As Walt Disney World nears completion of major 2026 projects like the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment, 11 closures are scheduled across its four theme parks and Typhoon Lagoon water park in May. This includes ride refurbishments, show returns, area transformations, and park reopenings, with most wrapping up by month's end. Trip planners should monitor for changes.
Following earlier announcements of 2026 closures and updates, including those in our ongoing Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment coverage, here are the key May impacts:
Magic Kingdom:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens May 3 after extended refurbishment with new track, vehicles, scenes, and magic.
- Walt Disney World Railroad's Frontierland Station remains closed (shuttered since July 2025), though trains run from other stations.
- Pete’s Silly Sideshow character meet-and-greet in Fantasyland stays shuttered with no reopening date.
EPCOT:
- Refreshment Port closed, no reopening announced.
- France Pavilion's Impressions de France and Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along return May 9.
- Soarin’ Around the World closes May 14–25 for transition to Soarin’ Across America.
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
- Animation Courtyard closed for retheme to Walt Disney Studios area, reopening May 26.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (Muppets retheme) debuts May 26.
Disney's Animal Kingdom:
- Rafiki’s Planet Watch reopens May 26 as Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station.
Water Parks:
- Typhoon Lagoon reopens May 11.
These updates continue Disney's push to refresh attractions, tying into broader Frontierland, Tomorrowland, and Animal Kingdom transformations previously detailed.
