Disney World Outlines May Closures and Late-Month Reopenings

The schedule signals a pivot to new IP experiences across several parks.

Overview

Visitors face a compressed lineup in May 2026, with Big Thunder back May 3, Typhoon Lagoon on May 12, a Soarin’ pause from May 14–25, and several debuts set for May 26.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad returns May 3, 2026 after a year-long overhaul with new effects, upgraded track and trains, and a Rainbow Caverns scene.
EPCOT’s Soarin’ Around the World closes May 14–25 to install a limited-time Soarin’ Across America film that begins May 26 for the U.S. Semiquincentennial.
May 26, 2026 brings big debuts: Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster returns with The Muppets, Animation Courtyard begins a partial reopen with new Disney Junior offerings, and Animal Kingdom unveils Bluey’s Wild World with the Wildlife Express Train back.
The Walt Disney World Railroad is running only between Main Street and Fantasyland for the next few years due to Frontierland construction, which changes how guests circulate through Magic Kingdom.