Disney World Closure and Refurbs for March 2026

Every Disney World Attraction Closing for Refurbishment in March

Stay ahead of the crowds and the construction walls with your updated guide to Walt Disney World closures for March 2026. Whether you’re chasing the spring sun or planning a family getaway, knowing which rides are taking a breather will help you maximize every magic moment of your trip!

Magic Kingdom

Cinderella Castle-Ongoing Paint Project

Cinderella Castle is currently undergoing a regal transformation as Disney begins a restoration project to return the icon to a more traditional color palette. Moving away from the vibrant “earidescent” rose gold and cobalt blue of the 50th Anniversary, the refreshed look will feature a classic blend of grays, creams, and soft blues, highlighted by elegant gold accents. Work is expected to continue through the coming months, with a final reveal slated for later in 2026.

To facilitate this massive undertaking, the Cinderella Castle Moat has been drained, giving crews safe access to the lower levels of the structure for surface prepping and painting. While heavy machinery and cranes are required to reach the castle’s highest spires, Disney is working to preserve the magic for your vacation photos—cranes are typically lowered or removed from sight by noon each day to keep those iconic Hub shots as clear as possible.

Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin

Attention, Junior Space Rangers! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is currently mid-refurbishment after closing last August, but the countdown to its Spring 2026 relaunch has officially begun.

When the Bay reopens, Star Command is rolling out some high-tech artillery to help us defeat Zurg once and for all. Expect a total tactical upgrade, including:

• Handheld Blasters: No more fixed cannons! These new blasters feature always-on lasers in two distinct colors for pinpoint accuracy.
• Interactive Targets: New reactive targets will now light up when you score a direct hit.
• Upgraded Cruisers: Refreshed ride vehicles designed for a smoother journey through the Gamma Quadrant.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Please hold onto your hats and glasses, because the wildest ride in the wilderness is currently taking an extended hiatus. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed for a massive scheduled refurbishment since January 2025, with an expected reopening set for spring 2026.

The excitement continues to build following Disney’s announcement of the new Rainbow Caverns scene, and fans are eager to see what other surprises the Imagineers have in store for this classic coaster. Until the trains start running again, Frontierland feels notably quieter without the thunderous roar of the mountain.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Animation Courtyard

The Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios is currently behind construction walls as it prepares for a cinematic transformation. The area—formerly home to Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance!—is set to debut as The Walt Disney Studios later this summer, offering a refreshed hub for family-friendly entertainment and character encounters.

This reimagined land will introduce several new experiences, including:

• Olaf Draws!: An interactive drawing experience inside the Magic of Disney Animation.
• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!: A brand-new stage show for the youngest Disney Junior fans.
• Indoor & Outdoor Play: A new climate-controlled indoor playground alongside much-needed shaded outdoor relaxation areas.
• Character Hub: Dedicated spaces for meeting your favorite stars from Disney and Pixar films.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Time is running out to catch a ride on the classic Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith! You have just one day in March to experience the attraction before it closes on March 2 to make way for a major Muppets retheme.

While the iconic Aerosmith recording studio pre-show was unexpectedly boarded up back in December 2025, you can still rock out to the band’s legendary soundtrack as you blast through the neon-lit streets of Los Angeles. This final “encore” ends after March 1, with the high-speed coaster set to reopen later this summer featuring The Electric Mayhem.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Conservation Station & Wildlife Express Train

The entirety of Rafiki’s Planet Watch (now transitioning to Conservation Station) officially closed on February 23 to begin its transformation into the highly anticipated Bluey Experience. This closure is a total “paws” on the area, meaning the Wildlife Express Train, The Animation Experience, and the Affection Section petting zoo are all currently unavailable to guests.

Fans of the Heelers won’t have to wait too long, however. The land is expected to make its grand return this summer, with rumors pointing toward a May 26 debut to kick off the “Cool Kids’ Summer” seasonal event.

Will any of these closures impact your trip?