Changes continue to happen all over Disney World, and while they can feel overwhelming, that’s why we’re here to keep you updated, bringing you all the news in one place!
This week in particular, we got BIG news about the reopening of a popular Magic Kingdom ride, another ride in the park officially reopened, and we got news that a long-closed spot in EPCOT will be getting a retheme upon its reopening, among many others. Yeah, a lot happens at the resort each week, but if you’re heading on vacation this week, here are all the closures you need to know about!
Starting with the great news, it was announced that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be reopening in Magic Kingdom on May 3rd! After being closed for over a year, we’re ecstatic, and can’t wait to ride the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness once again!
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin soft open EARLY on March 30th, but it also officially opened back on April 8th. Other than unplanned ride issue closures, this ride is back open for guests to experience each day!
As for Refreshment Port in EPCOT, which has been closed since January, we don’t have a reopening date on it just yet, but we do know that it’ll be rethemed to La Poutinerie!
Let’s take a look at what other closures will be happening in Disney World from April 10th through April 17th.
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!
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.”
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 on May 3rd, 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. Recently, Disney announced that a new Animation Academy experience called Olaf Draws! would be added here, but as it was revealed that the animators will be pre-recorded instead of in person, some guests aren’t happy about it. We’re interested to see how it ends up working out.
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 on May 26th!
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
The retheme for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith to become Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is well underway! Walls and scrim are now up in front of the massive guitar…
…and Disney is already working on a new paint job for the iconic car outside the gates. It’s starting to look more and more like The Electric Mayhem’s van from The Muppets!
KRNR The Rock Station has also closed its windows. We’re wondering if it’ll be rethemed and become a new snack spot, or if it’ll go away entirely — we’ll be watching closely to stay updated!
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, and now we know that it’ll reopen as La Poutinerie, and will be sponsored by Air Canada. Yes, the airline!
Again, no date has been announced yet, but now that we know it’s being rethemed, we’re hoping to get more information soon!
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom
On February 23rd, Disney temporarily closed the Wildlife Express over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, effectively closing off the whole area until the new “Bluey” experience is ready for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER on May 26th. While we’re looking forward to the new addition, we’re bummed that a whole section of this park is unavailable while so much other construction is going on.
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 saw the update that the fountain and statue in front of the DINOSAUR ride is no more, and the carousel is seeing some great progress!
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Blizzard Beach/Typhoon Lagoon
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
Kiddie Pool Deck at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
It was recently announced that the Kiddie Pool Deck at Disney’s Pop Century Resort would close for a refurbishment this week, beginning on April 13th.
At this time there’s no official date for reopening, but it’s expected to be later in April.
Boat Dock at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
One of the most unique things about Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is the way you can take a boat over to Magic Kingdom. However, beginning April 13th, the Boat Dock here will be unavailable due to a refurbishment.
Refurbishment on this spot has been ongoing for a little while now, but April 13th through May 1st is when boat transportation will be fully unavailable. Starting May 2nd, boats are expected to become available again, but refurbishment on the dock will continue.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
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.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Dining location closures will be taking place at the hotel for the majority of the rest of the year. The Turf Club Lounge will close for refurbishment in early April and will reopen in early August. While that closure is happening, the Turf Club Bar & Grill will remain open with a pop-up bar serving a modified Lounge food and beverage menu.
Following that, the Turf Club Patio will close from early to mid-August, and then from mid-August through mid-September, the Turf Club Bar & Grill will be closed for refurbishment.
Crew’s Cup Lounge – Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
On February 23rd, the Crew’s Cup Lounge at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort temporarily closed for refurbishment, and will reopen on June 1st.
It’s also important to note that Yachtsman Steakhouse will also close for refurbishment on May 11th, and isn’t expected to reopen until August. Yes, that means for a period of time, neither of these restaurants will be available!
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. Now we know that this wasn’t the end for Jellyrolls, as it’ll be moving to a new location about 10 minutes away, and will reopen in late summer or fall of 2026!
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.
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Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments!
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