This is the weekly news, rumors and refurbishments update for Walt Disney World for the week of July 27, 2014.
Here are the three biggest updates from around the resort for the past seven days…
1. A Haunted Mansion themed store will be opening this fall
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A few weeks ago, we mentioned the refurbishment of the Yankee Trader. Well, that refurbishment was pushed backed a few weeks and finally began on July 27. At the same time, Disney announced what was rumored all along. The Yankee Trader will be transformed into a Haunted Mansion themed merchandise location. You see some examples of the merchandise here.
This refurbishment is expected to last several months and will open sometime in the fall, although I wouldn’t expect an opening before October.
2. The Astro Orbitor refurbishment has been extended
I have some good and some bad news. The bad news is that the Astro Orbitor refurbishment has been extended (if you haven’t guessed that already). Originally set to reopen on September 20, the attraction will now reopen on September 28. Not a life altering delay, but a delay nonetheless.
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The good news is that the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover will reopen on schedule. Originally set to open on August 5, the attraction will reopen on August 5.
The refurbishment to the Rocket Tower Plaza (the building housing both attractions) is mainly structural, but the area is also being refreshed with new paint. Some of the planets that went missing from the Astro Orbitor a few years back may return, but whether they will be spinning or not is a different question.
3. Kona Island at Disney’s Polynesian Resort will be closed temporarily
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Starting August 8, Kona Island will be closed at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. The dining location is known for it’s sushi and is expected to reopen in October.
Kona Café (right next door) will remain open for now, but it is not known whether the sushi from Kona Island will be on the menu.
As a reminder, the pool is now closed and fenced off. Guests will get a complimentary pass to Disney’s Blizzard Beach throughout their entire stay (no longer a one day deal). There is a check-in location for Polynesian Resort guests at Blizzard Beach. Simply tap your MagicBand and you’re good to go. Direct bus transportation will be provided to and from the Polynesian. When Blizzard Beach closes for refurbishment, Typhoon Lagoon will be available instead.
