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 potential reopening for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover in just a few weeks, plus the Contemporary Resort kicks off its 2021 room refurbishment.
1. The Chapeau and Main Street Confectionary
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – Summer 2021
Main Street’s The Chapeau and Main Street Confectionery are now closed for long refurbishments. Both establishments are expected to reopen this summer with a fresh new look, expanded layout with more room to shop and interactive opportunities to customize your confections like never before!
Many of the treats usually found at the confectionery will be available at Emporium and Main Street Cinema during the closure. and Art of Disney merchandise has moved to Bonjour! Village Gifts for the time being.
2. Hall of Presidents (Magic Kingdom )
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – TBA
As of January 20, 2021 the Hall of Presidents is officially closed for refurbishment. While Disney hasn’t announced anything specific about this refurbishment, it can be assumed that President Biden will be added to the attraction (in audio-animatronic form) sometime later this year.
The last time the Hall of Presidents closed for refurbishment for a new addition, it didn’t reopen until December 19, 2017, nearly 11 months after it initially closed. However, in addition to the new animatronic, Disney also debuted a new show element during 2017, as well as a number of technical upgrades including a new sound system, lighting and high-definition projection system and an expanded multi-screen viewing experience, which could be why it took so long last time.
Though it remains to be seen if Disney completely changes the “show” element of this attraction again, or just adds the current president to the mix during this refurbishment. However, hopefully we’ll know more soon!
3. Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – May 1, 2021
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover has officially been closed for a full year. And while that may seem like bad news for this attraction, the end of this long-running refurbishment may be in sight as Disney has announced a new reopening target of May 1, 2021 and guests have spied the attraction running with and without riding Cast Members in recent weeks, which is definitely a good sign.
4. 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 rumored to now be targeting a 2022 opening date for TRON Lightcycle / Run. Disney has yet to update their official calendar for this attraction, but we’ll let you know if there are any updates in the near future.
5. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Status: Confirmed
Dates: April 2021 – September 2021 (Rumored)
Starting this month, Disney’s Contemporary Resort will begin a refurbishment to reimagine Guest rooms. While some Main Tower rooms will be unavailable during this time, most resort areas and amenities will still be available to enjoy. No official end date has been announced but reportedly this refurbishment is set to last through September 2021.
6. Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Soon – Late 2021
It looks like a closure for the Jungle Cruise may be imminent at the Magic Kingdom, as Disney has confirmed that the current Jungle Cruise will be closing soon with the new version debuting later in 2021.
When it reopens, this ride will have a new story and creative concept which will allow guests to follow a Jungle Cruise skipper and their passengers as a journey goes awry. Guests will float by a skipper who’s been chased up the pole by the rhino along with the other explorers as well as an all-new scene where a sunken boat splits apart and chimps board the wreckage, with monkey business ensuing. You can learn more about this refurbishment here.
