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 some small refurbishments happening later this month at the Magic Kingdom, the Jungle Cruise refurbishment inches closer to completion, plus several hotel projects get underway
1. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: July 20 – 23 , 2021
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at the Magic Kingdom will be closing for a very short refurbishment next week starting July 20 and then reopening three days later on July 23.
2. Disney’s All Star Movies lobby
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – October 2021
Beginning this week, the lobby at Disney’s All-Star Movies will be getting a refresh featuring smaller counters and a more open design. Work on this updated design is expected to be complete by mid-October, and most common areas of Cinema Hall, including the World Premiere Food Court, will remain open during this update.
3. it’s a small world (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: July 27 -30 , 2021
“it’s a small world” at Magic Kingdom will be closing for a very short refurbishment on July 27, closing for three days before reopening on July 30. This attraction’s exterior was recently repainted, so perhaps the interior of this ride is getting some small upgrades as well.
4. Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – Fall 2021
The refurbishment of the Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom is well underway and Disney recently has shared a backstage look at creating the new props, characters and story for the updated Jungle Cruise, which includes fun tidbits about both the Disneyland version (which has been completed) and the Magic Kingdom version, which should complete its transformation later this year. Check it out above!
5. 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 refurbishment of this attraction in 2017 lasted 11 months, so hopefully we will see this attraction back in action before the end of the year.
6. 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 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
