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 small refurbishment at the Magic Kingdom, a BIG refurbishment at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, plus some improvements coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios ahead of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
1. Adventureland Camel (Magic Kingdom)
Image: Disney
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – late spring
Guests visiting Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom might have noticed that the Spitting Camel in front of The Magic Carpets of Aladdin has been missing for the past few weeks. However, this removal is only temporary as the camel is currently undergoing refurbishment and is expected to return to the park in all his expectorating glory later this spring.
2. ABC Commissary (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: May 5-24, 2019
The ABC Commissary is currently being plussed up in advance of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and is getting new decor, furnishings, and self-serve beverage station. And while these improvements are being made, the restuarant will be closed from May 5 to May 24, 2019. The location is currently expected to reopen on May 25 after which guests will be able to make reservations via My Disney Experience for dinner at this location and enjoy a “fast-casual” experience where they order at the counter and then have a seat while their order is prepared and then delivered to them.
3. Unnamed Beauty and the Beast (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort)
Image: Disney
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – TBA 2019
Earlier this year it was announced that Mizner’s Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort was going to be closed during a refurbishment that would see the location not only updated, but also expanded into what was previously the Commander Porter’s gift shop. And though Disney didn’t say anything specific about this refurbishment at the time, rumors swirled about the location being transformed into a character-based bar inspired by the 2017 live action Beauty and the Beast film. And while it took a few weeks, Disney has finally confirmed this rumor, and shared some of the first details about what this re-imagined lounge area will look like when it opens later this year.
When this re-imagined location opens this fall, it will feature four unique spaces inspired by the live action Beauty and the Beast film. The lounge’s signature bar will glow from the light of a gold chandelier that takes its inspiration from Belle’s flowing ball gown, with subtle nods to the Beast’s magical rose. In another room, guests will find a space that recalls the iconic library from the film, with classical baroque designs and French furnishings inspired by Belle, with hints of the Beast’s friends. Another character-inspired space inside this expanded lounge will be the garden room, which will be a whimsical space that draws its inspiration from the enchanted forest surrounding Beast’s castle. Finally an outdoor patio will evoke the romance of Beast’s garden terrace.
4. Grand Avenue (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – TBA 2019
Grand Avenue, the pop up land that replaced Muppets Courtyard and surrounds the singular MuppetVision 3D attraction will become one of the main entry points for guests wanting to venture into Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, and work is now underway on a number of preparations that will make Grand Avenue suitable for giant throngs of people to wait to get into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
As we noticed a few weeks ago, the area across from Star Tours where the former speeder bike photo op was has been walled off, and much of the queue for the character meet and greet in this area has also been removed. Behind the walls, Disney is widening the paved areas of this land, and making it suitable as a holding pen for guests who are waiting to get into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
