What Will Be Closed in Disney World in January 2026
If you are heading to Walt Disney World in January 2026, you might want to know what will be closed! Here is a look at everything that will be closed at the start of the new year.
Disney World Closures for January
Nobody likes the idea of missing out on a beloved ride or attraction due to a closure. This is. especially true for a once-in-a-lifetime visit!
Fortunately, Walt Disney World keeps fans updated as much as possible when refurbishments are looming. Of course, this is not always possible in the case of unexpected malfunctions and breakdowns.
But, for the most part, we know what to expect. Here is a rundown of what will be closed in each park this month so you can manage expectations and avoid disappointing surprises.
Major Transportation Closure
The Disney Skyliner will be closed for part of January. The refurbishment dates are set for January 25-21, 2026.
If you are staying at a Skyliner resort (Pop Century, Art of Animation, Riviera, or Caribbean Beach Resort), you will need to use bus transportation to get to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. The EPCOT area resorts will continue to offer boat transportation as usual.
Animal Kingdom Closures for January
Disney's Animal Kingdom is currently undergoing a transformation. DinoLand U.S.A. CLICK HERE for a look at what is coming in its place.
If you expected to see dinosaurs in Disney, all that will be left in January is the Dinosaur ride, and it will close forever in February. Click HERE for details.
If you are traveling toward the end of the month, you may see a spike in wait times as the ride's extinction draws near and longtime fans come to say goodbye. Plan accordingly if riding it is important to you.
Hollywood Studios January Closures
Hollywood Studios is also undergoing refurbishments all over the park. Muppets Courtyard is changing to Monstropolis. Animation Courtyard has been gutted, and an icon has been torn down.
Muppet Vision 3-D is Permanently Closed. This is also true for Pizza Rizzo and Mama Melrose's restaurants. Star Wars Launch Bay is also permanently closed.
Hollywood Stuidos has a LOT Going on at the Moment
Speaking of Taylor Swift, if you are hoping to see her Eras Tour costumes on display, act now. The exhibit in Walt Disney Presents closes on January 23. Click HERE for details.
Lastly, the entirety of Animation Courtyard is closed. This includes Disney Jr. Play and Dance! is currently closed while the area is revamped. See what is coming HERE.
Magic Kingdom January Closures
The Magic Kingdom is also transforming Frontierland. Tom Sawyer Island has been demolished, and Rivers of America has been drained. Both are permanently closed. You can see what it looks like HERE to brace yourself.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently closed. It will not reopen until an undisclosed date in 2026, but the trains were recently being tested, so that is good news!
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin is also closed for refurbishment and will not reopen until next year. You can read more information HERE.
Pete's silly side show is also closing for refurbishment on January 5th 2026. However, we might see the characters pop up elsewhere. We'll let you know if we do!
Lastly, while it is not a closure, Cinderella Castle is being repainted. That's right, the castle will go back to its classic color scheme.
While this isn't a closure, it might interfere with photo ops for the foreseeable future. Repainting begins in January. However, the cranes should be out of sight by noon each day, so plan photos accordingly if you want a shot without the equipment.
EPCOT January Closures
EPCOT is currently the winner for Walt Disney World in terms of being mostly operational. It's mostly up and running and has no major construction zones for now.
However, there is a BIG project coming at the end of the month. Frozen Ever After closes on January 26, 2026. When it reopens in February, there will be newly updated Audioanimatronics! You can read about them HERE.
Other Closures
Blizzard Beach will be closed for its annual refurbishment. You can visit Typhoon Lagoon instead for your water park fix-provided it is warm enough.
Remember, Typhoon Lagoon closes for inclement weather and low temperatures. Be sure to keep an eye out for closure news.
Do any of these closures impact your November visit to Walt Disney World? Let us know. And feel free to share with friends and family so they know what ot expect!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Katie's favorite park is Animal Kingdom. Her Disney loves include Disney mugs, Dole Whips, POG Juice, the Electrical Water Pageant, Chai Lattes from Joffrey's, and all the Disney Parks music!
