While construction is everywhere in Disney World right now, there’s one park that’s really getting hit extra hard — Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
This week, the remainder of DinoLand U.S.A. closed forever to make way for the new Tropical Americas land, which takes another ride away from guests visiting the park for now, as well as other attractions like certain meet and greets, dining at Restaurantosaurus, and the closure has made walking around certain parts of the park much harder. We thought things couldn’t get harder for this park, and then Disney made ANOTHER announcement about a temporary closure.
Disney has also just recently announced that they will be temporarily closing two MORE parts of the park to make way for the “Bluey” attraction coming to the park for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER this year. If you’re a big fan of the Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, or just love the Wildlife Express to get over to this area of the park, you’re in for some bad luck. Beginning February 23rd, the Wildlife Express, and therefore all of Rafiki’s Planet Watch, will close temporarily. This means ANOTHER big section of the park will be closed — if you’re visiting soon, make the most of this offering before they disappear for a few months!
Let’s take a look at the other attractions and locations that will be closed this week, from February 7th through February 13th, at Disney World.
Magic Kingdom
Pete’s Silly Sideshow
Pete’s Silly Sideshow is temporarily unavailable as of January 4th, 2026. This is the Storybook Circus meet and greet area, where you can meet Donald Duck, Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Minnie Mouse as they join the circus.
Good news, though! While Pete’s Silly Sideshow will be closed, you can still meet all of the characters! You will find Goofy and Minnie at the entrance to Storybook Circus, and you can find Donald and Daisy in the back of Storybook Circus by the restrooms.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has been closed for refurbishment since August 4th, 2025, and isn’t expected to reopen until spring 2026. While the ride is closed, it will be getting some upgrades!
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will be getting a new ride scene, new ride vehicles, a new character, and enhanced gameplay elements. Some of those gameplay elements include handheld blasters (soon you can shoot whenever you want!) and reactive targets. We got the chance to take a look at the new ride vehicle and test out the new blasters, and we have to say we were impressed!
Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island
An iconic part of the Magic Kingdom is now permanently closed. As of July 7th, the Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square River Boat and Tom Sawyer Island, are permanently closed to make way for the new Cars area, Piston Peak National Park. There are lots of construction walls up in the area now, and the structures on Tom Sawyer Island have been demolished. The river has also been drained, and we just saw some plans filed that shows us where some buildings could be going in the new area.
Piston Peak National Park will be replacing this area of Magic Kingdom. Disney has not yet announced an opening date for the new Cars area, but we do know it will feature two brand-new attractions and be themed to look like a National Park.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
On January 6th, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for an extended temporary closure. The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” will be closed for at least a year and will reopen sometime in spring 2026. The ride will be undergoing maintenance while it is closed. When it reopens, it will have some “new magic,” according to Disney.
Disney announced some of the new magic! Riders will see “spectacular natural caverns full of phosphorescent pools, shimmering and illuminating iridescent stalagmites (the ones on the floor) and stalactites (the ones on the ceiling)” — the Rainbow Caverns! We can’t wait to see what other changes might be coming to this ever-popular roller coaster! We spotted some ride testing, which was very exciting.
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Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Animation Courtyard
Animation Courtyard closed on September 25th, 2025, to make way for Walt Disney Studios. This new area is expected to open in summer 2026 and will be a special nod to the Walt Disney Studios lot. Star Wars Launch Bay will be turned into The Magic of Disney Animation. This attraction will have you interacting and exploring with this fun take on Disney Animation headquarters. Most recently, we just saw Disney add some new trees to the interior here, which means it’s one step closer to opening!
This area will also feature a new Drawn to Wonderland indoor play area and the current Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show will be getting a makeover. During the transformation, you will still be able to visit “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and Walt Disney Presents.
Muppets Courtyard, including Muppet*Vision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
Muppet*Vision 3D AND PizzeRizzo closed on June 8th, and Muppets Courtyard has been walled off so construction can begin on the new Monsters, Inc. land. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano has been closed since May 11th. Recently, we got a look at the land as a whole, and we can see that almost all Muppets theming has been removed from the area, with the exception of the PizzeRizzo sign.
Don’t worry, the Muppets won’t be missing from Disney’s Hollywood Studios forever. The Muppets will eventually be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in summer 2026.
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EPCOT
Frozen Ever After
Frozen Ever After is closed temporarily as of January 26th, 2026. The attraction will be closing for a refurbishment that includes updating the Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff audio-animatronic figures.
The new figures will draw inspiration from the advancements seen in the World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland. It was just announced that the ride will be reopening on February 12th with the new updates!
Refreshment Port
Refreshment Port located near the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase is temporarily closed for refurbishment as of January 12th. Not so great news if you were hoping to snag a specialty poutine during the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.
However, there will still be plenty of yummy snacks to grab! Disney hasn’t yet announced what will be done at Refreshment Port or when the stand will reopen. However, we will keep an eye and ear out for progress and keep you updated.
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Disney Springs
Lime Garage
The Lime Garage at Disney Springs is closed for refurbishment from January 12th through March 13th, 2026. There will be a small break in the project for President’s Day Weekend, with the garage reopening from February 11th through February 17th. However, after the busy holiday weekend, the garage will be closed again.
There are still plenty of options for parking at Disney Springs, but if you are headed there during a busy time, you might want to give yourself a bit of extra time to find parking. Guests will be able to park at Orange Garage, Grapefruit Garage, Strawberry Parking Lot, and Watermelon Parking Lot during the closure.
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Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach has been closed since September 8th, 2025! While it has been wonderful having BOTH Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon open at the same time this summer (which was the first time this has happened in YEARS), that has now come to an end.
Have no fear, though, if you are looking for somewhere to cool off and enjoy some fun in the water, Typhoon Lagoon will still be open! Keep an eye on the weather, as Typhoon Lagoon will close when temperatures drop. Beginning February 15th, 2026, Blizzard Beach will be reopening, and Typhoon Lagoon will close for refurbishment.
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Disney World Hotels
Bay Cove Pool Area — Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
This week, the Bay Cove Pool, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will temporarily close for maintenance. From January 26th through early May 2026, the pool area will be unavailable.
During the closure, guests can still use the Bay Lake Pool, the feature pool, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Leisure Pools — Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Beach Club Resort are currently undergoing visible exterior maintenance. The maintenance could affect views and may require alternate routes at times. In addition, two of the resort’s leisure pools will close for routine maintenance. At Disney’s Yacht Club, the Admiral leisure be will be closed for maintenance through early May 2026.
At Disney’s Beach Club, the Tidal leisure pool will be closed for maintenance through early May 2026. During the construction, guests may see or hear construction work, but it will only be done during the daytime hours.
Turtle Pond Pool, Turtle Pond Pool Spa, BBQ Area, and Playground — Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Starting early January through early February 2026, the Turtle Pond Pool, Turtle Pond Pool Spa, the BBQ area, and the playground at Disney’s Old Key West Resort will be closed for routine maintenance.
During the closure, guests can head over to the Sandcastle Pool or one of the resort’s leisure pools. There are two different leisure pools available: the South Point Pool and Miller’s Road Pool.
Surfboard Bay Pool and Kiddie Pool — Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
From January 2026 through April 2026, the Surfboard Bay Pool and Kiddie Pool at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will be closed for maintenance. Don’t worry, though, if you are in the swimming mood, you will still have plenty of options for pools. You may just need to travel a bit farther.
At Disney’s All-Star Sports, the Grand Slam Leisure Pool will still be open. As well, you can also use any of the pools at the other All-Star Resorts. You can use the Calypso Pool and Piano Pool and kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort or the Fantasia Pool and Duck Pond Pool and kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort.
Promenade Fine Art Gallery — Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Resort
The Promenade Fine Art Gallery will be closing its Disney’s BoardWalk location on October 20th, 2025. However, the Promenade Fine Art Gallery isn’t closing for good, and it will just be moving to a new location.
The gallery hasn’t announced yet where that new location will be, but we will keep you updated as we learn more!
Jellyrolls — Disney’s BoardWalk
Jellyrolls at Disney’s BoardWalk officially closed on April 19th, 2025. This entertainment venue has provided our team with countless memories, and we know many others are also sad to see it close. Jellyrolls had its final farewell performance on April 19th and closed its doors forever on Disney’s BoardWalk.
However, this isn’t the end for Jellyrolls, as the bar has said they are “making a move.” We don’t know many details about that move yet, but we will keep you updated.
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Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and determine which works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. They also share expert tips and first-hand advice about your magical vacation.
Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides:
- 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness
- What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride
- 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU!
- A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World!
- The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride
We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB.
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