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 round up of all the refurbishments happening around the resort, which include several new additions at the Magic Kingdom and some of Walt Disney World’s most iconic resorts.
1.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!
2. Kali River Rapids (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – April 2 2021
Every year Kali River Rapids goes down for an annual refurbishment, and though this refurbishment was originally scheduled to take place from January 3, 2021 until February 19, 2021, this refurbishment will now reopen over a month later to guests on April 2 2021.
3. Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – TBA
One of the attractions that did not open with Walt Disney World when it reopened in July was the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, and right now this attraction is expected to stay closed through at least the first month of the new 2021. And while we could get lucky and see a reopening for this attraction just in time for Spring Break, rumors are starting to swirl that there is something seriously wrong with this attraction, due to several factors, including the fact that this attraction hasn’t operated in almost a full year, the refurbishment keeps getting extended, and the fact guests have even reported seeing Peoplemover ride vehicles crashing into one another.
Unfortunately, Disney has not given any updates about this project, and if there are indeed issues with this attraction, we doubt they’d make a public announcement. In any case, we’ll be keeping a close eye on this project and seeing if there are any signals that this refurbishment could be coming to an end anytime soon.
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. Stormalong Bay water slide (Yacht and Beach Club)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – TBA
The Stormalong Bay waterslide at the Yacht and Beach Club resort is closing for refurbishment this month, with general maintenance being performed over the next few weeks. During this time, the Stormalong Bay Pool will continue to be open, as only the waterslide is going under refurbishment.
6. Mad Tea Party (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: February 2, 2021 – March 5, 2021
Back at the Magic Kingdom, the Mad Tea Party will close for a little over a week later this month on February 22, before reopening to guests on March 5, 2021.
7. Swiss Family Treehouse (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: March 12, 2021 – March 26, 2021
Shortly after the Mad Tea Party refurbishment ends, the Swiss Family Treehouse will close on March 12 for nearly two weeks, before reopening on March 26, 2021. This short refurbishment is thought to be another maintenance-related closure.
8. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Status: Confirmed
Dates: April 2021 – September 2021 (Rumored)
Starting in April 2021, 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.
9. Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: TBA 2021
Several weeks ago Disney confirmed that the Jungle Cruise will be closing later this year for an extensive refurbishment that will see the entire attraction reimagined. 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.
Right now there is no schedule for when this attraction will close and this refurbishment will begin, but Disney has said that they will be sharing more information about this project in the near future as the refurbishment is is set to kick off sometime later this year. You can learn more about this refurbishment here.
