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Are you hoping to meet Donald, Daisy, Minnie, and Goofy in Magic Kingdom this week? We have a heads-up for you: a popular meet and greet area in Storybook Circus is temporarily closing. However, you CAN still meet these beloved characters during your visit!
The Astounding Donaldo!
While their usual meet and greet spot will be closing for a bit, these characters will still be available to meet in Storybook Circus. We have all the details about this closure, plus ALL the other closures you should expect in Disney World this week!
Pete’s Silly Sideshow will be temporarily unavailable beginning 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.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow
Good news, though! While Pete’s Silly Sideshow will be closed, you can still meet all of the characters! You will find them in Storybook Circus. We don’t know the exact location just yet, but you will still be able to meet them!
Let’s take a look at the other attractions and locations that will be closed this week, from January 3rd through January 10th, at Disney World.
A popular Tomorrowland attraction is closed! 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
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!
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!
Construction progress
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.
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.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
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 have spotted some ride testing happening, which was very exciting.
Harambe Market, a quick-service dining location in Animal Kingdom, has temporarily closed as of October 20th, 2025. It will be closed for a few months, and it is currently expected to reopen in early 2026. Right now, hours are showing on the Disney World website starting March 1st, so it is likely to reopen then. While we are sad to see the dining options decrease in Animal Kingdom, there are still lots of delicious options!
Harambe Market
You can stop by Flame Tree Barbecue or Satu’li Canteen for a tasty, quick-service meal. We aren’t expecting huge changes at Harambe Market during the refurbishment, but we will keep you updated as we learn more!
The first round of closures began in DinoLand U.S.A. on January 13th, 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Game were closed down, and construction has begun on the brand-new land themed to the Tropical Americas, Pueblo Esperanza. The Boneyard has permanently closed as of September 2nd. Dino Bite Snacks and Trilo-Bites are also permanently closed as of October 20th, 2025.
Pueblo Esperanza Construction
It is definitely a sad sight, but we are also excited to see Pueblo Esperanza! DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus are still open, but Disney has announced the rest of DinoLand, U.S.A. will be closing for good on February 2nd, 2026.
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.
Construction walls around Animation Courtyard
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.
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, the Muppet*Vision 3D sign was officially taken down!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Magical Guides-_-Atmosphere-_-Grand-Avenue-_-Hollywood-Studios-Photo-Oct-28-2025-9-50-24-AM-4032-x-3024-2-700x525.jpg
Farewell Muppet*Vision 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 2026.
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. Blizzard Beach is now closed for refurbishment.
Blizzard Beach
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.
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.
All-Star Sports Pool
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.
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.
Promenade Fine Art Gallery
The gallery hasn’t announced yet where that new location will be, but we will keep you updated as we learn more!
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.
Jellyrolls
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.
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.
Small World Vacations
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:
We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to Magical Guides.
When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments!
The Astounding Donaldo!
While their usual meet and greet spot will be closing for a bit, these characters will still be available to meet in Storybook Circus. We have all the details about this closure, plus ALL the other closures you should expect in Disney World this week!
Pete’s Silly Sideshow will be temporarily unavailable beginning 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.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow
Good news, though! While Pete’s Silly Sideshow will be closed, you can still meet all of the characters! You will find them in Storybook Circus. We don’t know the exact location just yet, but you will still be able to meet them!
Let’s take a look at the other attractions and locations that will be closed this week, from January 3rd through January 10th, at Disney World.
Magic Kingdom
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
A popular Tomorrowland attraction is closed! 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
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!
Construction progress
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.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
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 have spotted some ride testing happening, which was very exciting.
Harambe Market, a quick-service dining location in Animal Kingdom, has temporarily closed as of October 20th, 2025. It will be closed for a few months, and it is currently expected to reopen in early 2026. Right now, hours are showing on the Disney World website starting March 1st, so it is likely to reopen then. While we are sad to see the dining options decrease in Animal Kingdom, there are still lots of delicious options!
Harambe Market
You can stop by Flame Tree Barbecue or Satu’li Canteen for a tasty, quick-service meal. We aren’t expecting huge changes at Harambe Market during the refurbishment, but we will keep you updated as we learn more!
TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, Fossil Fun Games, The Boneyard, Dino Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites
The first round of closures began in DinoLand U.S.A. on January 13th, 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Game were closed down, and construction has begun on the brand-new land themed to the Tropical Americas, Pueblo Esperanza. The Boneyard has permanently closed as of September 2nd. Dino Bite Snacks and Trilo-Bites are also permanently closed as of October 20th, 2025.
Pueblo Esperanza Construction
It is definitely a sad sight, but we are also excited to see Pueblo Esperanza! DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus are still open, but Disney has announced the rest of DinoLand, U.S.A. will be closing for good on February 2nd, 2026.
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.
Construction walls around Animation Courtyard
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, the Muppet*Vision 3D sign was officially taken down!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Magical Guides-_-Atmosphere-_-Grand-Avenue-_-Hollywood-Studios-Photo-Oct-28-2025-9-50-24-AM-4032-x-3024-2-700x525.jpg
Farewell Muppet*Vision 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 2026.
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. Blizzard Beach is now closed for refurbishment.
Blizzard Beach
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.
Disney World Hotels
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.
All-Star Sports Pool
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.
Promenade Fine Art Gallery
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.
Jellyrolls
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.
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.
Small World Vacations
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 Magical Guides.
Join the Magical Guides Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments!
