Walt Disney World is easing out of the holiday season, but the parks are still carrying a little seasonal sparkle into January, with some holiday décor and treats lingering. As the crowds thin and the calendar flips, January is a common time for planned refurbishments, with several attractions taking short breaks for maintenance after the busy holiday stretch.
Whether you’re visiting during the quieter post-holiday window or planning ahead to avoid unexpected downtime, here’s what you’ll want to know about attraction closures and refurbishments at Walt Disney World in January 2026.
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 – Repainting Project
Beginning in January 2026, Disney will start 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 first step in the process will be the draining of the moat surrounding Cinderella Castle. This allows crews to safely access lower portions of the structure and properly prep surfaces for painting. From there, cranes will be brought in to reach higher sections of the castle. However, Disney has confirmed that these cranes will be 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
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
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 – Closing for Refurbishment
The Norway pavilion’s boat ride will close on January 26th and reopen sometime in February in 2026 with updated Audio Animatronics, taking inspiration from the advancements seen in figures at Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney Presents – Taylor Swift Exhibit Ends
In case you missed it, Disney added a limited-time Taylor Swift activation in celebration of The Eras Tour | The End of an Era docuseries on Disney+. The exhibit is scheduled to end on January 23rd.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Going Extinct…
We have just a few weeks left with DINOSAUR, which permanently closes February 2nd before it transforms into a new Indiana Jones Attraction… so, ride it while you can!
Transportation
Heads up; the Disney Skyliner will be closed January 25th through January 31st, 2026, for scheduled maintenance.
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, and happy new year!
