If you’re visiting Walt Disney World in February 2026, there are a number of ride closures and refurbishments you need to know about before your trip. From major ride reimaginings at Magic Kingdom to attraction upgrades at EPCOT and permanent closures at Hollywood Studios, here’s a complete breakdown of everything that’s closed, what’s coming back, and what you need to plan around.
I’ll keep this article updated throughout the month as new information is confirmed by Disney. All dates and details below have been verified through official Walt Disney World sources, the Disney Parks Blog, and Disney’s park calendars.
Magic Kingdom Refurbishments & Closures
Magic Kingdom has several significant closures in February 2026, including two major attractions that have been down since 2025 for reimaginings, plus an ongoing repainting of Cinderella Castle.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — Closed (Reopening Spring 2026)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed on January 5, 2025, for a complete track replacement and enhancements. Disney has confirmed the attraction will reopen in spring 2026 “with touches of new magic,” though no exact date has been announced. A golden spike ceremony in January 2026 marked the completion of new track installation, signaling the project is progressing toward its spring reopening target.
If you’re visiting in February, Big Thunder Mountain will not be available. However, if you have flexibility to push your trip toward late March or April, there’s a chance it could be back by then.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — Closed (Reopening Spring 2026)
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland closed in August 2025 for major upgrades. When it reopens in spring 2026, the attraction will feature a new scene, new ride vehicles, and enhanced targets and laser guns. Like Big Thunder Mountain, no specific reopening date has been announced, but Disney has confirmed a spring 2026 return.
Cinderella Castle Repainting — Ongoing Through Late 2026
One of the most visible projects at Magic Kingdom right now is the Cinderella Castle repainting. Disney is restoring the castle to a more classic color scheme featuring grays, creams, blues, and touches of gold — moving away from the pink and blue look of the 50th Anniversary celebration.
As of early February, the moat around Cinderella Castle has begun draining to allow cranes and equipment access for the repainting work. Here’s what February visitors need to know:
- Cranes and lifts will be elevated during morning hours and lowered in the afternoon and evening, so photos later in the day should be largely unaffected.
- “Let the Magic Begin” welcome show is running in a modified audio-only format during the repainting.
- Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire continues to be available with minor adjustments.
- Happily Ever After fireworks will continue to be shown with minor adjustments.
The repainting project is expected to continue through late 2026.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow — Closed (Reopening Date TBD)
Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus closed on January 4, 2026, for tent repairs and refurbishment. No reopening date has been announced. The good news: the character meet-and-greets that normally take place inside (Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Minnie in circus outfits) have temporarily moved outside into Storybook Circus, so you can still see them.
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid — One-Day Closure (February 11)
This Fantasyland dark ride will close for a single day on February 11, 2026, and is currently scheduled to reopen on February 12. Disney hasn’t specified the reason for the brief closure. If you’re visiting on that specific day, you can still meet Ariel at Ariel’s Grotto nearby.
Walt Disney World Railroad — Operating in Shuttle Mode
The Walt Disney World Railroad is still running, but in a modified “shuttle mode.” Due to the closure of the Frontierland station (which closed in July 2025 for the upcoming Cars-themed land construction), the train operates back and forth between Main Street, U.S.A. and Fantasyland stations instead of making a full loop. Some benches have been turned around to accommodate guests who may get motion sick going backwards.
Permanent Closures at Magic Kingdom
Two Magic Kingdom experiences are permanently closed as of July 2025 to make way for the future Cars-themed expansion:
- Tom Sawyer Island — Permanently closed
- Liberty Square Riverboat — Permanently closed
These closures are part of the larger ongoing transformation of Walt Disney World, with the Cars-themed land (Piston Peak National Park) expected to open in the coming years.
EPCOT Refurbishments & Closures
EPCOT has a mix of good news and bad news for February visitors — an enhanced attraction returning and a couple of closures starting later in the month.
Frozen Ever After — Reopening February 12, 2026
This is the big one. Frozen Ever After in the Norway Pavilion closed on January 26, 2026, for an upgrade to its Audio-Animatronics figures. The Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff figures are getting new physical sculpted faces, replacing the previous rear-projection facial technology. The new look takes inspiration from the Frozen figures at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland.
Confirmed reopening date: February 12, 2026. The attraction will be available during Early Entry and eligible for Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections from that date forward. If you’re visiting in mid-to-late February, you’ll get to experience the upgraded ride.
Impressions de France — Closing February 22, 2026
The classic Impressions de France film in the France Pavilion’s Palais du Cinema will close starting February 22 for routine refurbishment of the theater. No reopening date has been announced. This is notably the only attraction at EPCOT that has remained unchanged since the park’s opening day in 1982, so fans of the original film can breathe easy — this appears to be a venue refurbishment, not a change to the content.
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along — Closing February 22, 2026
The Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along shares the Palais du Cinema theater with Impressions de France, so it will also close on February 22. Both films rotate in the same venue, and the refurbishment is likely related to the theater space rather than the films themselves.
Refreshment Port — Closed Through Early March 2026
This quick-service dining location near the front of World Showcase closed on January 12, 2026, for refurbishment. It is expected to reopen around March 3, 2026. Not a ride, but worth knowing if it’s one of your go-to snack spots.
Soarin’ — No Closure Expected in February
For those wondering: Soarin’ Around the World is still operating normally in February. Disney has confirmed that Soarin’ Across America (a new film) will debut by Memorial Day 2026, but no closure dates have been announced yet. If there’s a brief downtime to swap the films, it likely won’t happen until later in the spring.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Refurbishments & Closures
Hollywood Studios has some of the most transformative projects happening at Walt Disney World right now, with multiple areas being reimagined.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith — Final Rides Before March 2 Closure
This is a time-sensitive one for February visitors. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will permanently close as the Aerosmith version on March 2, 2026. That means if you’re visiting in February, you still have a chance to ride the Aerosmith version one last time before it closes for its Muppets transformation.
The reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets (featuring Electric Mayhem) is expected to open in summer 2026. Walt Disney Imagineering has already started work on reimagining the pre-show area while the ride remains operational, which could help shorten the closure period.
Muppets Courtyard Area — Permanently Closed
The former Muppets Courtyard — including MuppetVision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano — is permanently closed. This area is being transformed into a Monsters, Inc.-themed land featuring a new Door Coaster roller coaster, a show, and new dining locations. A Monstropolis miniland will take over this area, though no opening date has been announced.
Animation Courtyard — Closed for Reimagining
Animation Courtyard closed on September 25, 2025, and is being reimagined into “The Walt Disney Studios Lot.” This area will open in phases during summer 2026. Two attractions within this area remain open during the work: The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents.
Coming to this area in summer 2026:
- Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! — A new show debuting summer 2026
- The Magic of Disney Animation — Returning to its original home (currently Star Wars Launch Bay) later in summer 2026
Star Wars Launch Bay — Permanently Closed
Star Wars Launch Bay has permanently closed to make way for the return of The Magic of Disney Animation, which is expected to open later in summer 2026.
Coming Soon: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Update (May 22, 2026)
While not a February closure, it’s worth noting for trip planning: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will receive a new overlay featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, debuting May 22, 2026 — timed with the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu film. It’s unclear if there will be any downtime before the debut.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Refurbishments & Closures
DINOSAUR — Permanently Closed
DINOSAUR and the entire Dino-Rama area are permanently closed. This area is being transformed into Tropical Americas, a new land featuring an Encanto dark ride and an Indiana Jones Adventure attraction (reimagining the DINOSAUR ride building). Tropical Americas is expected to open in 2027.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch — Closing February 23, 2026
The entirety of Rafiki’s Planet Watch is closing on February 23, 2026, to make way for a new Bluey experience coming in summer 2026. This includes:
- Wildlife Express Train — Temporarily closing February 23
- Conservation Station — Temporarily closing February 23
- Affection Section — Temporarily closing February 23 (when it reopens, it will feature Australian animals to tie in with the Bluey theme)
- Animation Experience — Permanently closing February 23
Since the Wildlife Express Train is the only way to reach Rafiki’s Planet Watch, the closure of the train effectively shuts down the entire area. If you want to visit Rafiki’s Planet Watch one more time before the Bluey takeover, you’ll need to go before February 23. Most of the area is expected to reopen with the Bluey experience in summer 2026, likely around the Memorial Day timeframe when Disney kicks off its Cool Kids’ Summer season.
Water Parks
Typhoon Lagoon — Closing February 14, 2026
Typhoon Lagoon will close for its annual seasonal refurbishment on February 14, 2026. It’s expected to reopen by May 26 for the summer season.
Blizzard Beach — Reopening February 15, 2026
The good news: Blizzard Beach reopens on February 15, 2026, the day after Typhoon Lagoon closes. This annual swap ensures that at least one water park is always available. Both parks will actually operate simultaneously from May 26 through September 8, 2026.
If you’re visiting in the first half of February, Typhoon Lagoon is your water park option (weather permitting — it has been temporarily closing on cold days). If you’re visiting after February 15, Blizzard Beach is your only water park option until Typhoon Lagoon reopens for summer.
Resort Hotel Refurbishments
Several Walt Disney World resorts have ongoing construction or refurbishment projects that could affect your stay in February. Here are the most notable ones:
Pool Closures
- All-Star Sports Resort — Surfboard Bay Pool and kiddie pool closed through late April 2026. The Grand Slam Leisure Pool remains open.
- Beach Club Resort — The Tidal leisure pool is closed through early May 2026 as part of ongoing exterior refurbishment.
- Bay Lake Tower (Contemporary Resort) — Bay Cove Pool, water play area, and whirlpool spa closed through early May 2026. The main Contemporary Resort pool remains open.
- Old Key West Resort — Turtle Pond Pool and Spa, BBQ area, and playground closed through early February 2026.
- Caribbean Beach Resort — Fuentes del Morro Water Play Area closed February 9 through early March 2026. The main feature pool remains open.
Room Refurbishments
- Animal Kingdom Lodge (Kidani Village) — Room refurbishments ongoing through May 2026. All amenities remain open; you may see or hear construction.
- Pop Century Resort — Room refurbishments wrapping up by mid-February 2026. The good news: all buildings are either done or being worked on, so you’re likely to get a refreshed room.
- Port Orleans Riverside — Magnolia Bend room refurbishments ongoing through winter 2026, continuing with Alligator Bayou after that through August 2027.
Exterior Work & Other Projects
- Beach Club Resort — Exterior refurbishment through late 2026.
- Yacht Club Resort — Exterior refurbishment through late 2026. The Admiral leisure pool is closed through early May 2026. Crew’s Cup Lounge closes February 23, 2026, with an expected May 2026 reopening.
- Contemporary Resort — Multi-phase refurbishment in select areas through late 2027.
- Polynesian Village Resort — Front entrance roadway and bus area reconfiguration through 2026. All dining, pools, and amenities remain available.
- BoardWalk Inn — Refurbishment work in select areas throughout 2026. Most amenities remain available.
- Grand Floridian Resort — Select area refurbishments through mid-2026. The Garden View Lounge is expected to reopen on March 19, 2026.
Disney Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner gondola system is currently operating normally after completing its annual refurbishment from January 24-31, 2026. The Skyliner reopened on February 1 and will be running throughout the rest of February with no scheduled closures. The next planned Skyliner refurbishment is January 24-30, 2027.
What’s Still Open & Operating Normally
With all the closures above, it’s easy to lose sight of what IS available. Here’s a quick reminder of popular attractions operating normally in February 2026:
- Magic Kingdom: Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Tron Lightcycle / Run, Jungle Cruise, “it’s a small world,” Tomorrowland Speedway, and more.
- EPCOT: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Test Track, Spaceship Earth, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Living with the Land, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Frozen Ever After (from Feb. 12), and more.
- Hollywood Studios: Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Toy Story Mania!, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (until March 2), and more.
- Animal Kingdom: Expedition Everest, Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids, Festival of the Lion King, and more.
Tips for February 2026 Visitors
- Prioritize Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster — If riding the Aerosmith version one last time matters to you, don’t wait. It closes permanently as the Aerosmith version on March 2.
- Visit Rafiki’s Planet Watch before February 23 — The area closes for the Bluey transformation, so if Conservation Station or the Wildlife Express Train are on your list, go early in the month.
- Time your EPCOT visit for February 12 or later — That’s when Frozen Ever After reopens with upgraded Audio-Animatronics.
- Expect unplanned downtime — With Disney deferring some routine maintenance to focus on larger projects, rides may break down more frequently than usual. Build flexibility into your schedule.
- Check the My Disney Experience app daily — Refurbishment dates can change. Single-day closures for routine maintenance can pop up with little notice.
- Water park planning — Typhoon Lagoon closes February 14. Blizzard Beach opens February 15. Plan accordingly if a water park day is in your itinerary.
- Morning castle photos may have cranes — If a perfect Cinderella Castle photo is important to you, plan for afternoon or evening shots when equipment is lowered.
Looking Ahead
Spring 2026 is shaping up to be a significant period for Walt Disney World, with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin both expected to reopen with enhancements. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets should follow in summer 2026, along with the Bluey experience at Animal Kingdom, the Walt Disney Studios Lot at Hollywood Studios, and the Mandalorian overlay for Smugglers Run on May 22.
For now, February visitors will still find plenty to do across all four parks — you’ll just need to plan around a handful of notable closures. The upside is that every single one of these projects is aimed at making Walt Disney World better in the months and years ahead.
This article will be updated throughout February 2026 as Disney confirms new dates or changes. Last updated: February 5, 2026.
What refurbishment are you most looking forward to seeing completed? Are any of these closures affecting your February trip? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear your plans.
