Disney World and Disneyland Temporary Ride and Restaurant Closures for May 2026

If you're planning a Disney vacation in May, there are a few things you'll want to know before you go. Both Disneyland and Disney World have a significant number of ride closures scheduled for the month — some for routine maintenance, some for major overhauls, and some with no confirmed reopening date in sight. Here's the full breakdown.

Disneyland Ride Closures for May 2026

The good news first: the Disneyland Monorail and Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin, both closed since March 30, are scheduled to reopen on May 1.

The bigger news is what's closing. On May 4, both Pirates of the Caribbean and the adjacent Blue Bayou Restaurant will shut down for refurbishment. Blue Bayou is expected to reopen on May 21, but Pirates of the Caribbean will remain closed for approximately a month with no specific reopening date confirmed yet.

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters has been closed since April 13 with no set reopening date — notable timing given that Toy Story 5 hits theaters on June 19, 2026. Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind also remains closed with no confirmed return date. Silly Symphony Swings closed on April 27 and similarly has no reopening date announced.

Disney World Ride Closures for May 2026

At Magic Kingdom, the big story is a reopening rather than a closure. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, closed since January 6, 2025 for an extensive overhaul that includes a new track, new ride vehicles and a brand new Rainbow Caverns scene, returns on May 4.

At EPCOT, the Palais du Cinema in the France pavilion remains closed for refurbishment, taking both Impressions de France and Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along offline until May 10. Soarin' Across the World will also close on May 14 to transition to its new overlay as Soarin' Across America, reopening May 26.

????FIRST LOOK Inside Rock'N'Roller Coaster starring The Muppets loading area for the attraction, featuring The Great Gonzo banner, Gonzo's statue & Gonzo's hat from Muppet Christmas Carol as part of Gonzo's "weird stuff" #RockNRollerCoaster #TheMuppets pic.twitter.com/ZYOtpL3Stp

— DSNY Newscast (@DSNYNewscast) April 21, 2026

At Hollywood Studios, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith — closed since March 2 — will reopen on May 26 as Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. The track layout stays the same, but the theming will be entirely rebuilt around the Muppets and The Electric Mayhem band. Also at Hollywood Studios, Vacation Fun — An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie closed for refurbishment on April 29 with no reopening date announced. The former Animation Courtyard area remains closed for its reimagining into The Walt Disney Studios, set to reopen later this summer.

At Animal Kingdom, Rafiki's Planet Watch closed February 23 to make way for a new Bluey-themed experience and is set to reopen May 26.

Typhoon Lagoon, closed since February 15 for its annual refurbishment, returns on May 12. Blizzard Beach remains open in the meantime.

Ongoing Disney Projects

Cinderella Castle is nearing completion of its repainting project, returning to its classic blue, gray and white color scheme. Cranes are being lowered or removed from view by noon each day to minimize disruption to guest photos.

The Walt Disney World Railroad continues to operate in shuttle mode between Main Street and Fantasyland stations, with Frontierland excluded while construction continues on Piston Peak — the new Cars-inspired land — and the upcoming Villains Land.

All dates are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, check the Disney World and Disneyland apps before your visit.