UPDATED September 30, 2024
You may already be aware of several factors that go into planning a Walt Disney World vacation. You’ve likely considered things like the time of year you’d like to visit, which Resort hotel you might stay at, and — most of all — which attractions you’d like to ride in the four Disney World theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
But there’s something you may not have considered: REFURBISHMENTS and CONSTRUCTION.
From classic rides that have been running since Disney World’s DAY ONE to behind-the-scenes work on upcoming NEW experiences, several locations around the Resort are often receiving a little TLC or even undergoing major construction “for your future enjoyment!”
While the results are usually pretty terrific, some refurbishments may affect your vacation in unexpected ways. What if one of your must-do attractions is under wraps for a little while? Or maybe a major project is in the works at your chosen Resort?
That’s why we’re offering this resource so you can be informed of current, ongoing, and upcoming refurbishments and construction around Walt Disney World.
Magic Kingdom
Current Closures
- Jungle Cruise— Closed on August 26th, 2024; Anticipated reopening date: October 18th, 2024
- Various areas of Adventureland near the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction — Stores such as the Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar have been temporarily relocated to accommodate construction for a NEW Pirate-themed tavern opening in Magic Kingdom in 2025!
Upcoming Closures
- Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square Riverboat — Permanently closing in early 2025 to accommodate constructions to two new Cars-themed attractions coming to the park
EPCOT
Current Closures
- Test Track — As of June 17th, Test Track, which is located in EPCOT’s World Discovery, is temporarily closed so the ride can be — in Disney speak — reimagined! Disney hasn’t released too many details about what the updated ride experience will be like just yet, but they did mention that it will take inspiration from World of Motion, the ride that was originally there when the park opened in 1982! At this time, a specific reopening timeline has not been announced; however, we do know Test Track will reopen at some point in 2025.
- Frozen Ever After –– Closing on November 2nd, 2024; Anticipated reopening date: November 7th, 2024
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Current Closures
- “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Fall 2024! This new show will premiere at the Animation Courtyard theater, which was the location for the now permanently closed Voyage of The Little Mermaid show.
Upcoming Closures
- Disney has announced that Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy in Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be closing permanently. The attraction is closing to make way for a BRAND-NEW Disney Villains show debuting at Sunset Showcase in the summer of 2025. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy currently has hours listed for October 7th, 2024, signifying that this is the last day to experience the attraction.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Upcoming Closures
- It’s Tough To Be a Bug — This attraction, housed in Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life, will receive a Zootopia-themed makeover and will become: Zootopia: Better Zoogether! The new attraction will open in winter of 2025; however, an official closing date for the current attraction has yet to be announced.
Disney World Water Parks
- In recent years, Disney has only been operating one water park at a time. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is currently open, and therefore Blizzard Beach is closed for the season. This will change on November 4th, 2024 when they swap.
Disney’s All-Star Resorts
Current Closures
- As of July 1st, the World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is undergoing a refurbishment. While the dining area is receiving a facelift, guests can still take advantage of the food offered by the food court. During this time, guests may utilize the My Disney Experience app to order food and drinks with their mobile device. The mobile order menu will only offer select items during the refurbishment, though. While the menu may be limited, we are glad that guests of All-Star Movies will still have an option to get food from the resort. Though this project was initially slated to end on July 31st, it is now slated to reach completion in mid-October 2024. We will keep you posted right here on a timeframe for completion as soon as it is revealed!
- The Fantasia Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort will be closed from January 2025 to April 2025. While it’s closed, guests can swim in the Duck Pond Pool (as well as the feature pools at the neighboring All-Star Resort hotels).
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Current Construction
- BIG changes are coming to Disney’s BoardWalk! A new table service restaurant with “storybook sweet treats and dreamy desserts” is headed to the BoardWalk. The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, which is expected to open in 2024, will offer both savory and sweet options.
Take a First Look at the new guest rooms for the BoardWalk Inn here!
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is undergoing a lengthy refurbishment from September 2024 to September 2025. While the resort is still available to book during these times, rooms may be limited. Disney also warns that guests will see and hear construction work throughout Bay Lake Tower. You’ll also want to allow extra time for travel as the typical routes may not be open.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has undergone a LOT of changes in recent years with the opening of new Disney Vacation Club villas, an updated Narcoossee’s restaurant, and changes at Citricos and Victoria & Albert’s, too. And the renovations continue! The Disney World website does warn that the hotel “is currently undergoing refurbishment. Guests will be able to see and hear construction around the resort – including the lobby – during daytime hours.” But, they note that “Most Resort hotel amenities will remain available.”
Ultimately, the lobby itself will also receive its own refurbishment. Disney has shared that the new look “will maintain the classic theming [guests] know and love with some fresh new enhancements.”
Check out the new Grand Floridian Resort rooms here.
Disney’s Polynesian Village and Resort
Current Construction
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort — While the Resort remains open to guests, areas are currently being renovated to include new Disney Vacation Club Villas, restaurants, and even new recreation offerings! The Disney Vacation Club Villas are expected to open on December 17th, 2024.
- One immediate affect of this construction is that the walkway between the Polynesian and Grand Floridian is currently closed. Guests will need to take the Monorail in the meantime.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Current Closures
- Everything POP Food Court is undergoing a refurbishment at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and it is slated to reach completion on November 30th, 2024. The Disney World website advises that guests “Please be prepared to use alternate entrances to the food court—and be aware that dining room seating may be limited.”
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
- From May 2024 through November 2024, some rooms at the Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter are under refurbishment. This means that those rooms are not available to guests. It also means that guests may hear some construction noise during the day.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Heads up if you’re planning a stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort! A major refurbishment is taking place on the exterior of the hotel. The Disney World website has a warning advising guests of the refurbishment, and as of August 5th, you may see and hear construction work at the Wilderness Lodge “during daytime hours.”
Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Upcoming Refurbishment
- From January 2025 to through June 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool will be CLOSED at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club. This closure is due to routine maintenance and guests staying at those resorts may hear construction noises during the daytime. During the closure, guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral, and Dunes Cove leisure pools.
We’ll continue to keep you posted on all these projects — and their end results, of course! — around Walt Disney World, so stay tuned! And you can check out these and MORE changes taking place around Disney World in our DFB YouTube Video!
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