At Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida, early refurbishment work has started on one of the park’s most iconic roller coasters, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. Guests visiting on 12th January 2026 began noticing construction scrims installed around the load and unload areas of the attraction, signalling the start of maintenance efforts. While Disney has not released an official announcement about a full closure or detailed timeline, these visible changes mark the beginning of work to refresh and maintain this beloved ride.

Expedition Everest, which debuted in April 2006, stands as a standout in Disney’s Animal Kingdom with its dramatic mountain silhouette and high-speed twists, turns and backward segments that take riders into the mythical Himalayan heights. The current work appears to be a rolling refurbishment — meaning that rather than completely shutting down the attraction for a long period, cast members will carry out updates and repairs while the ride continues to welcome guests. This approach is not entirely typical for a major coaster, particularly one with complex mechanical and themed elements, but allows the experience to remain available during the work.

Park goers have reported that the scrims specifically mask the loading zone and parts of the station, preserving guest safety and sightlines while crews carry out their tasks out of view. Disney has not yet shared any formal details about what aspects of the coaster are being worked on, nor when the project will be completed. Despite the lack of an official statement, observers believe the work is likely routine maintenance or cosmetic updates rather than a full closure, given that no closure notice has appeared on Disney’s refurbishment schedule so far.

Expedition Everest has had periodic maintenance and closures in its history — including previous long refurbishments — and its ongoing upkeep is a testament to the ride’s enduring popularity and technical complexity. As part of the larger tapestry of attractions at Walt Disney World Resort, this refreshing effort ensures that guests will continue to enjoy the high-altitude thrills and storytelling that have made Everest a fan favourite for nearly two decades.