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 long-overdue closures at the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, plus rumored enhancements to the Walt Disney World Railroad and a (potential) stealth removal at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
1. Casey Jr. Splash n’ Soak Station (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: February 11th, 2019 – March 24th, 2019
The Casey Jr. Soak n’ Splash Station is a fun water play area in Fantasyland that is a delight for young guests who want to cool off in the summer months. However, this attraction has been in a state of disrepair for quite some time, with paint peeling and some water effects non-functioning. Fortunately, it looks like Disney will be taking some time to fix up this attraction before the Florida weather gets too warm this spring. Walls will probably be going up this week so that painting and mechanical repairs can be done out of guest sight.
2. Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Image: Disney
Status: Confirmed
Dates: February 24, 2019 – March 9, 2019
It’s hard to believe, but Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage is going on its 28th year of operation (it opened in 1991!). As you might expect with such a long-running show, some downtime is needed to repair sets, costumes, and train new performers, and it looks like that break is coming later this month, with Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage going dark on February 24th. Fortunately through, this show won’t be gone for long, as it will be returning to daily performances just two weeks later on March 9, 2019.
3. Beaches and Cream (Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort)
Image: Disney
Status: Confirmed
Dates: TBA August – TBA December
The Beaches and Cream restaurant at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort will be closing this August for a lengthy refurbishment, with a tentative reopening set for December 2019. During that time, there will be a temporary location at the Yacht and Beach Club Resort offering ice cream, but not the Kitchen Sink. During this closure, the interior of the restaurant will be remodeled, but the theme will remain the same.
