February at Walt Disney World is one of those in-between moments. The holiday sparkle is packed away, spring hasn’t fully arrived yet, and the parks are still buzzing from open to close. EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts is running strong, cooler temps make for comfortable touring days, but not every attraction is guaranteed to be up and running every single visit.
Whether you’re locking in Lightning Lane plans or just trying to avoid that “wait… it’s closed?” moment, knowing what’s down ahead of time is important. Disney rotates attractions in and out for updates and upkeep year-round, and February is no exception. Here’s what you’ll want to know about attraction closures and refurbishments at Walt Disney World in February 2026 – including a few that are closing for GOOD!
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 well into the year, with completion planned for later in 2026. The refreshed look will feature 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 has been 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 for updates and is set to reopen in 2026 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 Spring 2026. 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 complete.
EPCOT
Frozen Ever After – Closed for Refurbishment
The Norway pavilion’s boat ride closed on January 26th and will reopen sometime in February with updated Audio Animatronics, taking inspiration from the advancements seen in figures at Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen.
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. The area will reopen as The Walt Disney Studios later this summer, bringing Animation Academy back and new character meet & greet opportunities inside the Magic of Disney Animation, shaded outdoor areas, and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Last Chance for Aerosmith
February is your last full month to experience Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, as the coaster closes March 2nd (last day to ride is March 1st) and reopens with The Muppets later this summer. Keep in mind, the Aerosmith recording studio pre-show was suddenly shuttered up in December 2025, but you can still hear their the band’s music as you race through LA.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
DINOSAUR – Permanently Closing
In case you’re visiting on the first day of February, you too can be amongst the last guests to experience DINOSAUR, which permanently closes February 2nd before it transforms into a new Indiana Jones Attraction… It truly is the countdown to extinction.
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!
