Are you planning to visit Disney World in 2026? You need to know what’s closed/closing and if it’s worth your money to visit in 2026. This is your Disney World Construction 2026 Update!
Is Big Thunder Mountain closed 2026, when does DinoLand close, what’s Muppets Rock n Roller Coaster opening date?
If you thought the Epcot transformation was big, 2026 is officially the year “The Big Build” begins at Walt Disney World. From the massive land clearing beyond “Big Thunder Mountain” to the permanent closure of DinoLand USA, the parks are currently a sea of construction walls.
For the best things to do beyond the the theme parks, be sure to checkout my local’s guide to Orlando!
Magic Kingdom: Frontierland Transformation
Located on the left side of Magic Kingdom’s “Hub” is the largest construction site in Disney history. Here’s what to expect.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Reopening Spring 2026)
The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” has sadly been closed for over a year for a total track replacement. I’m ready for this iconic coaster to be open again!
- Status: Testing has begun! Weighted ride vehicles have been spotted on the tracks.
- The Update: Expect a much smoother ride and enhanced “Rainbow Caverns” show scenes.
- Expected Opening: Late March / Early April 2026
2. Cars “Piston Peak”
With the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island now officially drained and demolished, vertical construction of the Cars themed land “Piston Peak National Park” is beginning. This area will still have scenic water features blended with the beloved Cars franchise.
This is a huge undertaking so expect this area to be under heavy construction for several years.
- What to expect: Land clearing is visible from the Liberty Square riverfront.
- 2026 Milestone: Expect to see the first steel structures for the “Piston Peak” off-road attraction by late 2026.
3. Villains Land
Don’t expect “Happily Ever After” in this land! This home for our villainous hero’s will be located on the back half of Rivers of American, between Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain (and beyond). As was already mentioned, the front part of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island is the location of Cars Land.
- What to expect: Construction has already started with land clearing and site prep. But don’t expect to see any of this from the ground!
- 2026 Progress: Probably not much to see. This will be many years in the making.
4. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Get ready to blast away on this soon-to-be newly refurbished interactive ride.
- What to expect: Updated ride vehicles, new handheld blasters, and interactive targets.
- Reopening: Opening Spring 2026
Animal Kingdom: The Tropical Americas
- DinoLand USA is officially a thing of the past. I’m thinking of all the times my son played in The Boneyard….many years ago, so this closure hurts my heart! I took my now adult son for one last ride on DINOSAUR. DINOSAUR and Restaurantosorous is set to forever close February 2, 2026.
- What to expect: The area formerly known as DinoLand USA will be turned into an 11 acre themed land called Tropical Americas and is set in the Central/South American village called “Pueblo Esperanza” based on the movie Encanto.
- Highlights: DINOSAUR will be completed gutted and turned into an Indiana Jones Adventure. A new carousel, playground, and dining will be apart of this new area. Also an Encanto themed attraction will take you through Antonio’s rainforest room inside the magical Casita.
- New for 2026: While this land is under major construction for the rest of 2026, the Zootopia: Better Together 3D show is now open in the Tree of Life theater! This is a super cute show your kiddos will love!
2. Bluey at Conservation Station: Coming Summer 2026
A new interactive experience featuring Bluey and Bingo is set to debut at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. This is sure to be a massive win for families with toddlers visiting this Sumer!
Hollywood Studios: Monstropolis & The Muppets
- Monsters, Inc. Land
I’m super excited for this land…..Monsters, Inc. is one of my favorite Disney movies. Construction has officially begun in the back of the park (the former Animation Courtyard Muppets area).
- 2026 Status: Lots of walls up! Expect to see “The Doors” suspended coaster vertical steel by the end of this year.
- Potential Opening: 2027-2028
2. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets (Summer 2026)
You still have some time to ride Aerosmith’s version of this coaster! But will be closing March 1, 2026. It will be an end of an era, for sure! This coaster will have the same track and feel, just Muppet-tized!
- Status: Open until March 1, 2026 then undergoing a re-theme.
- Opening: Summer 2026 but no specific date.
3. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Refresh)
When you’re in Batuu you must take the Millennium Falcon for a spin! Especially after the upcoming new mission is added. Expect to see Baby Yoda (Grogu) as well as Mando (The Mandalorian).
- Debuting: May 22, 2026
Epcot: No Construction!
After years of walls, Epcot is mostly clear, but there are a few fan-favorites getting a refresh! If you haven’t visited in awhile you should checkout Test Track, which got a major overhaul last year. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure also got some love…it is now in 2D. No more 3D glasses needed! Which is great for those that experience motion sickness.
- Soarin’ Across America: A new version of the Soarin’ flight film focusing on American landmarks is set to debut just in time for the summer crowds, Memorial Day 2026!
- Frozen Ever After: Closing January 26, 2026 and will be getting some new animatronics. This attraction should only be closed a few weeks and is set to reopen mid-February.
So that wraps up the construction, refreshes, and re-themes for the theme parks in 2026. But what about the resorts?! If you’re planning your Disney World vacation you’ll want to know if your resort is going to be under construction!
Resort Refurbishments
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: While the Island Tower is open, general construction on the Great Ceremonial House and walkways will continue through mid-2026. FYI—if you haven’t visited Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, they have recently added extended hours! To get all the important info on this MUST-TRY lounge experience, read all about it!
- Bay Lake Tower (Contemporary Resort): Major room refurbishments are wrapping up in July 2026.
- Pop Century Resort: Room refreshes are ongoing through February 2026.
There are sooo many fabulous choices when it comes to choosing the perfect resort for you and your family. Be sure to read some of my favorites and find the Best Resort For Any Budget!
Be sure to bookmark this post, as I’ll continue to update throughout the year! What are some of the new things coming that you’re looking forward too?! Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for reading!
