Planning a Disney World vacation can be a little stressful, especially for people who are visiting for the first time. It’s incredible how much there is to do and there is no way guests will be able to see everything in one trip.
Since there is so much to do, it is good to focus on the things you really want to see. Whether it’s an old favorite or if you are trying something new, you don’t want any surprises about closures for the things you have on your list. It’s pretty disappointing to be looking forward to riding your favorite ride or finally trying that restaurant you have heard about only to find out it is closed for refurbishment.
When things close for refurbishment it just means that they are being refreshed and things that need to be fixed are being fixed. With hotels they have soft goods refurbs and hard goods refurbs. The soft goods refurb refers to bedspreads, curtains, and things like that. A hard goods refurb is usually when the rooms are getting a complete makeover (thinks like new beds, new bathrooms, etc.).
So it’s important to keep updated with the refurbs, especially if you are a planner. That way you won’t get any disappointing surprises while on vacation.
So here is the latest list for refurbs at Disney World. This update includes an experience that will debut soon as well as a popular restaurant going down for a long refurb.
Refurbishment Schedule
Monorail Refurb
Now-April 2016
The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available.
Guests who arrive at the Ticket & Transportation during down times will be directed to the ferry boats.
Magic Kingdom
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: 3/6/2016 – 3/10/2016
Epcot
The re-imagination of Maelstrom now – 4/30/2016
Soarin’: 1/4/2016 – Summer 2016
Circle of Life: 2/7/2016 – 4/2/2016
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Pizza Planet: 1/19/2016 – Late 2016
Toy Story Midway Mania (1 Day): 3/15/2016
Closing Permanently on 4/3/2016:
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure
- Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Kali River Rapids: 1/4/2016 – 3/17/2016
Flights of Wonder: 1/25/2016 – 3/17/2016
Warung Outpost: 1/25/2016 – 3/17/2016
Boneyard: 2/22/2016 – 3/17/2016
Construction on Avatar Land started on 1/10/14. The new land will open in 2017.
Rivers of Light: Debuting 4/22/2016
Waterparks
Typhoon Lagoon Annual Refurb: 1/4/16 – 3/19/16
Resorts
Bay Lake
Bay Cove Pool: 2/1/2016 – 3/18/2016
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Jambo House Soft Good Rehab: 1/1/2016 – 5/20/2016
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Schoolyard Sprayground: 1/4/2016 – 3/11/2016
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Soft Goods and Bath Refurb: 1/22/2016 – 8/17/2016
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Exterior Repair and Painting: 8/17/15 – 5/5/16
Flying Fish Refurb: 2/1/16 – 9/30/16
Disney’s Boardwalk Villas
Guest Villa Renovations: Through Spring 2016
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Aruba Pool: 2/22/2016 – 4/15/2016
Polynesian Village Resort
General Construction: Now through Spring 2016
East Pool: Now through Spring 2016
Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Alligator Bayou Pool C: 3/9/2016 – 3/10/2016
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Treehouse Villas Soft Goods Refurb: 2/7/2016 – 6/22/2016
Wilderness Lodge and Villas
There will be continuous construction through 2017. The Hidden Springs pool area, resort beach, playground, and the Recreation fire pit will be closed.
Cub’s Den (Children’s Activity Center): 1/3/2016 – Through 2017
Disney Springs
Planet Hollywood: 1/6/2016 – Summer 2016
Mickey’s Pantry/The Spice & Tea Exchange: 2/29/2016 – 3/14/2016
Fulton’s Crab House: 4/4/2016 – 12/31/2016
- It will be a little different when it opens. To fit with the Disney Springs theme by reflecting modern yachting. The restaurant will also have some new spaces, including: a rooftop lounge, an outdoor waterfront bar which will have a “build your own” fish boil, and private dining areas. There will be an oyster shucking bar, Florida stone crab, Alaskan king crab, steaks, chops, and a selection of cocktails.
The construction to turn Downtown Disney into Disney Springs is expected to go through May 2016
Thanks for reading!
*Liz*
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Is Elsa and Anna going to be at Epcot since that is where their ride will be
Yes, they are building a meet ‘n’ greet area in the same area as the ride and it should open around the same time.