If you’re heading into Disney World this December, you can take in all the festive cheer with holiday decorations, new souvenirs, and special events.
Although there are a lot of new additions to see, there are also a few attractions and hotels that will NOT be open for at least part of December. You’ll want to be aware of these closures before your trip so that they don’t catch you off guard! In this post, we’re going to take a look at what’s going to be closed in December in Disney World.
Starting out with the rides and attractions, almost every Disney World park has one attraction that’s unavailable during some or all of December.
Magic Kingdom
The Walt Disney World Railroad is still closed in the Magic Kingdom.
The train usually runs around the park with stops on Main Street, U.S.A., in Fantasyland, and another in Frontierland.
But some construction going on in Tomorrowland on the upcoming TRON: Lightcycle Run roller coaster has interrupted the train tracks, which means the train can’t run right now.
The Railroad will probably return when construction over in Tomorrowland finishes up, which could be sometime next year (although Disney hasn’t given an official opening timeline for TRON as of now).
Right now, Disney’s calendar of refurbishments has the railroad staying closed through January 2022 at least.
Click Here to See an Update on the Walt Disney World Railroad Refurbishment
EPCOT
In EPCOT, the Souk-al-Magreb gift shop in the Morocco pavilion of World Showcase is still closed. Although this shop came off the refurbishments schedule for a while, we didn’t see it reopen in the park.
The gift shop is now back on Disney’s refurbishments schedule, and it looks like the shop will be closed at least until February of next year. That’s as far as the schedule goes right now, so its closure could be longer.
Click Here to See What’s New in EPCOT Right Now
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Kali River Rapids is still closed for its refurbishment. Although it’ll be closed for a little while in December, this ride is actually scheduled to reopen earlier than it was originally going to.
Kali River Rapids is set to open on December 16th, 2021.
Soon you’ll be able to enjoy Kali River Rapids again. We’ll keep you updated about its reopening as soon as we see it back in the parks.
Click Here to See the Five BEST (and Five WORST) Rides in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney World Hotels
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort still has not opened.
It was scheduled to open in December of this year, but Disney announced that its reopening will be delayed indefinitely due to more construction inside.
Disney’s Port-Orleans Riverside Resort reopened last month, but the Boatwright’s Dining Hall did not open with it.
We learned recently, however, that Boatwright’s will reopen on December 14th, so you’ll be able to enjoy the delicious Southern cooking again soon.
This restaurant will have several changes to the menu, so be sure to check those out before you visit.
Click Here to Learn About the Changes at Boatwright’s Dining Hall
Grand Floridian Refurb with DVC villas Over at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, the Big Pine Key building has started its transformation into Disney Vacation Club villas. The rooms will become 200 resort studios, which are scheduled to open in the summer of 2022.
That’s it for our update on everything that’s scheduled to be closed in Disney World in December. Make sure to keep following DFB as you plan your Disney vacation because we’ll let you know about all the updates and changes along the way.
Click Here to See the BEST Disney World Rides, According to Our Readers
DON'T MISS A MOMENT
OF HOLIDAY MAGIC

The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2023 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World.
It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including:
- A full What's New!! chapter for the 2023 Holiday Season
- The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season
- How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!)
- ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM.
- And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat!
Save 20% on the 2023 DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays with code PEPPERMINT.
MORE Disney World Holiday INFO!
Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
We’ll Take This Little Golden Disney Book in Our Stocking, Santa!
Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events
What We Wish We’d Known Before Going to Disney World During the Holidays
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
Which Disney World attraction is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.
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