Disney World January 2026 Schedule: Events, Closures & More
It’s a new year and that means new things to explore at Walt Disney World Resort. Starting out in January, there aren’t big things on the horizon to look forward to in 2026 like a new land opening. There are quite a few extensive ride refreshes happening that will be completed this year though. That means this month there are some rides down for refurbishment still. The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is back in mid January bringing color, artists and performers together to paint the park with fun.
Here’s a look at more of what’s on the Disney World January 2026 schedule of events. Below we’re including routine closures and refurbishments as well. This is what you have to look forward to this month at Disney World.
Must See and More at Disney World in January 2026
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend January 7-11
The year kicks off with runDisney’s Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend January 7 through the 11.
If you’ll be at Disney World during this time, be aware there may be some road delays early in the morning on the 8, 9 and 10. Disney’s only full marathon is on Sunday January 11 and the longer distance causes the event to run closer to midday.
Disney Skyliner Refurbishment Later This Month
Those staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort or Disney’s Art of Animation and Pop Century resorts should know about the upcoming Skyliner closure. Guests of Disney’s Beach Club and BoardWalk resorts will also be affected as they are within walking distance of the Epcot station.
The Disney Skyliner will be closed for refurbishment from January 25 through the 31 in 2026.
Complimentary bus service will be available in addition to other methods of transportation resorts may have access to.
Cinderella Castle Painting Begins This Month
Disney will start repainting the iconic Cinderella Castle later this month. The new colors will look more classic and pale, replacing the pinkish hue that debuted in 2020 for the 70th anniversary of the animated Cinderella film. The moat around the castle will be drained in preparation for the makeover.
Epcot International Festival of the Arts January 16 to February 23
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is the first Epcot event of the year. This is part of a regular day at the park and included with Epcot tickets. The food booths at this event offer creative visual plates and art inspired treats.
Expect added entertainment including the Disney On Broadway concert series.
These shows are located in the outdoor, mostly covered America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion.
The Disney On Broadway Concert series show times are 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm.
Performers for this month are:
- Adam Jacobs (Aladdin) and Isabelle McCalla (Aladdin) (New in 2026)
January 16, 18, 19, 22, 24, 26, 27
- Sierra Boggess (The Little Mermaid) (New in 2026) and Jelani Remy (The Lion King)
January 17, 20, 21, 23, 25, 28, 29
- Anastacia McCleskey (Tarzan) (New in 2026) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)
January 30
- Mandy Gonzalez (Aida) and Kissy Simmons (The Lion King)
January 31
See more on the Epcot arts festival.
Epcot’s Frozen Ride Closes for Refurbishment at the End of January 2026
If you’re headed to Epcot, note that the Frozen Ever After ride will temporarily close for refurbishment on January 26. The popular attraction will reopen in February of this year with updated Audio-Animatronics of Elsa, Anna and Kristoff. The new characters will look more like the advanced ones in the World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland.
Seasonal Water Park Passes Now Available
It’s still chilly in Orlando but sunny days, especially afternoons, do exist in January. The Disney Water Park seasonal pass is currently available again for visits now through May 9, 2026.
These are $89 for adults and $83 for children ages 3 to 9. There are block out dates from March 28 through April 5.
For the last few years, Disney water parks have been operating one at a time. That means you can use your seasonal water park pass at the park that’s currently open. Both parks will be open this summer but that’s after this pass expires.
Typhoon Lagoon’s last day of operation is February 14.
Blizzard Beach reopens on February 15.
The Disney Water Park seasonal pass is available on the Disney World Special Offers page.
Park Closures and Ride Refurbishments in January at WDW
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World in January, remember these are also down temporarily for refurbishment:
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom
- Disney Jr. Play and Dance! at Hollywood Studios
- Frozen Ever After closes for refurbishment January 26
The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster pre-show with Aerosmith is no longer running at Hollywood Studios. This area is closed off in the queue as Disney begins updating the attraction to the new version starring The Muppets. The ride will have its final day on March 1, 2026 and reopen as Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets in the summer of 2026.
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