These are all of the changes at Disney World to know about in January 2026. It’s good to know about them before you go to plan your vacation better.
The Holiday Season is Over
The Christmas/Holiday season at Disney World is ending on December 31st, so none of the things that come with it will be going on in January.
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Starts
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is starting on January 16th and goes until February 23rd. This is a shorter festival that is loved by Disney World fans.
No More Free Water Park Admission
In 2025 Disney World offered free water park admission for Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests. This is not happening in 2026 though.
Ride Closures
Ride closures in January include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Frozen Ever After, and the Frontierland Station of the Walt Disney World Railroad. Read dates and more about the closures here.
Other Closures
The Disney Skyliner will be closed for maintenance January 25th through 31st. Disney is providing complimentary bus service for guests at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts. The Fjording Shop in EPCOT is also closing at the end of February. Blizzard Beach is closed for all of January and will open on February 15th. Animation Courtyard is currently closed as it undergoes a big rehaul.
Lower Crowds
You can expect to see lower crowds at Disney World in January compared to December. There will likely be a little increase in crowds for Martin Luther King Jr Day weekend from January 17th through 19th.
Disney After Hours is Back
Disney After Hours is back in Disney World in January. It will be in Magic Kingdom on January 12th and 19th. In EPCOT on January 22nd and 29th. In Hollywood Studios on January 14th and 28th.