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 Magic Kingdom closures and some important 2022 refurbishments that will happen right after the holiday season!
1. PhilharMagic (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – November 12, 2021
The Magic Kingdom’s PhilharMagic is now closed to both install a new digital projection system and update the film with a brand new scene inspired by the movie Coco.This new scene will feature an all-new score from film composer Germaine Franco as well as characters singing along to “Un Poco Loco” from the movie. This attraction is set to reopen in just two weeks on November 12, 2021.
2. Kali River Rapids (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: November 1 2021 – mid-December 2021
Kali River Rapids’ annual refurbishment is set to kick off next week, right in time for temperatures to cool off. Disney’s Animal Kingdom fans may note that this is a little earlier than this attraction’s usual January closure, but with other attractions closing next year, it seems like a good time for this attraction to get its annual touchup.
3. Blizzard Beach
Status: Confirmed
Dates: December 26 2021 – TBA 2022
Blizzard Beach, the only water park currently operating at Walt Disney World will be closing for refurbishment this December, reopening sometime next year. However, some are hoping that this will potentially pave the way for a Typhoon Lagoon reopening (which has not operated since March 2020) either later this year or earlynext year.
4. Expedition Everest (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: January 4 2022 – mid-April 2022
Disney’s Animal Kingdom favorite Expedition Everest will close early next year from January 4 2022 until mid-April 2022 for an equipment refurbishment. No major changes to the actual ride experience are expected, so if you’ve got your hopes up for a repair for the Yeti, unfortunately, it looks like that won’t be happening this time around.
5. Disney Skyliner
Status: Confirmed
Dates: January 23 – 28 2022
The Disney Skyliner gondola transportation system will be closed for a very short maintenance-related refurbishment from January 23 through January 28 2022. Increased bus service will be available at the resorts served by Disney Skyliner.
6. Walt Disney World Railroad (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – TBA 2022
Walt Disney World Railroad has been closed since the beginning of 2019 and though there haven’t been any official updates on the refurbishment of this attraction, with the delay of the TRON Lightcycle / Run, it looks like this refurbishment will last at least another year due to construction slowdowns, as Disney is now reportedly targeting a 2022 opening date for TRON Lightcycle / Run.
Several weeks ago Disney quietly updated the official refurbishment calendar acknowledging this further delay, with this attraction now confirmed to be closed until sometime in 2022 at the earliest.
