Disney World has already said goodbye to several familiar experiences in 2026, but the list of permanent closures continues to grow as the resort prepares for another year of major changes.
From longtime attractions disappearing to construction projects transforming entire sections of the property, Disney fans have watched plenty of their favorite experiences become part of the past.
And unfortunately, the changes aren’t finished.
Two additional experiences have permanently closed to the public.
While Disney continues introducing new experiences, these latest departures serve as another reminder that even established favorites aren’t guaranteed to stick around forever.
Here’s what guests need to know about the two permanent closures and how they fit into Disney World’s ongoing transformation ahead of 2027.
Another Familiar Disney World Experience Disappears
One of the latest closures involves a longtime nightlife destination at Disney’s BoardWalk.
Atlantic Dance Hall permanently ended its regular public operations following its final night on September 27, 2026.
For years, adults visited the venue to enjoy popular music, dance, and spend time with friends after leaving the theme parks.
Now, that experience is permanently closed to the public. Guests can no longer walk in for an evening of dancing, and Disney has not announced plans to bring back regular public nightlife there.
However, the building itself isn’t closing completely.
Beginning October 1, Disney made Atlantic Dance Hall available for private functions through Disney Meetings & Events and Disney Fairy Tale Weddings. Although the public nightclub is permanently closed, eligible private events can still take place inside the venue.
The change comes amid other developments around Disney’s BoardWalk.
Earlier in October, Hurly-Burly Lounge opened in the former Jellyrolls location, giving guests another evening entertainment option.
Still, it doesn’t recreate Atlantic Dance Hall’s dance-floor experience. For longtime visitors, that particular Disney World tradition has ended. The distinction matters: Disney is keeping the space in use, but ordinary guests have lost access to the nightclub experience for good, rather than simply pausing it for renovations.
A Second Closure Leaves Guests With Fewer Choices
Meanwhile, another permanent departure has affected Disney Springs.
Sunshine Churros, which operated two stands in the shopping and entertainment district, served its final customers on September 5, 2026, before permanently closing both locations.
The stands offered creative twists on traditional churros, including flavors featuring Pop Rocks and Dubai chocolate.
The business also introduced rotating selections through its Churro of the Month promotion, giving returning visitors something different to try.
For guests exploring Disney Springs, the stands provided a convenient stop for a quick treat.
Now, neither location remains open.
That doesn’t mean churros have disappeared from Walt Disney World. Guests can still purchase the popular snack elsewhere across the resort, although Sunshine Churros’ specialty flavors are no longer available at its former stands.
Its departure adds to the list of Disney Springs closures in 2026, including Shore, Sprinkles, and Francesca’s.
Disney Springs still offers plenty of shopping and dining options, but returning visitors will find several familiar businesses missing.
Unlike Atlantic Dance Hall, which continues to host private functions, both Sunshine Churros stands have ceased operations entirely.
These Departures Follow an Even Bigger Year of Closures
Although the latest changes affect locations outside Disney World’s four theme parks, they follow several significant attraction closures throughout 2026.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith permanently ended its original run in March.
The attraction originally opened in 1999 and entertained guests for decades before Disney introduced a Muppets-themed replacement.
The updated Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets retains the familiar ride system while introducing different music, characters, and themed elements.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom also experienced a major loss when DINOSAUR permanently closed in February.
The attraction originally debuted as Countdown to Extinction when the park opened in 1998.
Disney is transforming the former attraction into Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent as part of the Tropical Americas expansion.
Meanwhile, Magic Kingdom’s Carousel of Progress closed in July for an extensive reimagining.
Although the attraction is expected to reopen in late spring 2027, Disney plans to introduce significant changes to its familiar presentation, including updated scenes and a Walt Disney animatronic.
Together, these projects show just how dramatically Disney World is evolving, even when some attractions retain their original buildings or ride systems.
Disney World Heads Toward 2027 With More Changes Ahead
For guests planning vacations in 2027, the latest closures are another reason to check which experiences remain available before arriving.
Atlantic Dance Hall and Sunshine Churros may not have attracted the same attention as major theme park rides, but both contributed to the variety of experiences available across Walt Disney World.
Their departures also demonstrate that the resort’s ongoing transformation extends well beyond its attractions.
As Disney prepares for additional openings and renovations, visitors can expect the property to continue evolving.
For now, two more familiar Disney World experiences have officially joined the growing list of permanent closures in 2026.
