Don't Book Your 2026 Disney World Trip Without Reading This First

Heading to Disney World in 2026? STOP RIGHT THERE.

Cinderella Castle

We’re constantly keeping an eye on Disney World news, and we’re in the parks nearly every day of the year, so we’ve got some WARNINGS to share before you plan that 2026 vacation. It’s best that you know these things ahead of time so that you can be prepared!

Construction Is EVERYWHERE

2026 is going to be a really big year for construction projects in Disney World. In fact, 3 out of 4 theme parks will be constructing new lands and expansions at the same time.

Starting in Animal Kingdom, DinoLand, U.S.A. is completely closing early in the year to be transformed into the Tropical Americas. While it’s closed, we’re down two rides and a large restaurant, as well as a few other activities and snack stands. That will make a big impact on your park day.

Over at Magic Kingdom, the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island closed this summer to make way for new Cars-themed attractions at the new Piston Peak Frontierland expansion. There are currently quite a few walls up in Frontierland and Liberty Square.

Magic Kingdom also has some construction going on backstage as they add in a new Disney Villains land behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The main thing that’s affecting at the moment is the operation of the Walt Disney World Railroad — the Frontierland station is closed during construction.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is getting a refurbishment as well, which won’t end until next year. Also, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is getting some big changes, so that ride won’t reopen until sometime in 2026.

Hollywood Studios might be the biggest struggle of the three parks under construction, as it will have two lands completely closed in 2026. Animation Courtyard is getting a pretty big overhaul with a new animation experience and Disney Junior show.

Also, Muppets Courtyard shut down in 2025 to become a new Monsters, Inc. land. Construction on that update will continue into 2026 as we prepare for an all-new ride and other experiences.

So if you’re heading to the parks in 2026, be prepared for all these ongoing projects.

Rides Will Be Closed

Going along with the construction, there will be QUITE a few rides and attractions closed. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will reopen sometime in 2026, but Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island are permanently closed.

DINOSAUR will be closing on February 2nd, 2026, and TriceraTop Spin and The Boneyard have already shut down.

Muppet*Vision 3D and the current Disney Jr. show are closed permanently in Hollywood Studios, and Star Wars: Launch Bay is next on the chopping block, closing in fall 2025. Also, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will close sometime in 2026 to get its Muppets-themed overhaul.

We know exciting things are on the horizon, but these are a LOT of closures to prep for!

Crowds Are Relative

If you’re going to Disney World in 2026, especially if it’s your first time, know that crowds are relative. The crowd calendars and predictors out there are made by people who visit the parks frequently, and what they say are “low” crowds may not feel like low crowds to you.

For instance, if we saw Slinky Dog Dash or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train with a 45-minute wait, we’d tell you that it was a pretty slow day. However, it might not feel “slow” to you when standing in that 45-minute line with your whole family.

Also, it’s totally possible to go the “right” time of year and just end up in the parks on the “wrong” day. Festival start days are VERY popular at EPCOT, and during the holiday season, Magic Kingdom can get incredibly busy on days when there’s not a holiday party (simply because it closes early on party days and people want to go when it’s open all day). Even some slower seasons are now packed with conferences, cheer competitions, and dance competitions, since those tend to be cheaper times for large groups to travel to Orlando. It’s a good idea to check and see if there are any big events happening in the area before you book.

Of course, it’ll likely be rather busy on days when those closed rides reopen or anything new and fresh happens in the parks, so stay tuned to AllEars to get the scoop on what dates to avoid!

Use Those Rest Days!

And finally, our big piece of advice is to make use of rest days during your trip. It is SO hard to go 3, 4, or 5+ days in a row in the theme parks, even if you “take it slow.” Just thinking about that combined step count makes me sweat!

So if you can squeeze in a day in the middle of the week where you do nothing but sleep in, chill out at the pool, and then enjoy a delicious dinner, that would be a BIG help in keeping your energy levels up. Otherwise, you’re probably going to be dealing with some cranky and tired friends and family.