The 50th Anniversary Celebrations have officially kicked off in Disney World!
New restaurants, rides, snacks, and more have arrived. But what about the things that WON’T be available this October? Let’s take a look at all the hotels, rides, and shows that will be CLOSED in Disney World this next month.
Whether for refurbishments, construction, or just because they haven’t reopened yet, there are quite a few attractions that you won’t be able to visit in Disney World this coming month.
Magic Kingdom
In the Magic Kingdom, the Walt Disney World Railroad is still not open.
Some of the railroad tracks over in Tomorrowland were interrupted due to construction on the upcoming TRON: Lightcycle Run roller coaster, so the train can’t run right now.
We’re not sure yet when the railroad will reopen to take guests around the park again, but we’ll let you know as soon as there’s any news.
The TRON: Lightcycle Run ride was supposed to open in time for the 50th Anniversary celebrations, but its opening has been delayed.
We’re expecting to see it open sometime in 2022, but for now, we can only watch the construction’s progress and get super excited about this new roller coaster.
Click Here to Learn More About TRON: Lightcycle Run
Mickey’s PhilharMagic is also going to be closed for part of October, with a month-long refurbishment from October 11th through November 11th.
Imagineers are adding a new scene to the show, which will feature music from the Disney film Coco.
This new scene has already come to the attraction in Disneyland, but you can see it in Disney World starting November 12th.
Click Here to Check Out the New Coco Scene in Disneyland’s Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Animal Kingdom
In Animal Kingdom, there aren’t any scheduled refurbishments for rides during October. However, keep in mind that Kali River Rapids is going to close on November 1st for some refurbishments.
Right now Kali River Rapids is scheduled to be closed at least through mid-December of this year.
Also, Finding Nemo: The Musical is closed right now and will remain closed for a while since Disney is reimagining the show.
The new version of Finding Nemo: The Musical will debut in Animal Kingdom sometime in 2022.
Click Here to Learn More About the Changes Coming to Finding Nemo: The Musical
EPCOT
EPCOT also doesn’t have any scheduled ride refurbishments during October, so all your favorite rides should be open when you visit. Keep in mind that rides do close unexpectedly sometimes due to weather or technical difficulties.
The Canada Far & Wide in CircleVision 360 film hasn’t been playing for a while, since the Appleseed Orchard booth for EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival is using the space.
The festival ends on November 20th, and Canada Far & Wide has showings listed for November 21st. If you love the scenic movie in the Canada Pavilion, head over there to watch its return in November.
EPCOT is going through a BIG transformation, with new “neighborhoods,” attractions, and restaurants. One of the biggest new attractions will be the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster, coming to Future World.
This attraction isn’t open now, and it’s not expected to open until sometime in 2022.
Hollywood Studios
Three Hollywood Studios shows haven’t reopened yet: Fantasmic!, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, and Voyage of the Little Mermaid.
Disney recently announced that Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular will return on December 19th, 2021 but none of the other shows have reopening dates yet, and Disney’s calendar shows them being closed at least through November of this year.
We know that a lot of construction is going on over at the Fantasmic! stage, so it’s possible that the show will be updated or changed when it does return.
We’ll let you know as soon as we have more info about the return of these shows.
Hotels
There are just a few more hotels that haven’t returned yet to Disney World. For some of them, we won’t have to wait long for their return. Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside Resort is reopening on October 14th…
…and Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort will reopen on October 28th.
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort was originally going to reopen on December 9th of this year, but its opening has been delayed indefinitely.
Disney is planning some refurbishments to the Sports-themed hotel, and they haven’t announced a reopening date yet.
Over at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the refurbishments to the lobby and guest rooms are finally finished!
Click Here to Check Out the New Incredibles-themed Rooms at the Contemporary
You’ll still see some construction around the resort, but we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for this hotel’s long transformation.
Another part of the transformation is a new restaurant: Steakhouse 71. This restaurant has replaced The Wave…of American Flavors, and is located near the lobby of the Contemporary.
Steakhouse 71Â opened October 1 and we have reviewed all 3 meals!
See our Steakhouse 71 Dinner REVIEW here!Â
The lobby at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will be getting some updates, and construction there will last through late October of this year.
Signs and Cast Members will direct guests to temporary check-in areas, or you can check in on the My Disney Experience app and just go straight to your room when you arrive.
Those are all the scheduled refurbishments for Disney World hotels, attractions, and rides this October! Keep following DFB for more tips and updates as you plan your vacation.
Click Here to Check Out Our Ultimate (and Crazy) Game Plan for October 1st In Disney World
Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Details and Info
See Photos & Reviews of All of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Eats and Treats
Check Out the 50th Anniversary Merchandise Released Online
Get a Look at Some of the 50th Anniversary Merchandise Released in the Parks
Click HERE for Your Guide to Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
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Which Disney World show or ride are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments!
Juliette Pashalian says
I think you have the opening dates for the New Orleans Hotels backwards. You just actually gave me a scare thinking my hotel wouldn’t be open. Riverside opens on 10/14 and French Quarters opens 10/28.
Rebecca Share says
Do you have any idea at all when Storybook Dining will reopen??
DFB Sarah says
Rebecca, sadly Disney has not released info on this.
Beccy Share says
Ah, thanks for coming back so quickly. It’s my Mom’s 60th birthday while we are there, and we were hoping it would be open by December. We probably won’t ever get to go again!! Sad times. Thanks for all the info!