Hi, Emily! Thanks for returning to planDisney! I know you must be so excited that your Walt Disney World trip is in just a few short weeks!
It was Walt Disney's hope that the Disney theme parks would never be complete. He wanted them to "continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world." It's one of the qualities that keeps so many of us returning to Walt Disney World, but that, unfortunately, means that some things must close, at least temporarily. You can always check for attraction refurbishments on the
Walt Disney World Hours and Events Calendar. Change the date and park to reflect your schedule, then scroll down and look for the "closed for refurbishment" button. I've checked for the week you'll be visiting, so let's get into it.
I absolutely love
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. It is, after all, "The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness!" It is currently undergoing a track replacement and will sadly not be reopened by the time of your vacation. I'm sure this is a disappointment. There are still plenty of thrills throughout the parks, though. Additionally,
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom Park is in the process of an enhancement, and
Frozen Ever After in EPCOT will be undergoing refurbishment the week of your visit, as well.
Let's get to the good part!
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is a nighttime parade that opened last summer. If you haven't yet experienced this, I hope you'll add it to your schedule!
Zootopia: Better Together is a new 4D show in the Tree of Life Theater in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. As a big fan of Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, I'm really looking forward to this one!
I'm so excited to share that
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will be underway during your visit! It's included with your theme park admission and allows you to view amazing artwork, try unique food and beverages, and - my favorite part - the Disney on Broadway concert series! This article from
Disney Parks Blog has lots of information about what you can expect.
You have the opportunity to be one of the last guests to experience a few attractions.
Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom will be closing for good on February 2, 2026. DinoLand U.S.A. has a special place in my heart, and I will miss it dearly, but I am excited for the new
Tropical Americas that will eventually take its place.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith in Disney's Hollywood Studios will cease operating on March 1 to allow for the new Muppets theming.
Now it's time to get packing, Emily! And if you have any more questions, I hope you'll come back to planDisney. We love helping guests plan their magical vacations!
Always dreaming -
Elizabeth