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 new refurbishments announced for the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and more, plus a few updates on some long-running closures as well!
1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: June 7-12, 2021
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will undergo a brief closure from June 7 through to June 12, reopening to guests on June 13 2021. No big changes are likely on the horizon with this refurbishment just a simple tune up for this fan favorite attraction right at the beginning of summer.
2. Disney Skyliner
Status: Confirmed
Dates: January 23 – 28, 2022
Though it’s not happening until next year Disney has scheduled a short refurbishment for the Skyliner gondola transportation system. From January 23 through January 28 2022 this transportation option will be unavailable, with only bus service available at the resorts served by Disney Skyliner.
3. The Wave (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: July 16 – Fall 2021
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is currently going through a massive refurbishment where rooms are being refreshed with new designs and it looks like The Wave will also be getting a new look this summer as well. Nothing has been specifically announced yet, but with rooms reportedly getting plussed up with character touches from the Incredibles, we wouldn’t be surprised if The Wave returns this fall with an Incredibles theme as well.
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 now 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. Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Soon – Late 2021
Over the past few weeks, several scenes from the Jungle Cruise have been removed while Disney has been preparing for the reimagining of this attraction. 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.
6. 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!
