If you are planning a Disney World trip for January 2026, there are a few closures you will definitely want on your radar before you finalize your plans.

January is already a popular month thanks to lighter crowds and cooler weather, but refurbishments are a big part of the post-holiday season. Two major Magic Kingdom rides will be unavailable, plus a temporary transportation shutdown to consider. Here is exactly what will be closed, why it matters, and how to plan around it.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom will remain closed throughout January 2026 as part of a major, long-term refurbishment.

The attraction originally closed on January 6th, 2025, and Disney has confirmed that it will reopen sometime in 2026 with what they are calling “a little bit of new magic.” This isn’t a quick refresh or routine maintenance situation. This is a multi-year project, which automatically makes it one of the most notable ride closures Disney World has seen in a while.

One of the reasons this refurbishment is getting so much attention is because of everything happening around it. Work on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is expected to overlap with major construction in Frontierland, including the project to fill in the Rivers of America and the early phases of Piston Peak (the Cars-themed area) construction. Disney has also hinted that this work will help better connect Big Thunder Mountain Railroad with Villains Land and Liberty Square.

All of that means guests visiting Magic Kingdom in January 2026 should expect Frontierland to feel very different than usual. If Big Thunder Mountain is a must-do ride for your group, this closure is something you will need to factor heavily into your plans. On the bright side, this level of construction usually means the final result will be significant once the attraction reopens.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is also closed at Magic Kingdom and will remain unavailable through January 2026 while it undergoes a major enhancement project.

The ride closed on August 4th, 2025, and Disney has shared a lot of exciting details about what is coming when it reopens. One of the biggest additions is a brand-new character named Buddy, a friendly robot created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios. Buddy will appear in a new opening scene and help Space Rangers prepare for their mission with encouragement, system checks, and target practice.

The ride vehicles are also getting a serious upgrade. Star cruisers are being redesigned with colors inspired by Buzz Lightyear and Star Command, along with onboard video monitors that show real-time scoring updates. Each vehicle will now include handheld blasters, which should make aiming easier for everyone, especially younger riders.

Those new blasters come with always-on lasers, vibration effects, and sound cues, so you will know exactly when you hit a target. Speaking of targets, the classic static Z targets are being replaced with interactive ones that light up and react when hit. Imagineers have already completed playtests for the new targets and gameplay, which is usually a good sign that things are moving along.

All of these updates mean Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will feel like a much more modern attraction when it returns, but it will still be a loss for guests visiting Magic Kingdom in January.

Disney Skyliner

Finally, the Disney Skyliner will be closed for its regularly scheduled refurbishment from January 25th through January 31st, 2026.

This closure affects transportation between EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and select resort hotels. If you are staying at a Skyliner resort during those dates, Disney will provide bus transportation instead, but travel times may be longer than usual.

January 2026 has a mix of pros and cons, and these closures are a big part of the planning equation. Knowing what will be unavailable ahead of time can help you build a smarter itinerary and avoid surprises once you arrive. Until then, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney updates.

The Rules for Lightning Lanes Are Changing at Disney World in 2026

Are these closures changing how you feel about a January 2026 Disney World trip, or are the lower crowds still worth it to you? Let us know in the comments below.