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Why 2026 Could Be the Final Full Year for These 5 Disney World Rides

If you’ve been paying attention to Walt Disney World lately, it’s hard to ignore the signals. Closures aren’t being whispered anymore — they’re being scheduled. And once Disney starts putting firm end dates on attractions, it usually means a larger transformation is already in motion.

That’s exactly what makes 2026 stand out.

Disney has already confirmed that Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will close permanently on March 1, 2026, making way for Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. DINOSAUR will follow shortly after, with February 1, 2026 serving as its final day of operation before closing for good on February 2.

The exterior of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster with Muppets retheme at Disney World
Credit: Disney

Those two closures alone suggest Disney isn’t easing into change — it’s committing to it. With that context in mind, here are five other rides that could quietly see their final full year come and go in 2026.

Tomorrowland Speedway

Tomorrowland has been undergoing a slow but deliberate transformation, and the Speedway sticks out more than ever. Gas-powered cars, loud engines, and an experience rooted in the past feel increasingly at odds with where the land is heading.

TRON Lightcycle / Run has reset expectations for Tomorrowland. Buzz Lightyear is getting a major refresh. At some point, the Speedway’s footprint becomes too valuable to ignore. If Disney decides to complete Tomorrowland’s evolution, this attraction feels like the natural next step.

Mission: SPACE

Mission: SPACE has never been a universal crowd-pleaser. While its ambition is admirable, the ride’s reputation for making guests sick has never fully gone away.

EPCOT has been trending toward experiences that feel more accessible and less physically demanding. With newer attractions offering thrills without discomfort, Mission: SPACE feels like an experiment Disney may be ready to move past once larger park updates are complete.

exterior of Mission: Space ride in Disney World's EPCOT park
Credit: Disney

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

Gran Fiesta Tour remains charming, but it has also lived under the same cloud of speculation for years. The rumored Coco(2017) retheme refuses to fade, especially as Disney continues prioritizing recognizable stories.

The Mexico Pavilion remains wildly popular, and a modern IP-driven attraction would likely increase traffic even further. While nothing has been announced, it wouldn’t be surprising if 2026 ends up being the last full year for the current version of Gran Fiesta Tour.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Star Tours finds itself in an unusual spot. It still works, still updates, and still has fans — but it now exists alongside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which was designed to be the future of Star Wars at Disney World.

Low wait times suggest that, while appreciated, the attraction no longer commands the same level of excitement. Once Monstropolis replaces the Muppet*Vision 3-D area, Disney may start reevaluating which older experiences still serve Hollywood Studios’ long-term vision.

An outdoor scene features a large, detailed replica of an AT-AT walker from Star Wars, surrounded by trees. To the left, a building displays a vibrant "Star Tours" sign with illuminated graphics, reminiscent of classic Disney rides. The sky has a deep blue hue, suggesting early evening.
Credit: Disney

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Tower of Terror remains one of Disney World’s most recognizable attractions, but it’s also anchored to an IP Disney rarely promotes anymore.

Bob Iger has already overseen major shifts at Hollywood Studios, including the removal of its former icon. While a change here would be controversial, Disney has shown it’s willing to make bold decisions when it believes the future demands it.

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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