There’s nothing worse than getting hyped for a ride at Disney World only to find out it’s closed when you get there.

Former Muppets Courtyard blocked

Some fan-favorite attractions are going behind construction walls in 2025 and won’t be back until sometime in 2026. Whether you’re planning your next trip or just trying to stay ahead of the changes, here’s what we know so far about the upcoming closures at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A couple of these are big, so if they’re on your must-do list, you’ll want to plan around them.

Let’s get into the closures.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Magic Kingdom

This one hurts a little. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is officially closed for refurbishment and won’t reopen until 2026.

Big Thunder Mountain construction June 16th, 2025

The ride shut down on January 6th, 2025, and while Disney hasn’t shared an exact reopening date just yet, they have said it’ll be back sometime next year. That’s a pretty lengthy closure, so it’s likely we’ll see some noticeable changes when it returns. Disney hinted there might be “a little bit of new magic” added during the downtime, which sounds like we could be in for some updated effects or storytelling elements. But for now, if your Disney trip is happening anytime in 2025, you’ll have to skip this wild ride through the wilderness.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad construction July 2025

If you’re looking for a similar thrill in Magic Kingdom, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is your best bet. Just know it tends to get long lines all day, so hitting it early in the morning or late at night is your best shot.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Magic Kingdom

This ride is getting a serious overhaul. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close for enhancements starting August 4th, 2025, and is set to reopen sometime in 2026. But this isn’t just a standard refresh—it’s a full-scale update with new tech, new characters, and some gameplay features that fans have been begging for.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Here’s what’s changing:

• A brand-new show scene is being added to expand the ride’s story and make your mission feel even more like an epic Star Command adventure.
• Say hello to Buddy, a brand-new robot character who’ll help guide you on your mission and introduce you to the upgraded features of the attraction.
• The current ride vehicles are being totally redesigned with a new look inspired by Buzz Lightyear and Star Command, plus video monitors that show your real-time score and other fun effects.
• This is the big one—HANDHELD BLASTERS. No more trying to aim those fixed blasters that never quite go where you want. The new handheld models will have always-on lasers, come in two different colors, and finally give you that first-person shooting experience guests have wanted for years.
• The targets (yes, those “Z” logos everywhere) are being upgraded, too. Now they’ll light up and react when hit, which opens the door for more interactive surprises along the way.

©Disney

If you’ve ever felt like the current Space Ranger Spin was a little behind the times compared to something like Toy Story Mania, this refurbishment is definitely aiming to close that gap.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This is the big one. The Muppets are coming in hot. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will officially close in 2026.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

But unlike the other two, this isn’t just a temporary refurbishment—it’s a full-on reimagining. When it reopens, it’ll be Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. Yep, the rock legends are stepping aside, and the Muppets are taking over Sunset Boulevard. Disney confirmed that the Muppets will be headlining the newly reimagined ride when it opens later in 2026.

©Disney

We don’t know exactly how much of the original ride system will stay intact, but it sounds like the bones of the coaster will remain the same. What will change is the story, the music, and the theming. And considering the Muppets’ chaotic energy and love of musical mayhem, we’re expecting this to be a totally wild experience (in the best way). Kermit, Animal, and the rest of the gang zipping through L.A. traffic? We’re already sold.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster area entrance on Sunset Boulevard

So if you’re a die-hard Aerosmith coaster fan, you’ve got a limited window to ride it before it closes. No exact closure date has been announced yet, but the switch is set to happen sometime in 2026, so keep an eye out if you’re visiting next year.

Those are just a couple of closures in 2026 at Disney World that you should plan around. Until next time, keep it right here at DFB for the latest Disney news!

4 NEW Permits That Hint at More Disney World CHANGES

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

---

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

Are you taking a trip to Disney World in 2026? Which closure are you the most bummed about? Let us know in the comments.