Disney parks are constantly changing their refurbishment schedules, making it difficult for guests to keep up with the operating times and latest news regarding their favorite attractions, resorts, shops, and restaurants. Here are a few big, upcoming changes that are either confirmed by their respective parks or at the least very strongly rumored for the very near future.
This month’s refurbishment update includes several ongoing refurbishments at the Magic Kingdom, plus the ongoing refurbishment at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort plus scheduled downtime at a Disney’s Animal Kingdom favorite.
1. Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – January 9, 2021
One of the attractions that did not open with Walt Disney World when it reopened in July was the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. However, unlike other attractions like Primeval Whirl and River of Light, which are now closed forever, this attraction is expected to reopen at some point, and Disney officially updated its website back in August to say that this attraction will be under refurbishment at least through to the end of October 2020.
However, it looks like whatever tune-ups or improvements are happening behind the scenes will take a little longer than expected as Walt Disney World has updated its official calendar and this closure is now expected to last until January 9, 2021 when it is now re-scheduled to begin welcoming guests once again.
2. Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer’s Island
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – March 1, 2021
The Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom are both currently closed until next spring during a lengthy refurbishment that mainly involves maintenance, cleaning, and upgrades for the Rivers of America. The river has already been drained, and is in the process of being fully cleaned and upgraded with some overdue maintenance.
3. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – Summer 2021
Though the majority of Walt Disney World resort hotels are currently operating, there are still a handful that have remained shuttered following the resort’s reopening in July, including Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort which will not be opening at all in 2020, with Disney confirming that this hotel will remain shuttered until summer 2021. During this time, Disney has announced that they will be extensively refurbishing the hotel, making enhancements to the Great Ceremonial House and Guest rooms, which will be moved to a Pacific Ocean-inspired color palette with details, patterns and textures added from Disney’s Moana.
This massive refurbishment has already begun, with the front desk now relocated to a temporary area at the Pago Pago building for DVC access, and the front arrival entrance completely unavailable. Guests will still be able to access the Great Ceremonial House through the side and back entrance only and Kona Cafe, Moana Mercantile, Tambu Lounge, and Pineapple Lanai are available. In addition Polynesian Village Resort monorail station is currently closed, and will not be accessible until next year.
4. Kali River Rapids
Image: Disney
Status: Confirmed
Dates: January 3, 2021- February 19, 2021
Every year Kali River Rapids goes down for an annual refurbishment, and now this attraction is scheduled to temporarily close just after the holiday season ends on January 3, 2021 and stay closed for a few weeks until February 19, 2020, just in time for Florida’s warm weather to return (and for Spring Break to begin!)
