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 several major closures now in effect at the Magic Kingdom and an upcoming transportation refurbishment.
1. Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – February 11, 2022
Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom is now closed for its annual refurbishment and will reopen in just a few weeks on February 11, 2022. No major changes will be made during this time, and this refurbishment is not related to the Princess and the Frog re-theme that was announced several years ago.
2. Blizzard Beach
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – TBA 2022
Now that Typhoon Lagoon has reopened, Blizzard Beach has closed for refurbishment. No specific dates have been given, but we’d expect that this water park will likely reopen in a few months, potentially in time for the Spring Break holidays.
3. Expedition Everest (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: Now – mid-April 2022
Disney’s Animal Kingdom favorite Expedition Everest is now closed until mid-April 2022 for an equipment refurbishment. No major changes to the actual ride experience are expected, so if you’ve got your hopes up for a repair for the Yeti, unfortunately, it looks like that won’t be happening this time around.
4. Disney Skyliner
Status: Confirmed
Dates: January 23 – 28 2022
In just a few days the Disney Skyliner gondola transportation system will be closed for a very short maintenance-related refurbishment from January 23 through January 28 2022. Increased bus services will be available at the resorts served by Disney Skyliner.
5. Big Thunder Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: February 14-18, 2022
A short refurbishment is on the schedule for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which will close for a few days next month from February 14 to February 18, with a planned reopening to guests on February 19, 2022.
6. 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 reportedly targeting a 2022 opening date for TRON Lightcycle / Run.
Though it has been several years since the Walt Disney World Railroad has operated, Disney has shared an image of newly refurbished Walter E. Disney Engine 1. The train was also seen testing several weeks ago, but unfortunately there is no reason to believe right now that a reopening is imminent.
