January has always been a popular month for Walt Disney World fans who want lighter crowds and cooler weather.But January 2026 is shaping up a little differently. Several major projects are all kicking off within the same month, and while none of them should derail a well-planned vacation, they will affect what guests see, ride, and experience across multiple parks.If you already have a January 2026 trip booked—or you’re thinking about locking one in—this is one of those moments where knowing what’s ahead can make the difference between frustration and a smooth visit. Here’s a breakdown of what’s closing, what’s changing, and how to plan around it like someone who’s been doing this a long time.Credit: H. Michael Miley, FlickrCinderella Castle Construction Begins at Magic KingdomCinderella Castle isn’t going anywhere, but it is getting a noticeable refresh starting in early January 2026. Disney has now confirmed that a repainting project will begin shortly after the new year, marking the first major visual change to the castle since the 50th Anniversary makeover.The most important thing for guests to know is this: the castle will still be there, and daytime photos will still be possible. Disney plans to lower construction equipment by midday, which means early-morning visitors may see cranes, while afternoon and evening guests should still be able to get those classic shots.Shows like Happily Ever After and daytime stage performances will continue with minor adjustments rather than full cancellations. From a planning perspective, Magic Kingdom remains very much “open for business”—just expect visual changes around the park icon and some adjusted sightlines during parts of the day.Credit: DisneyEPCOT Festival of the Arts Returns on January 16Not all January changes are closures. EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts officially begins on January 16, 2026, and for many guests, this event is a reason to choose a January trip.Festival of the Arts brings food studios, Broadway-style performances, artist booths, and interactive activities that spread crowds more evenly around World Showcase. That’s especially helpful during a month when another EPCOT headliner is about to go offline.If EPCOT is a priority for your trip, the festival actually works in your favor. It adds entertainment depth during a time when one attraction closure could otherwise feel more noticeable.Frozen Ever After Closes for Refurbishment on January 26This is the most significant ride closure hitting January 2026. Frozen Ever After will close on January 26 for a refurbishment focused on upgrading the Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff animatronics.If Frozen Ever After is a must-do for your group, timing matters. Trips earlier in the month—or even just earlier in that final week—give you one last chance to ride before the attraction goes dark. Disney has not announced an exact reopening date beyond a general February window, so late-January and early-February EPCOT visitors should plan as if the attraction will be unavailable.The good news is that EPCOT has plenty to absorb the impact. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Soarin’, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and the Festival of the Arts offerings help balance out the loss. Still, families with Frozen fans may want to plan EPCOT days before January 26 if possible.Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the MagicDinoLand U.S.A. Enters Its Final Full Month at Animal KingdomJanuary 2026 also marks the final full month of operations for DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While the official permanent closure happens in early February, January is effectively the last real chance to experience DINOSAUR and the remaining pieces of the land as they exist today.For longtime fans—or guests who want one last ride before it’s gone—this is a quiet but meaningful moment. From a practical standpoint, Animal Kingdom remains a strong park in January thanks to cooler temperatures and solid attraction capacity. Just know that DinoLand’s days are numbered, and interest may pick up as February approaches.If DINOSAUR matters to you, prioritize Animal Kingdom earlier in your trip rather than leaving it for the end.Credit: DisneyHow to Plan Smart for a January 2026 VisitDespite the headline-grabbing word “shutdowns,” January 2026 is far from a bad time to visit Disney World. The key is setting expectations.Plan Magic Kingdom photos later in the day.Visit EPCOT before January 26 if Frozen Ever After is important to you.Use Festival of the Arts to your advantage.Prioritize DINOSAUR early if it’s on your list, because it will soon be gone permanently.January remains one of the best months for lower crowds and comfortable weather—but this year, it rewards guests who plan with intention. If you do that, the changes won’t ruin your trip. In fact, for many guests, they’ll barely register at all.What do you think of the closures coming to Disney World in January 2026? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments below!The post NEW: A Wave of Shutdowns Is Coming to Disney World in January 2026 appeared first on Inside the Magic.