May visitors is timing—most of the month falls right in the middle of that transition.
There’s also Vacation Fun with Mickey and Minnie, which is temporarily closed as well. It’s not a major ride, but it’s one of those places people rely on to take a break from the heat.
So what does all of this mean for your trip? In short, expect to adjust. You might find yourself prioritizing different attractions, spending more time in certain areas, or reworking your plans on the fly.
The good news is that these updates are all part of bigger improvements. Disney is actively changing and upgrading experiences across the parks. While that can be inconvenient in the moment, it usually leads to something better down the road.
For May 2026, the best approach is simple: stay flexible, plan ahead, and go in knowing that your Disney day might look a little different than expected.
