Why February 23rd Is a Big Day of CHANGE in Disney World

When we say there’s a LOT happening in Disney World this week, we mean it with our whole hearts, but if we were to be more specific, we’d say there’s a lot happening on ONE day this week — February 23rd.

We’re sad to report that this coming Monday (the 23rd), not only is a popular lounge closing for a lengthy refurbishment, but one of our favorite festivals is ending in EPCOT, and if that wasn’t enough, an ENTIRE part of Animal Kingdom is also closing for MONTHS.

Over in Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Crew’s Cup Lounge will be closing for a lengthy refurbishment on February 23rd and will reopen sometime in May. However, when it reopens, then it’ll trade places with Yachtsman Steakhouse right next door, because then THAT restaurant will close for a refurbishment!

On the same day, EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts will have its final day (but the Flower and Garden Festival will be starting just over a week later on March 4th!). The biggest change, though? Animal Kingdom will be closing Rafiki’s Planet Watch to make way for the new Bluey experience coming to the current Affection Section. However, Disney will be closing the Wildlife Express, the train that takes you to Rafiki’s, meaning that NO ONE will be able to explore this section of the park until it reopens for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER on May 26th.

Let’s take a look at what else will be closed at Disney World from February 20th to February 27th.

Magic Kingdom

Pete’s Silly Sideshow

Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus has been temporarily unavailable since January 4th, 2026. This is the area where you can meet Daisy Duck, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy in their circus attire. While the meet-and-greet area is temporarily closed, you can still meet these characters! Goofy and Minnie can be found at the entrance to Storybook Circus, and Donald and Daisy are in the back of Storybook Circus by the restrooms. Disney hasn’t announced a reopening date, but we will keep an eye out!

Pete’s Silly Sideshow

Just this week, though, Disney also temporarily closed Big Top Souvenirs, the merchandise location inside this area of the park. There’s no reopening date in sight, only that it’ll “reopen for guests later this year.”

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has temporarily closed for refurbishment as of August 4th, 2025. This popular Tomorrowland attraction will receive several updates and is expected to reopen sometime in spring 2026. The ride will be getting a new show scene, updated ride vehicles, and gameplay enhancements.

Some of the gameplay enhancements include new reactive targets and handheld blasters. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will also be introducing a new character, Buddy.

Liberty Square Riverboat, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Rivers of America

The Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island, have permanently closed as of July 7th, 2025. There are lots of construction walls up around the area, the river has been drained, and structures on Tom Sawyer Island have been demolished. Most recently, we just saw some updated photos, thanks to @bioreconstruct, of what the area is looking like, and it appears that some of the attractions are about to approach the building stage!

This area is closing to make way for the new Cars area, called Piston Peak. This will replace the Rivers of America and will feature two brand-new attractions. Disney has not yet released an opening date for this new area.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” officially closed for at least a year on January 6th, 2025! The ride is undergoing maintenance, and a “little bit of new magic” is being added to the popular Magic Kingdom ride. It will reopen sometime in spring 2026!

We have even spotted some trains on the track! Disney has stated that a new effect will be added “when the trains rattle their way underground to spectacular natural caverns full of phosphorescent pools,” illuminating stalagmites and stalactites.

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Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Animation Courtyard

Animation Courtyard closed on September 25th, 2025. This includes Star Wars Launch Bay, the Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show and the character meet-and-greets. “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” located right at the entrance to Animation Courtyard, and Walt Disney Presents are still open. Most recently, we did see Disney add trees to the construction area, which was a fun step forward!

Animation Courtyard is closing down to make way for Walt Disney Studios. This new area in Hollywood Studios will take it back to the studio’s roots. This area will feature The Magic of Disney Animation, where animated characters will “come to life.” You will be able to watch portraits interact, see a short film, and even learn to draw Disney character sketches. The current Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will be getting a “fresh” take. As well, there will also be a new Drawn to Wonderland playground area, and you will even spot the iconic Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat on top of the building. The new area will be opening in summer 2026!

Muppets Courtyard, including Muppet*Vision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

As of June 8th, the Muppets Courtyard is blocked by construction walls, and both Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo are closed forever. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano closed for good on May 11th, 2025. We recently saw an update from @bioreconstruct that shows pretty much all the Muppets theming is gone from this area of the park.

The Muppets Courtyard area has been closed to prepare for the new Monsters, Inc.-themed land coming to Hollywood Studios. Progress is being made, and we have noticed that the Muppet*Vision 3D sign has also been taken down. We will definitely miss Muppets Courtyard, but we are also excited to explore the new Monsters, Inc. themed land.

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EPCOT

Refreshment Port

Refreshment Port is closed for refurbishment as of January 12th. So far, Disney hasn’t announced when it will reopen, but we will update you as we learn more.

We’re already missing this spot, though, so we hope it’ll reopen soon!

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom

As of February 2nd, DinoLand U.S.A. is officially closed to make way for the new Tropical Americas land coming to the park. It’ll feature three new rides, a quick service dining location, a beautiful fountain in the center of the land, and so much more.

Most recently, we noticed the DinoLand U.S.A. sign was taken down, making this extinction truly official. We’re still a bit heartbroken, but are also looking forward to what’s to come!

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Disney Springs

Lime Garage

The Lime Garage in Disney Springs is closed for refurbishment from January 12th through March 13th. It will reopen for a brief time, from February 12th through 16th, for President’s Day Weekend. But then it will be closed again until its reopening on March 14th.

Don’t worry, though; there are still plenty of other parking options. If you are heading to Disney Springs during the closure, you will be able to park in the Orange Garage, Grapefruit Garage, Strawberry Parking Lot, or Watermelon Parking Lot.

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Blizzard Beach

On February 15th, 2026, Blizzard Beach officially reopened! The same day, Typhoon Lagoon closed for refurbishment, but we’ve got good news! Typhoon Lagoon will reopen again for guests on May 15th, so if you’re visiting this summer, you’ll be able to visit both water parks.

We’re looking forward to having both of these parks open again for guests this summer — we’re hoping it’ll alleviate the crowds a bit!

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Disney World Hotels

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

As mentioned previously, construction at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, specifically on the porte cochere, will now continue through at least early 2027.

That’s not ideal for anyone staying at any Disney World resort, but this one is especially an issue since it’s one of the resort’s most expensive hotels.

Bay Cove Pool, Water Play Area, and Whirlpool Spa — Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

From January 26th, 2026, through early May 2026, the Bay Cove Pool, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower will temporarily be closed for maintenance.

While these areas are closed, guests will still be able to use the Bay Lake Pool, the feature pool, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Leisure Pools — Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resort are undergoing visible exterior maintenance, which has also led to the closure of some of the resorts’ leisure pools. At Disney’s Yacht Club, the Admiral leisure pool will be closed for maintenance through early May 2026.

At Disney’s Beach Club, the Tidal leisure pool will be closed through early May for refurbishment. Guests may also hear or see work during the daytime until the refurbishment is complete.

Turtle Pond Pool, Turtle Pond Pool Spa, BBQ Area, and Playground — Disney’s Old Key West Resort

From early January until early February 2026, the Turtle Pond Pool, Turtle Pond Pool Spa, the BBQ area, and the playground at Disney’s Old Key West Resort will be closed for routine maintenance.

During the closure, guests can use the Sandcastle Pool or one of the resort’s other two leisure pools (South Point Pool or Miller’s Road Pool).

Surfboard Bay Pool and Kiddie Pool — Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

From January 2026 until April 2026, the Surfboard Bay Pool and Kiddie Pool at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will be closed for maintenance. While the pool is closed, the Grand Slam Leisure Pool will remain open.

Guests staying at Disney’s All-Star Sports can also use pools at the other All-Star Resorts, such as the Calypso Pool, Piano Pool, Fantasia Pool, and Duck Pond Pool.

Promenade Fine Art Gallery — Disney’s BoardWalk

The Promenade Fine Art Gallery, located on Disney’s BoardWalk, will be moving. The BoardWalk store has been closed since October 20th, 2025. The good news is that the gallery isn’t permanently closing; it’s just moving locations.

We don’t know yet where the art gallery will be moving to, but we will keep you updated as we learn more!

Jellyrolls — Disney’s BoardWalk

The popular dueling piano bar, Jellyrolls, closed for good at Disney’s BoardWalk on April 19th, 2025. Jellyrolls had its final farewell performance and closed its doors. However, it isn’t the end for Jellyrolls, as the bar has announced it is “making a move.”

We don’t know where or when, but we can’t wait to learn more about Jellyrolls’ future. Of course, we will keep you updated as we learn more about its future.

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Those are all of the closures for Disney World this week! Stay tuned to AllEars for more of the latest news from Disney World.

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!