We’ve got about a month of spring left at Walt Disney World, and as we know, May 26th is a pretty big day for Disney fans. There are a few attractions offline until then, here’s what you need to know!
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 May is no exception.
Along with scheduled refurbishments, it’s also common to run into unexpected downtime. Attractions can go offline without notice, so it’s not something you can plan around, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind. If there’s a ride you really don’t want to miss, try to fit it in early and leave yourself some extra time in case it temporarily goes down during your visit.
Here’s your updated look at attraction closures and refurbishments at Walt Disney World for May 2026, so you can plan accordingly and make the most of your trip!
Magic Kingdom
Even the Most Magical Place on Earth needs to do a little maintenance now and then!
Cinderella Castle – Paint Project Nearing Completion
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 weeks, though the castle looks complete! (Mickey’s Magical Fare resumes earlier show times beginning May 10th, which leads us to believe the cranes will be wrapping up their work fairly soon.) 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 sight lines and guest photos.
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
Soarin’ – CLOSED MAY 14-25
EPCOT is getting a limited-time update to Soarin’ Around the World. Starting May 26, Soarin’ Across America will debut in honor of the US Semiquincentennial. To make way for the updates, Soarin’ Around the World will close on May 14.
Impressions de France / Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along – REOPENS MAY 10!
Within the World Showcase, the Palais du Cinema in the France pavilion has been 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 until May 10 when it reopens.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Vacation Fun – [UPDATE: Reopened May 7th]
Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie was closed from April 29th through May 6th as the exit area was used for May the 4th merchandise distribution. As of May 7th, Vacation Fun has reopened as normal.
Animation Courtyard – Partial Reopen on May 26
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. However, the new shaded outdoor areas and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will debut earlier at the park, beginning May 26!
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – REOPENS MAY 26 (With The Muppets!)
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith ended its run on March 1st, and will reopen with The Muppets movin’ right along beginning May 26. Learn more about the new ride track list here!
Annual Passholder previews and soft openings are likely to happen before May 26, though there’s no official information just yet!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Conservation Station & Wildlife Express Train – REOPENS MAY 26
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 (soon to be Jumping Junction). 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!
