Big Changes are Coming to the Parks This May
If you have a vacation to Walt Disney World planned for May 2026, you’re going to want to double-check your daily itinerary. We’re seeing a massive wave of transformations, long-term track work, and brand-new themes all converging this month. While some of these closures are temporary maintenance stops, others mark the end of an era for classic attractions.
Keeping track of construction walls can be a full-time job, but staying informed is the best way to ensure your Lightning Lane Multi Pass strategy doesn’t hit a dead end. Here is the breakdown of the six attractions currently undergoing refurbishments or total transformations this May.
Magic Kingdom: Frontierland and Storybook Circus
The biggest news for coaster fans is the return of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This legendary attraction has been closed for a massive overhaul since early 2025. Disney has been busy with a full track replacement and adding what they call “a little bit of new magic” to the experience. The good news? The wait is almost over. The wildest ride in the wilderness is scheduled to reopen on May 3, 2026.
Over in Storybook Circus, Pete’s Silly Sideshow remains closed. Both character meet-and-greet locations—featuring Donald, Goofy, Minnie, and Daisy in their circus attire—are currently unavailable. The calendar doesn’t show any availability for these specific spots through June 22, 2026, so you’ll need to look for these friends in other areas of the park for now.
EPCOT: Film Updates and New Horizons
At the France Pavilion, Impressions de France is taking a short break for routine maintenance. This is a relatively quick project, with a scheduled reopening date of May 10, 2026. It’s a great spot to cool off, so keep that mid-month date in mind if it’s on your must-do list.
The biggest shift in EPCOT involves The Land Pavilion. Soarin’ Around the World is officially ending its current run. Its final day of operation is May 13, and it will close on May 14, 2026. This closure is to facilitate the debut of Soarin’ Across America, which is set to launch on May 26. This new version will celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary with updated visuals of iconic American landscapes.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: A Muppet Takeover
The landscape of Sunset Boulevard has changed significantly. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is gone, having closed permanently in March. In its place, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets is preparing for its grand debut on May 26, 2026. This reimagined high-speed launch coaster will feature the Electric Mayhem and updated show scenes.
Finally, Vacation Fun, the animated short featuring Mickey and Minnie at the Mickey Shorts Theater, is also seeing downtime for refurbishment this month. While less intensive than a coaster overhaul, it’s another spot to cross off your list if you were planning a mid-day break there.
Why It Matters & Planning Tips
These closures represent a significant shift in park capacity, especially toward the end of the month when the new attractions debut. When one major coaster like Big Thunder Mountain is closed, expect wait times at nearby attractions like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to rise.
- Check the Calendar: Reopening dates like May 3 (Big Thunder) and May 26 (Muppets/Soarin’) will draw heavy crowds. Plan your park days accordingly.
- Character Strategy: Since Pete’s Silly Sideshow is down, use the My Disney Experience app to locate Goofy and Donald in alternative spots.
- New Tech: With Soarin’ Across America debuting, expect Lightning Lane availability to disappear quickly for that attraction in late May.
While closures are always a bit of a bummer, the trade-off is often a smoother, more modern experience. Whether it’s a fresh track on a classic coaster or a brand-new Muppet adventure, the parks are constantly evolving to keep the magic alive.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.