Five Major Closures Affect Walt Disney World Guests in August 2026
They reflect a resortwide program of staggered refurbishments that will force guests to check availability before travel.
Overview
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, which closed on July 6, 2026, is in a long, extensive overhaul set to reopen sometime in 2027 and will include a new introductory Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney.
- Mickey Shorts Theater closed on August 9, 2026, and is being used temporarily as a distribution site for an exclusive Annual Passholder magnet with a return to regular screenings expected later in 2026.
- Big Top Souvenirs has been closed since February 20, 2026, for refurbishment and is scheduled to reopen at an unspecified date later in 2026.
- The Walt Disney World Railroad has run on a modified route during Frontierland construction since 2025; trains still operate but Disney has not announced when the traditional route will resume.
- Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course closed on May 4, 2026, for renovation and is expected to reopen in fall 2026, and the cluster of staggered projects shows how multi‑phase work across the resort can change visitor plans and area shopping and transport options.