Spring has sprung at Walt Disney World! The start of April is just a week away… the days are getting warmer in Central Florida, spring break season is in full swing, and the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is running strong with character topiaries, colorful gardens and outdoor kitchens.
But even with all of those springtime factors… not every attraction is guaranteed to be operating during your visit.
If you’re stacking Lightning Lanes, planning park days around festival booths, or just trying to avoid that dreaded “wait… it’s closed?!” moment, it pays to know what’s down ahead of time. Disney rotates attractions in and out for refurbishment throughout the year, and April is no exception.
Here’s your updated look at attraction closures and refurbishments at Walt Disney World for April 2026, so you can plan accordingly and make the most of your spring trip!
And if you’re looking further ahead, you can also check out our full breakdown of everything coming to Walt Disney World in 2026, including major projects, to help plan the rest of your year!
Magic Kingdom
Even the Most Magical Place on Earth needs to do a little maintenance now and then!
Cinderella Castle – Ongoing Paint Project
Disney recently began repainting Cinderella Castle as part of a restoration project to bring back a more traditional color palette. The work is expected to continue over the next few months, though the castle looks nearly complete! The refreshed look features grays, creams, blues, and subtle gold accents, moving away from the rose gold and cobalt blue which debuted for the resort’s 50th anniversary.
The moat surrounding Cinderella Castle is currently drained, allowing crews to safely access lower portions of the structure and properly prep surfaces for painting, with cranes are brought in to reach higher sections of the castle. However, these cranes are lowered or removed from view by noon each day to limit how much they interfere with daytime sightlines and guest photos.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Closed for Refurbishment
All right, you junior space rangers, listen up! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed in August last year for some major updates and is set to reopen April 8th with several enhancements. The ride will feature new interactive targets that light up when hit, upgraded ride vehicles, and handheld blasters equipped with always-on lasers in two colors, allowing us space cadets to aim and shoot more effectively.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Closed for Refurbishment
Hold onto your hats and glasses, because the wildest ride in the wilderness… is taking a break. Big Thunder has been down for scheduled refurbishment since January 2025, and is expected to reopen in early May. Disney’s announcement for the new Rainbow Caverns scene has us all excited for the return, and we can’t wait to see what else is in store! Until then, Frontierland feels a little more empty…
Walt Disney World Railroad – Altered Route
Also part of Frontierland’s ongoing construction for Piston Peak and Villains Land, the Walt Disney World Railroad is currently operating under a modified route that excludes the Frontierland station. The train now operates as a shuttle between Main Street station and Fantasyland station only. The train will remain in this “shuttle mode” for the next few years, until the new projects are closer to completion.
EPCOT
Impressions de France / Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along – Closed for Refurbishments
Within the World Showcase, the Palais du Cinema in the France pavilion is closed and receiving a refurbishment. This means both of the rotating shows here — the incomparable Impressions de France and the lesser-liked Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along — are off EPCOT’s attractions list. Currently, there are no show times through early May, and no re-opening date listed.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Animation Courtyard – Closed for Re-Theme
The park’s Animation Courtyard area (including the now-closed Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance!) is currently closed off. It will reopen as The Walt Disney Studios later this summer, bringing Olaf Draws!, new character meet & greet opportunities, and an indoor playground inside the Magic of Disney Animation; alongside shaded outdoor areas, and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – CLOSED
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith ended its run on March 1st, and will reopen with The Muppets movin’ right along later this summer.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Conservation Station & Wildlife Express Train – Temporarily Closed
The entirety of Rafiki’s Planet Watch (now known as Conservation Station) closed on February 23rd to prepare for a new Bluey Experience. This area’s closure includes the Wildlife Express Train and its access to Conservation Station, the Animation Experience, and Affection Section. Bluey’s Wild World will debut on May 26th with the start of Cool Kids’ Summer.
Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for up-to-date info on closures, reopening dates, and showtimes during your visit. Happy travels!
