Three Disney World Headliners Leave Lightning Lane in May as Closures Reshape Plans

Temporary ride closures tied to rethemes will compress Lightning Lane availability across parks.

Overview

Disney outlets reported Thursday that three Walt Disney World rides will be off Lightning Lane at points in May, limiting access to the line-skipping reservation system and likely lengthening standby waits.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is closed for a Muppets retheme and is set to reopen May 26, removing a major draw that typically eases pressure on other rides.
Soarin’ Around the World at EPCOT will be down May 14–25 for work that swaps in Soarin’ Across America as part of the United States’ 250th anniversary programming.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom stays unavailable through the start of the month and returns May 3, creating a brief early‑May gap in Lightning Lane stock.
Pirates of the Caribbean remains in Walt Disney World’s lineup, though its omission from Disneyland’s Lightning Lane offering has fueled speculation about future changes that Disney has not confirmed.