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.
In this month's update, the popular Rock 'n' Rollercoaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios remains closed along with The Country Bear Jamboree at Magic Kingdom which continues its reimagining into the "Country Bears Musical Jamboree".
1.Test Track (EPCOT)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: June 17, 2024 - TBC
Earlier in April, it was confirmed on the official Walt Disney World website that Test Track at EPCOT will be temporarily closing for refurbishment beginning in June, "On June 17, 2024, Test Track Presented by Chevrolet will temporarily close. Please check back for additional information."
It was back at the D23 Expo in September 2023 where it was first announced that the iconic Test Track at EPCOT which officially opened in March 1999 would be reimagined and so far we have few details of exactly what will be done. What we do know is that Disney is working with Chevrolet and the opening day attraction, The World of Motion will be the inspiration.
2. Blizzard Beach
Status: Confirmed
Dates: March 17 - TBA
It was confirmed on the official Walt Disney World calendar that Blizzard Beach would close on Saturday March 16 for refurbishment. At this point Disney's Typhoon Lagoon reopened.
This has been the pattern since the closing of the theme parks due to COVID-19. We are still hopeful that this year we could see both Disney water parks open at the same time but this will remain to be seen.
3. Rock 'n' Rollercoaster Starring Aerosmith (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: January 8, 2024 - Summer 2024
Back in December, Disney confirmed that the popular Rock 'n' Rollercoaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios would close on January 8 for an extended period for routine refurbishment to address mechanical issues. At the moment it is expected that Rock 'n' Rollercoaster will reopen in the summer.
According to a poster on the WDWMagic forums, this refurbishment time will be used to primarily fix the ride's braking system, which was replaced back in 2023, but is still having issues. The poster says that the metal used in the final brake is prone to over-heating and causes frequent shutdowns of the attraction during the day, which would explain why this ride was still having operating issues following its 2023 refurbishment.
Other posters on the forum have mentioned issues with inconsistent lighting and effects on the ride, which could also be fixed during this refurbishment. Some are also hoping for new restraints on the ride vehicles as well.
What we do know for certain is that this extended refurbishment is not going to be in order for a re-theme of the ride to Muppet band Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem which was rumored in 2023.
4. Country Bear Jamboree (Magic Kingdom)
Status: Confirmed
Dates: January 27, 2024 - Late summer 2024
Walt Disney World updated its official Country Bears Jamboree page with details that Grizzly Hall would close on Saturday January 27 and is set to reopen later this summer after its extensive reimagining into the new "Country Bears Musical Jamboree".
The new show is set to pay homage to "Opry-style shows of Nashville", the bears will sing reinterpreted Disney tunes in a range of genres of country music including rockabilly, bluegrass, pop-country and Americana.
5. Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom
Status: Confirmed
Dates: January 22, 2023 - Permanent
Splash Mountain at Disney's Magic Kingdom officially closed at the end of Sunday January 22, 2023 in order to begin its extensive transformation to Tiana's Bayou Adventure. News of this closure will come as sad news to Splash Mountain fans especially as many assumed Disney would keep it open until the end of the 50th Anniversary celebrations which ended on March 31.
6. Voyage Of The Little Mermaid (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
Status: Confirmed
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