- Mar 13, 2024
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The Disney Parks are never stagnant, and some sort of change is always ongoing. Unfortunately, those changes often include the temporary (and permanent) closures of popular rides.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Magical Guides-Rock-‘n-Rollercoaster-Atmosphere-Sunset-Boulevard-Hollywood-Studios-Disney-World-Photo-Mar-09-2026-11-33-42-AM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
If you’re planning a Disney trip in 2026, you need to be aware that BOTH the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort are going to see a bunch of closures. Between refurbishments, re-themes, seasonal overlays, and a few permanent closures tied to major expansions, several rides across Disney World and the Disneyland Resort will impact your 2026 vacation.
Now, before you panic, keep in mind that most of these closures are happening because Disney is upgrading rides, preparing seasonal overlays, or building entirely new lands. Still, if one of these attractions is on your must-ride list, you’ll want to keep an eye on the timeline. Here are the Disney rides that will be closed in 2026 and maybe beyond…
Let’s start with the big one. The classic DINOSAUR ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom PERMANENTLY closed on February 2nd, 2026.
DINOSAUR is gone, y’all
This closure, along with the other attractions, restaurants, and shops in DinoLand U.S.A, is part of Disney’s massive transformation of the area into a brand-new Tropical Americas-themed land. When the dust settles, the DINOSAUR ride building will eventually house a new Indiana Jones-themed attraction unique to Disney World, but maintaining a similar ride structure and ride vehicles. It’s expected to open around 2027.
Another huge retheme is coming to Hollywood Studios’ Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, although this one will see the ride eventually reopen.
©Disney
The ride officially closed on March 1st, 2026, to drop the Aersomith theming in favor of a new story and theming based on The Muppets. It’s slated to reopen featuring The Muppets later this summer.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Magical Guides-Rock-‘n-Rollercoaster-Atmosphere-Sunset-Boulevard-Hollywood-Studios-Disney-World-Photo-Mar-09-2026-11-21-30-AM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster construction
Get ready to meet the famous Electric Mayhem band in an experience that’s similar to the previous coaster — albeit with a new story, music, and scenes.
If you’ve visited Magic Kingdom recently, you may have noticed construction walls around Frontierland. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed since January 2025 for a major refurbishment, but it’s now slated to reopen sometime this spring.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The refurbishment will include a fully rebuilt track, updated water and lighting effects, and a brand-new scene featuring the classic Rainbow Caverns.
©Disney
This ride should open with some significant upgrades that we can’t wait to experience!
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed on August 4th, 2025, and is set to reopen this spring, as well.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is currently closed
The update will reportedly include new ride vehicles, updated blasters, targets that light up when you hit them, and a brand-new scene and character.
©Disney
These changes are primed to elevate this classic arcade shooter ride into something way more immersive and modern.
Over on the West Coast, a popular slow-moving boat ride along the Rivers of America will be closed on select days.
Sailing Ship Columbia
The Sailing Ship Columbia will be closed Mondays to Fridays through March 27th, 2026. You can still access the Mark Twain Riverboat during this time.
The world-famous Jungle Cruise has been closed in Adventureland since February 17th, 2026 — and no reopening date has yet to be announced.
Jungle Cruise construction
The refurb calendar has this beloved jungle adventure with plenty of hilarious antics closed through March.
Jungle Cruise
Work on the ride includes structural repairs, fresh paint in the queue, and potential updates to scenes — so this could be a hefty closure.
Similar to the Sailing Ship Columbia, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes will also be closed Mondays to Thursdays through March 27th, 2026.
Rivers of America
You’ll need to visit on Fridays and the weekends through March if this is a must-do attraction for you and your family.
Over in Toontown, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin is closing for a possibly lengthy refurbishment on March 30th, 2026.
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
No official reopening date has been revealed yet, and we don’t know what changes or upgrades will be made either. The ride previously underwent a significant refurbishment from March 2022 to March 2023 — one that saw the ride’s narrative change to include Jessica Rabbit as a private eye.
Also closing on March 30th is the Disneyland Monorail.
Disneyland Monorail
A reopening date has yet to be announced, but we’re speculating that the cause for closure is some structural maintenance.
Tomorrowland is temporarily losing a super-popular ride on April 13th.
Astro Blasters
Like its Magic Kingdom counterpart, Astro Blasters will be closed for a refurbishment fairly soon. While a reopening date has not been announced just yet, there has been no indication that the scope of changes will be as significant as what’s going on in Florida’s version. We’ll let you know about any changes (if any) that are announced.
California Adventure’s Grizzly River Run often undergoes significant refurbishments in the winter months, but this one is dragging out.
Grizzly River Run
The water ride has been closed since January 5th, 2026, and the river has largely been drained, with notable construction during that time. We expect it to reopen by the time spring/early summer rolls around, however.
The family-friendly Golden Zephyr ride is undergoing a short refurbishment this March.
©Disney
The ride will be briefly out of commission between March 9th and March 17th, 2026.
Over in Pixar Pier, the always-in-demand Toy Story Midway Mania will be closed for a refurbishment beginning April 6th, 2026.
Mr. Potato Head celebrates 7 Decades in Toy Story Midway Mania
The ride does not currently have a reopening date, but it would be weird if it’s not back open by the time Toy Story 5 opens in theaters this June.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Magical Guides-_-Toy-Story-Midway-Mania-_-Attraction-_-Toy-Story-Land-_-Hollywood-Studios-Photo-Dec-16-2025-09-36-13-5712-x-4284-2-700x525.jpg
Midway Mania
In fact, we wouldn’t be all too surprised to see elements from the movie show up in the ride once it reopens — although nothing official has been announced.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Magical Guides-_-Toy-Story-Midway-Mania-_-Attraction-_-Toy-Story-Land-_-Hollywood-Studios-Photo-Dec-16-2025-09-37-01-5712-x-4284-2-700x525.jpg
It looks better with 3D glasses on…
Of course, there will also be seasonal overlays that cause brief closures that have yet to be announced. Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion gets The Nightmare Before Christmas-themed Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay usually in August, and “it’s a small world” usually gets a Christmas-themed overlay closer to the holidays. Over in Magic Kingdom, Jungle Cruise turns into the Jingle Cruise in time for the holidays and usually closes briefly in November.
Jack in Haunted Mansion Holiday
Over at Disney California Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT! turns into Monsters After Dark during Halloween Time, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters becomes Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween during the same time. Luigi’s also gets the Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl overlay during the holidays. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree also joins the fun with Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree for Halloween and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree for the holiday season. Each transition can require short refurbishment closure — but keep in mind that we’re still too early in the year for any official dates.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark
This list only includes what we know so far, and there’s still SO MUCH LEFT of 2026 that future closures are bound to happen. This list will be updated throughout the year, and we’ll continue to keep you posted on all the latest Disney news, so continue to follow us right here at Magical Guides to stay in the know!
Are any of your favorite Disney rides getting a refurbishment this year? Let us know in the comments!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Magical Guides-Rock-‘n-Rollercoaster-Atmosphere-Sunset-Boulevard-Hollywood-Studios-Disney-World-Photo-Mar-09-2026-11-33-42-AM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
If you’re planning a Disney trip in 2026, you need to be aware that BOTH the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort are going to see a bunch of closures. Between refurbishments, re-themes, seasonal overlays, and a few permanent closures tied to major expansions, several rides across Disney World and the Disneyland Resort will impact your 2026 vacation.
Now, before you panic, keep in mind that most of these closures are happening because Disney is upgrading rides, preparing seasonal overlays, or building entirely new lands. Still, if one of these attractions is on your must-ride list, you’ll want to keep an eye on the timeline. Here are the Disney rides that will be closed in 2026 and maybe beyond…
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
DINOSAUR
Let’s start with the big one. The classic DINOSAUR ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom PERMANENTLY closed on February 2nd, 2026.
DINOSAUR is gone, y’all
This closure, along with the other attractions, restaurants, and shops in DinoLand U.S.A, is part of Disney’s massive transformation of the area into a brand-new Tropical Americas-themed land. When the dust settles, the DINOSAUR ride building will eventually house a new Indiana Jones-themed attraction unique to Disney World, but maintaining a similar ride structure and ride vehicles. It’s expected to open around 2027.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster
Another huge retheme is coming to Hollywood Studios’ Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, although this one will see the ride eventually reopen.
©Disney
The ride officially closed on March 1st, 2026, to drop the Aersomith theming in favor of a new story and theming based on The Muppets. It’s slated to reopen featuring The Muppets later this summer.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Magical Guides-Rock-‘n-Rollercoaster-Atmosphere-Sunset-Boulevard-Hollywood-Studios-Disney-World-Photo-Mar-09-2026-11-21-30-AM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster construction
Get ready to meet the famous Electric Mayhem band in an experience that’s similar to the previous coaster — albeit with a new story, music, and scenes.
Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
If you’ve visited Magic Kingdom recently, you may have noticed construction walls around Frontierland. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed since January 2025 for a major refurbishment, but it’s now slated to reopen sometime this spring.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The refurbishment will include a fully rebuilt track, updated water and lighting effects, and a brand-new scene featuring the classic Rainbow Caverns.
©Disney
This ride should open with some significant upgrades that we can’t wait to experience!
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed on August 4th, 2025, and is set to reopen this spring, as well.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is currently closed
The update will reportedly include new ride vehicles, updated blasters, targets that light up when you hit them, and a brand-new scene and character.
©Disney
These changes are primed to elevate this classic arcade shooter ride into something way more immersive and modern.
Disneyland Park
Sailing Ship Columbia
Over on the West Coast, a popular slow-moving boat ride along the Rivers of America will be closed on select days.
Sailing Ship Columbia
The Sailing Ship Columbia will be closed Mondays to Fridays through March 27th, 2026. You can still access the Mark Twain Riverboat during this time.
Jungle Cruise
The world-famous Jungle Cruise has been closed in Adventureland since February 17th, 2026 — and no reopening date has yet to be announced.
Jungle Cruise construction
The refurb calendar has this beloved jungle adventure with plenty of hilarious antics closed through March.
Jungle Cruise
Work on the ride includes structural repairs, fresh paint in the queue, and potential updates to scenes — so this could be a hefty closure.
Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
Similar to the Sailing Ship Columbia, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes will also be closed Mondays to Thursdays through March 27th, 2026.
Rivers of America
You’ll need to visit on Fridays and the weekends through March if this is a must-do attraction for you and your family.
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
Over in Toontown, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin is closing for a possibly lengthy refurbishment on March 30th, 2026.
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
No official reopening date has been revealed yet, and we don’t know what changes or upgrades will be made either. The ride previously underwent a significant refurbishment from March 2022 to March 2023 — one that saw the ride’s narrative change to include Jessica Rabbit as a private eye.
Disneyland Monorail
Also closing on March 30th is the Disneyland Monorail.
Disneyland Monorail
A reopening date has yet to be announced, but we’re speculating that the cause for closure is some structural maintenance.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Tomorrowland is temporarily losing a super-popular ride on April 13th.
Astro Blasters
Like its Magic Kingdom counterpart, Astro Blasters will be closed for a refurbishment fairly soon. While a reopening date has not been announced just yet, there has been no indication that the scope of changes will be as significant as what’s going on in Florida’s version. We’ll let you know about any changes (if any) that are announced.
Disney California Adventure
Grizzly River Run
California Adventure’s Grizzly River Run often undergoes significant refurbishments in the winter months, but this one is dragging out.
Grizzly River Run
The water ride has been closed since January 5th, 2026, and the river has largely been drained, with notable construction during that time. We expect it to reopen by the time spring/early summer rolls around, however.
Golden Zephyr
The family-friendly Golden Zephyr ride is undergoing a short refurbishment this March.
©Disney
The ride will be briefly out of commission between March 9th and March 17th, 2026.
Toy Story Midway Mania!
Over in Pixar Pier, the always-in-demand Toy Story Midway Mania will be closed for a refurbishment beginning April 6th, 2026.
Mr. Potato Head celebrates 7 Decades in Toy Story Midway Mania
The ride does not currently have a reopening date, but it would be weird if it’s not back open by the time Toy Story 5 opens in theaters this June.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Magical Guides-_-Toy-Story-Midway-Mania-_-Attraction-_-Toy-Story-Land-_-Hollywood-Studios-Photo-Dec-16-2025-09-36-13-5712-x-4284-2-700x525.jpg
Midway Mania
In fact, we wouldn’t be all too surprised to see elements from the movie show up in the ride once it reopens — although nothing official has been announced.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Magical Guides-_-Toy-Story-Midway-Mania-_-Attraction-_-Toy-Story-Land-_-Hollywood-Studios-Photo-Dec-16-2025-09-37-01-5712-x-4284-2-700x525.jpg
It looks better with 3D glasses on…
Of course, there will also be seasonal overlays that cause brief closures that have yet to be announced. Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion gets The Nightmare Before Christmas-themed Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay usually in August, and “it’s a small world” usually gets a Christmas-themed overlay closer to the holidays. Over in Magic Kingdom, Jungle Cruise turns into the Jingle Cruise in time for the holidays and usually closes briefly in November.
Jack in Haunted Mansion Holiday
Over at Disney California Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT! turns into Monsters After Dark during Halloween Time, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters becomes Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween during the same time. Luigi’s also gets the Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl overlay during the holidays. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree also joins the fun with Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree for Halloween and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree for the holiday season. Each transition can require short refurbishment closure — but keep in mind that we’re still too early in the year for any official dates.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark
This list only includes what we know so far, and there’s still SO MUCH LEFT of 2026 that future closures are bound to happen. This list will be updated throughout the year, and we’ll continue to keep you posted on all the latest Disney news, so continue to follow us right here at Magical Guides to stay in the know!
Join the Magical Guides Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
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Are any of your favorite Disney rides getting a refurbishment this year? Let us know in the comments!
