food IS a theme park
Believe it or not, it’s already almost time for another festival to grace EPCOT!
EPCOT Festival of the Arts!
EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays is about to wrap up on December 30th, and it’s been an excellent experience so far. With that said, we all know that when one EPCOT festival ends, another is getting ready to take over. Such is the case with the upcoming 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, which is set to totally transform this Disney World theme park.
January sounds like the perfect time to visit Disney World until you realize how many little surprises come with it.
The Skyliner closes temporarily in January
Yes, the weather is cooler, and the crowds are usually lighter, but January has its own set of planning challenges that can catch even experienced Disney fans off guard. If you are heading to Disney World in January 2026, there are a few key things you’re going to want to know ahead of time. Knowing these now can help you avoid frustration and set more realistic expectations once you are in the parks.
January sounds like the easiest month to do Disney World, which is exactly why it can sneak up on you.
Skyliner closed
Cooler weather, lower crowds, and a post-holiday calm make January feel like a no-brainer. And honestly, it can be a great time to visit. You just need to know a few things going in. Think of this as that friend who has already made these mistakes, so you do not have to. If you are heading to Disney World in January 2026, here are the most common slip-ups we see and how to avoid them without stressing yourself out.
If you are planning a Disney World trip for January 2026, there are a few closures you will definitely want on your radar before you finalize your plans.
It’s closed!
January is already a popular month thanks to lighter crowds and cooler weather, but refurbishments are a big part of the post-holiday season. Two major Magic Kingdom rides will be unavailable, plus a temporary transportation shutdown to consider. Here is exactly what will be closed, why it matters, and how to plan around it.
I love Disney World. I’ve been an Annual Passholder for years, my entire job is about Disney and travel, and I go to the parks roughly once a month (if not more)!
©Disney
I love the theme parks more than most, but it’s time to admit I might skip Disney World in 2026. I know, I can’t believe I’m even writing the words, but I have at least 5 reasons that you might agree with!
Let’s face it — 2026 could be a rough year for Disney World as it continues to progress through several construction projects. Still, that doesn’t mean some new things aren’t opening.
©Disney
We’re seeing quite a few ride changes in 2026 at Disney World! Over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is getting a Muppets retheme, Magic Kingdom’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is finally reopening after a year-plus closure with new effects and an updated track, and big things are happening at EPCOT, including new faces coming to the animatronics of Frozen Ever After and Soarin’ getting an “Across America” update during the country’s 250th anniversary celebration. However, we’ll also be seeing multiple new locations pop up over the theme park resort!
The Disney World parks feels like construction central right now!
Construction walls in Animation Courtyard
Disney World is going through a LOT of change right now, but not all of them are changes we’re looking forward to. While we’re excited for new attractions and lands, we are dreading some of these changes in 2026!
While Destination D23 — the year’s biggest Disney fan convention — happened in August, Disney saved some big news for September.
The sun is setting on Dinoland U.S.A.
We love bringing you news about additions and fun Disney World changes. But, alas, the biggest news drop in September had more to do with a beloved Animal Kingdom land saying goodbye forever in 2026.
Traffic at Disney World can turn a magical vacation into a pretty stressful start.
Do you drive to Disney World?
Between runDisney events, cheerleading competitions, and holiday weekends, there are some days when driving to the resort is going to feel way less convenient than usual. That does not mean you have to stay home, but it does mean you’ll want to plan ahead if you’re bringing your car to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Let’s go through the 8 dates in 2026 when you may want to avoid driving to Disney World.
Disney is no stranger to big changes, and 2026 is already shaping up to be another year of massive shifts across the parks and resorts.
Welcome to Disney World!
From attractions being re-themed to entire lands closing, from new ships on the seas to price changes that will impact your vacation budget, there’s a lot to track. To help you plan ahead, we’ve rounded up the 20 biggest Disney changes that are officially confirmed for 2026 — and broken down exactly how each one will impact your trip.
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