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 an unexpected refurbishment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a short closure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, plus the end of a long-running refurbishment at one of Walt Disney World’s most popular resorts!
1. Primeval Whirl (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – July 3, 2019 (or later)
Several weeks ago on June 17, the Walt Disney World Resort released an advisory informing Guests that Primeval Whirl would be closed until further notice due to unspecified technical issues. And though we still don’t know exactly what is happening with this attraction Disney has confirmed that this attraction will be closed through at least July 3, which means that while we could theoretically see this attraction reopen on July 4, there’s no guarantee that will actually happen, as the July 3 date is a “best case” scenario right now. Guests with FastPass+ reservations for Primeval Whirl during this extended downtime will receive a replacement FastPass for an attraction of the same tier automatically in their My Disney Experience app.
2. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (Disney’s Grand Floridian)
Image: stephen velasco, Flickr (license)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – August 6, 2019
A whole new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location is being added to Disney’s Grand Floridian resort and will be opening where the current Ivy Trellis Salon (which itself is being relocated into Senses – A Disney Spa) is now. And now Disney has announced that this new location will be opening in just a few weeks on August 6, 2019. Reservations for this additional location can now be made through the online reservation system at DisneyWorld.com or by phone at (407) WDW-STYLE.
3. Epcot entrance
Image: Disney
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – TBA
The project to remove the Leave a Legacy monuments began last month as work began on the new Epcot entrance design, and now over half the concrete slabs that were a part of this project are now gone, with walls now up on the other side of this entrance area. means we’re likely looking at only a week or two more before all traces of Leave a Legacy are gone from the front of the park, and this initial phase of the Epcot entryway redesign is complete.
4. Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Select dates in July
- July 15-17
- July 30-August 1
5. Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Disney’s Beach Club Resort)
Image: Disney
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Late August – Winter 2019
The Beaches & Cream Soda Shop will be getting a pretty substantial makeover later this year, and will be closing in late August for an extended time, while the interior is reimagined. Though no official closing date has been announced yet, guests can only make reservations through August 25th, which likely means we’re looking at a closure in the final week of August. Work on this dining location is expected to continue for several months through this winter, but the good news is that during this renovation, Disney will set up a satellite location so Guests can continue to scoop up delicious ice cream at the resort (though sadly, the Kitchen Sink will not be available). When it reopens later this year Beaches & Cream Soda Shop will still offer guest favorite flavored sodas, malted milkshakes, “hot off the grill” items and dessert options, including the aforementioned Kitchen Sink sundae.
