5 Changes Coming to Magic Kingdom Next Month

If you’re heading to the Magic Kingdom this May, there are some major changes you need to be prepared for.

Magic Kingdom

From scheduling changes, new offerings, and special events to a new show and the return of an iconic attraction, Disney World’s first theme park has a very busy month ahead.

Big Thunder Mountain Returns

After a refurbishment that lasted well over a year, the legendary Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is set to reopen on May 3rd. The ride, which has been closed since January 2025, is returning with “new magic,” including a fully refurbished track and a new sequence inspired by the Rainbow Caverns of Disneyland’s Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland. In conjunction with its reopening, the ride will be added to the park’s Tier 1 Lightning Lane selections.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom

An Early Closure

The Magic Kingdom will be closing at 5:30 PM for a private event on May 13th, so if you’re planning to be at Walt Disney World that day, you’ll need different plans for nighttime entertainment and dining.

Happily Ever After won’t be offered that night.

The Toys are Back in Town

The Diamond Horseshoe — one of the Magic Kingdom’s oldest and longest neglected eateries — is getting new life in May with the Toy Story-themed Jessie’s Roundup show during the Cool Kids Summer promotion. The show will feature allowing guests to join Jessie, Woody, and friends to craft, dance, and “yodel their hearts out.”

The show will make the first live entertainment in the Diamond Horseshoe in over two decades. From the Magic Kingdom’s opening in 1971 through 2004, the restaurant — which has alternated between table service and quick service throughout its history — has hosted several incarnations of the Diamond Horseshoe Revue… and Goofy’s Country Dancin’ Jamboree. One of those things is certainly not like the other. The promotion begins May 26th.

Diamond Horseshoe

Early Entry Characters

Also, during the Cool Kids Summer promotion, hotel guests eligible for Early Entry will be able to meet a rotating cast of Disney characters at each park — including the Magic Kingdom — before the park opens to the general public. Meaning that, at least some guests who usually rush to rides will instead try to knock out character meet & greets in the early morning. Judging by previous examples, there’s no list of which characters will be available in each park, but they WILL be different!

Disney is encouraging guests to visit the different parks for Early Entry throughout their trip so they can take advantage of all the special meet and greets. Now, it’s important to note that this won’t take away from any of the regularly scheduled meet and greets in each park throughout regular park hours — it’s just in addition to what’s already scheduled.

Early entry sign!

After Hours Events

The Magic Kingdom will play host to 4 After Hours Events during May, on May 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th. The events allow guests to enjoy beloved attractions with lower wait times, and exclusively experience the Disney Enchantment fireworks spectacular, and enjoy snacks, included in the cost of this ticketed event.

After Hours

If you’re headed to the “Most Magical Place on Earth” this May, be prepared for some major Magic Kingdom changes. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney World’s 2026 changes.

5 Magic Kingdom Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know

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