These are all of the major things you need to know if you are going to Walt Disney World in January 2026. This includes closures, fireworks, and more.
Cinderella Castle Repaint Starts
Cinderella Castle will be repainting starting in early January. An exact date has not been given yet. It is currently pink and blue, but will be going back to grays, creams, and blues with touches of gold. They will drain the moat and have cranes and lifts placed into the moat. You will see the cranes and construction equipment in use during the morning, but they will be lowered and out of sight each day by noon so you can still get your nice castle pictures. Beginning January 28th there will be some minor adjustments to the shows Let the Magic Begin, Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire, and Happily Ever After fireworks.
Crowds
You can expect lower crowds at Disney World for most of January. There will likely be an increase in crowds January 17-19th due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Weather
The weather in January is usually pretty nice. The average high is in the high 70s and the average low is in the 40s-50s. The mornings and evenings are a little chilly, so bring a sweatshirt or buy a cute Disney one while there. January doesn’t usually see much rain, but it’s always good to bring a poncho in case.
Fireworks
Magic Kingdom will have Happily Ever After. EPCOT will have Luminous The Symphony of Us each night.
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. The Disney Skyliner will be closed for maintenance January 25th through 31st. 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. Read dates and more about the closures here.
Parades
Magic Kingdom will have the nighttime parade Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away every night, once or twice per night. This is a newer nighttime parade featuring Moana, Peter Pan, and more.
Last Chance for DinoLand USA
All of DinoLand USA in Animal Kingdom will close permanently on February 2, 206. This includes the ride DINOSAUR and the restaurant Restaurantosaurus.
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Starts
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will go from January 16th until February 23rd. This festival has special foods, displays, art activities, and more.
Disney After Hours is Back
Disney After Hours is coming back to Disney World in January. It will be in Magic Kingdom on January 12th and 19th, EPCOT on January 22nd and 29th, and Hollywood Studios on January 14th and 28th.