All Disney World Ride Closures in 2026 (Temporary Refurbishments + Full Closures)

✨ Don’t Let Ride Closures Surprise You in 2026

Nothing ruins the magic like showing up at Disney World to find your favorite ride behind a construction wall. In 2026, several popular attractions will be temporarily closed—some for short-term refurbishments, while others will undergo complete re-themes that last for months.

If you’re heading to Disney next year, this guide breaks down which rides are:

• ✅ Temporarily Refurbished (returning mostly the same)

• Re-Imagined or Re-Themed (coming back very different)

Let’s dive into the list by park and type of closure.

1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Magic Kingdom

Closure: January 2025 – Sometime in 2026
Location: Frontierland
Type: Major Refurbishment (Temporary Closure)

This fan-favorite coaster is undergoing an extensive mechanical and effects overhaul, with a likely storyline enhancement.

What’s Changing:

• Updated track and ride system

• Improved animatronics and lighting

• Enhanced queue experience

• Possible SEA (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) storyline connection

Expected Return: Same ride with smoother performance and richer storytelling—not a full re-theme.

2. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Magic Kingdom

Closure: August 2025 – Mid/Late 2026
Location: Tomorrowland
Type: Full Re-Theme (Permanent Change)

Buzz’s blaster ride is shutting down for a complete overhaul, introducing new gameplay, characters, and tech.

What’s Changing:

• New sidekick character “Buddy”

• Redesigned ride vehicles

• Handheld laser blasters

• Interactive targets and show scenes

Expected Return: Entirely new gameplay and storyline—a modern interactive shooter experience.

3. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Hollywood Studios

Closure: Expected sometime in 2026 (Date TBA)
Location: Sunset Boulevard
Type: Full Re-Theme (Permanent Change)

Aerosmith is leaving the building—and making room for a Muppets-themed coaster takeover!

What’s Changing:

• Muppet storyline: “L.A. traffic chaos”

• New soundtrack, characters, and visuals

• Same track layout (indoor launch coaster)

Expected Return: Fully re-themed to The Muppets—the Aerosmith version is retiring permanently.

4. Test Track – EPCOT

Closure: Spring 2026 – Late 2026
Location: World Discovery
Type: Full Refurbishment + Reimagining (Temporary Closure)

Disney and Chevrolet are teaming up to revamp Test Track again—this time with a retro-futuristic style.

What’s Changing:

• Design inspired by the original World of Motion

• Enhanced guest interaction during vehicle design

• Updated visuals, smoother simulation technology

Expected Return: Same general ride format with major upgrades to visuals, tech, and theme.

5. Kali River Rapids – Animal Kingdom

Closure: Late Summer 2026 – Early 2027 (estimated)
Location: Asia
✅ Type: Seasonal Extended Refurbishment (Temporary Closure)

This water ride typically closes for seasonal maintenance, but in 2026, it’s getting a deeper-than-usual refresh.

What’s Changing:

• Overhauled water effects

• Updated queue and safety systems

• New environmental visuals and storytelling elements

Expected Return: Same theme and message, with a more immersive and smoother experience.

Quick Refurbishment & Re-Theme Summary – 2026

Smart Planning Tips

✅ Check the official Disney refurbishment calendar before booking.

✅ Use Lightning Lane to prioritize must-dos like:

• Cosmic Rewind

• Slinky Dog Dash

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

✅ Watch for bonus entertainment or limited-time offerings during major closures.

Ride Closures = New Magic

Closures may sting in the short term, but most of these changes promise fresher experiences, upgraded effects, and better storytelling. Whether it’s Muppet mayhem, Buzz’s new blasters, or SEA Easter eggs, Disney is investing in more immersive adventures for 2026 and beyond.

❓ FAQs – Disney Ride Refurbishments 2026

Q: Which Disney rides are closed for refurbishment in 2026?
A: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Test Track, and Kali River Rapids are undergoing temporary refurbishments. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster are being fully re-themed.

Q: Will the Aerosmith version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster return?
A: No, it is being permanently replaced with a new Muppets-themed experience.

Q: Is it still worth going in 2026 with these closures?
A: Yes! Dozens of top attractions remain open, and the parks often introduce new shows or offerings to balance refurbishments.

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