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 a temporary store closure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the expansion of a popular destination at the Magic Kingdom, plus a new area being designed for a popular Disney Junior character at the Animation Courtyard. In addition a “secret” pathway (that’s not such a secret any more) is going to be expanded very soon to make way for more guests!
1. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (Magic Kingdom)
Image: Disney
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – TBA
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at the Magic Kingdom continues to be a hugely popular destination for young guests, and in an effort to increase capacity Disney is beginning work in a few weeks that will add more chairs to this location, as well as a very special magic mirror that allows guests to experience a special “transformation” that will help them choose the perfect outfits and accessories. The Magic Kingdom location will remain open during these enhancements and existing reservations will not be affected. And speaking of, in the next few months reservations for a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience area going to get a lot easier to make, thanks to another refurbishment coming soon…
2. Ivy Trellis Salon (Disney’s Grand Floridian)
Image: stephen velasco, Flickr (license)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: TBA
In addition to the expanded Magic Kingdom location, a whole new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location is being added to Disney’s Grand Floridian resort and will be constructed where the current Ivy Trellis Salon (which itself will relocate into Senses – A Disney Spa) is now. No opening date for this additional location has been announced but we’d guess this third Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will likely be open at the Grand Floridian before the end of the year.
3. Liberty Square – Fantasyland Walkway (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – Spring 2019
Magic Kingdom experts often use the “shortcut” walkway that connects Liberty Square to Fantasyland behind Cinderella Castle to avoid some of the more congested areas of the park, and even though this used to be a fairly seldom-used walkway, with Magic Kingdom becoming more and more populated in recent years, this walkway has become very crowded, especially for guests trying to get around during parades and performances of Mickey Royal Friendship Faire.
Fortunately Disney will be refurbishing this area in the coming weeks and expanding this walkway to accomodate additional guests. Work is expected to start very soon and continue for the next few weeks, with a completion date for the bigger walkway later this spring.
4. Legends of Hollywood (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Image: Disney
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – Summer 2019
The Legends of Hollywood store at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the Sunset Blvd area of the park is currently closed so that the interior can be remodeled and extended into the former Planet Hollywood Super Store space. The expanded Legends of Hollywood store is expected to reopen in the summer of 2019.
Though the Planet Hollywood location at Disney’s Hollywood Studios closed permanently several weeks ago, guests who want to purchase merchandise like what was formerly available here can still visit the Planet Hollywood SuperStore at Disney Springs.
