Disney Announces 13 Ride Closures in March 2026 as Refurbishment Wave Continues
Recent updates show Disney has scheduled 13 ride closures in March 2026 for refurbishment and ride changes, a wave of maintenance that will affect planning for guests during a traditionally busy spring period. The list includes a high-profile re-theming, long-running overhauls that remain in progress, and a seasonal water-park shutdown — all details that matter for anyone booking visits this spring and summer.
Disney ride closures and key attraction changes
Refurbishment season is active across the resort properties, with many projects extending into March. Notable items from the announced closures and changes include:
- Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster conversion: One ride is scheduled to close on March 2, 2026, to be transformed from a music-themed experience to a version centered on a different franchise. The coaster’s track layout and general storyline will remain the same; retheming will focus on new set design and character theming. The reworked attraction is slated to open in summer 2026, with no specific reopening date provided.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: This Magic Kingdom mountain has been closed since January 6, 2025, for an extensive refurbishment that includes a new track, new ride vehicles, and the addition of a new Rainbow Caverns scene beside the initial lift hill. No exact reopening date has been released, though teams have indicated the attraction should return by spring 2026.
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: Closed since August 4, 2025, this attraction is receiving significant guest-facing updates. Fixed blasters have been replaced with handheld units that include sound effects and vibration on successful target hits; the opening scene has also been reworked to better establish the ride’s storyline. A specific reopening date is not listed, but the upgrade is expected to be ready by spring 2026.
- Typhoon Lagoon seasonal refurbishment: The water park closed for its annual refurbishment on February 15 and is scheduled to reopen on May 12. Guests planning water-park visits should note the downtime window when arranging itineraries.
Only one new ride closure joins the extended list this month; many other refurbishments are carryovers from earlier in the year. Dates for these projects are subject to change, and additional closures may be added as work progresses.
Planning impacts and visitor guidance
The concentration of refurbishments follows a pattern of bulk maintenance after the holiday season and ahead of increased spring and summer attendance. For visitors, the practical impacts include longer walk times to alternate attractions, potential reallocation of touring priorities, and limited availability of some fan-favorite experiences during peak windows.
Practical steps for guests: prioritize must-do attractions that remain open, confirm attraction availability before arrival, and build flexibility into itineraries to accommodate shifts in schedule. Park operating hours and special evening events may still be affected while major projects are underway.
Developing items to watch
Recent updates indicate a separate report concerning a high-profile casting change in the broader entertainment universe: a notable actor has been named in connection with a recast for a new role. Details remain sparse and may evolve as further information becomes available.
On the parks side, the most consequential upcoming milestone is the summer reopening target for the rethemed coaster. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the upgraded Buzz Lightyear experience are both expected back by spring 2026, though no firm dates have been published for either. Typhoon Lagoon’s May 12 reopening is currently the only specific return date listed.
Refurbishment schedules are subject to change; visitors should monitor official park communications and confirm attraction status close to travel dates. These maintenance efforts are aimed at long-term improvements, but they will shape guest experience in the near term as the parks prepare for another busy season.
