AA Family; Big Thunder Mountain; Frontierland; Magic Kingdom
  • On Feb 8, 2026
    Alexandria from Lanarkshire Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We've just found out that the affection section in Animal Kingdom will be closed on our trip. Is there a list of areas/attractions that will be closed between April 25th and May 9th?

    Hiya, Alexandria! Welcome to planDisney!

    It looks like you’ve got a spring vacation coming up! This is one of my favorite times of year to visit Walt Disney World Resort, Alexandria. The weather tends to be lovely, and EPCOT hosts the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Fun and whimsical Disney character topiaries sprout all over the park, along with beautiful, sprawling gardens. You’re visiting at a great time!

    Now, to answer your question, the Hours & Events Calendar on the Walt Disney World Resort website is a wealth of information. Here, you can see details on park hours, events, parades, fireworks, and nighttime entertainment, as well as offerings that are closed for refurbishment across Walt Disney World Resort. As of this writing, the current calendar only extends to April 10, but April 25 through May 9 will populate as those dates approach.
     
    The Disney Parks Blog is also a great place to get information on happenings across property, including attraction refurbishments. The “New Details About What’s Coming to Walt Disney World in 2026” blog post is filled with great information, including details on when we can expect currently closed attractions to reopen.

    As of this writing, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park are closed for refurbishment and are expected to reopen this spring. Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the last day of operation for Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will be March 1, 2026. It will reopen later this summer as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. As you know at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Affection Section, Conservation Station, Wildlife Express Train, and Rafiki’s Planet Watch will temporarily close on February 23, 2026. Please note that these refurbishments and dates are subject to change.
     
    More broadly, you will see some construction walls across the parks during your visit. There is a lot happening at the parks, and that’s because there’s a lot to look forward to!
     
    The Animation Courtyard area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios closed in 2025. This is to make way for “The Magic of Disney Animation,” which will be a family experience housed in a building inspired by the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. The Muppets Courtyard also closed in 2025 to make way for a Monsters, Inc. land. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, DinoLand U.S.A. closed very recently, and this is to make way for a Tropical Americas-themed land that will include Encanto and Indiana Jones-themed attractions, among many other exciting offerings. Over at Magic Kingdom Park, The Rivers of America closed in 2025 to make way for Piston Peak National Park, which will be a Cars-themed land.
     
    Oh boy! There is so much coming to the parks, I can barely contain my excitement for all of it! I hope this answers your question, Alexandria! If you have any other questions as you continue to plan your spring vacation, don’t hesitate to come back and see us here at planDisney!
     
    See you real soon!

    Olivier 
thumbnail image for Olivier

Meet the Panelist: Olivier, Saskatchewan

Hiya Pals! I am Olivier from Saskatchewan, Canada. I am a husband, father of two little Imagineers, and a Mountie! For our family, nothing compares to the joy we feel when we are at The Most Magical Place on Earth. The sights, the sounds, the smells, every detail adds to the enchantment that makes Walt Disney World feel like home. We’ve created so many lasting memories on our Disney vacations, and I can’t wait to help you plan magical adventures of your own, in English or en français! Learn More About Olivier

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