It’s officially 2022, so what’s happening in Disney World in the first month of the new year?

We’re losing an iconic Disney World perk and gaining some new events, so maybe it all evens out? Let’s go over all the changes in Disney World coming this January!

Magical Express is Gone

Disney’s Magical Express, the free service that transported Disney World hotel guests to and from the Orlando International Airport and the resorts, was officially discontinued on January 1st, 2022. Guests will still be able to take the Magical Express from their Disney World hotel to the airport through January 10th, but after that, the service is completely gone.

Now, guests have to figure out their own way to get to Disney World, whether they choose to travel via services like rideshare, rental cars, taxis, private cars, shuttles, or more, or with the two newest options, Mears Connect or The Sunshine Flyer!

The BEST ways to get to Disney World when the Magical Express is gone!

Reopenings

Typhoon Lagoon Reopens

On January 2nd, Typhoon Lagoon reopened for the first time since March 2020! The waterpark will be open from 10AM to 5PM daily according to Disney World’s calendar.

At Typhoon Lagoon, guests can hang out in the lazy river, try new snacks (including Dole Whip!), float around the giant wave pool, or float down six different water slides!

Read more about BIG menu changes coming to Typhoon Lagoon!

Closures

Blizzard Beach

At the same time that Typhoon Lagoon reopened, Blizzard Beach closed for refurbishment for an unknown amount of time beginning on January 2nd.

As of right now, there is no reopening date for Blizzard Beach on Disney World’s calendar, but we’ll be watching closely for any changes. In the meantime, you can visit Typhoon Lagoon for your Disney World waterpark fun!

Learn more about Blizzard Beach closing for refurbishment here.

Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest is closing for refurbishment on January 4th for a loooong three-month closure. The Animal Kingdom ride will be closed through mid-April, which is a longer-than-usual refurbishment closure for Disney World.

Considering the number of shows and rides that are either closed or have yet to return to Animal Kingdom, it’s a bit unusual to see Disney close one of the biggest rides in the park. We’ll be watching closely to see how this closure is handled!

Here’s what you need to know about Expedition Everest’s 3-month closure.

Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain is closing for refurbishment on January 10th, but it won’t be quite as long as Expedition Everest’s closure. Splash Mountain will remain closed through February 10th, 2022.

Disney has noted that this temporary Splash Mountain closure will be due to “routine maintenance” and not for purposes of refurbishment for the Princess and the Frog re-theme. 

Click here to read about Splash Mountain’s brief closure.

Disney Skyliner

The Disney Skyliner is closing for refurbishment from January 23rd to January 28th. This closure will affect Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, and EPCOT, but other Disney World transportation options will still be available.

If you’re staying at one of the Skyliner resorts during these dates, you might not be able to use the Skyliner on your route of choice during that time. However, you can still rely on Disney World buses and FriendShip boats!

Here’s what you need to know about the Skyliner closure!

Disney World Marathon Weekend

The first runDisney weekend of 2022 will take place from January 5th to the 9th! The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will have four different races and two challenges, and runners can choose from a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon, or the full marathon.

Runners can also participate in either the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, which requires runners to do both the marathon and the half marathon, or take on the BIG Dopey’s Challenge, which combines all four races!

Everything you need to know about the 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend!

Fort Wilderness Brings Back Horse-Drawn Carriages

Fort Wilderness is bringing back the classic horse-drawn carriage rides on January 7th, 2022! These 25-minute carriage rides take guests on a scenic ride around Fort Wilderness. Each carriage fits up to 4 adults, or 2 adults and 3 small children.

A Fort Wilderness horse-drawn carriage reservation costs $55. Disney recommends reservations made in advance via the Disney World website or by calling (407) 939-7529.

Horse-drawn carriages are returning to Fort Wilderness!

Festival of the Arts

The EPCOT Festival of the Arts will kick off on January 14th, bringing us celebrations of Culinary, Visual, and Performing Arts. This festival will last through February 21st, 2022.

Disney has already released the 2022 list of food booths for the festival, and we can’t wait to try them out! Who’s ready for some art AND food? We are!

Check out the full list of food booths for the 2022 Festival of the Arts!

Club Levels

Club Level returns to Disney’s Yacht Club on January 20th…

…and to Disney’s Beach Club on January 27th! Club Level rooms offer additional amenities like access to the Club Level Lounge, evening wine and beer, and even desserts.

Club Level rooms have already reopened at select Disney World hotels, like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Read more about returning Disney World hotel Club Levels here!

Magic Kingdom Closing Early

On January 25th, Magic Kingdom will close VERY early at 4:30PM. This is a big difference from the usual closing time of 8 or 9PM.

We don’t know the reason for the early closure, but we suggest avoiding Magic Kingdom that day unless you plan on leaving early!

The one day to avoid Magic Kingdom in January!

And that’s everything coming to Disney World in January! Keep reading DFB for more Disney World news and updates!

7 mistakes you don’t want to make in Disney World in 2022!

Are you excited for January?  Tell us in the comments!