All Events, Closures and Refurbishments at Walt Disney World during May of 2016, 2017 and 2022

May 2016

Jan. 01 - Sept 30th 2023Disney Resorts : Walt Disney WorldStar Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Disney announced that the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will be closing permanently. The final voyage for the Star Wars Hotel will be September 28th-30th, 2023.
Nov. 30 - CLOSINGAsia : Disney's Animal KingdomFlights of Wonder This show will close to make way for a new show featuring Russell and Dug from "UP!"
2021/11/18 - 2021/12/31EPCOT : Walt Disney World2021 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
Early 2015 - Memorial Day WeekendPixar Place : Disney's Hollywood StudiosToy Story Expansion The expanded Toy Story Midway Mania new 3rd track opens Memorial Day weekend, 2016.
2014 - 2016The Marketplace : Disney SpringsDisney Springs Transformation The multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs will treat guests to more shopping, dining and entertainment amid open-air promenades, springs and waterfront charm. Disney Springs will feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands, from boutique shops to unique flagship anchor stores. Due to heavy roadwork, expect delays on Buena Vista Drive. It is recommended that Guests use complimentary Walt Disney World Resort transportation from Parks and Resorts to Downtown Disney and plan to arrive early for reserved dining and entertainment experiences.
2014 - May. 31The West Side : Disney SpringsDisney Springs Transformation Parking Lots - Entrance 2 - Lots A-G. Loss of parking lot Entrance 2 to Guest/Cast traffic and associated lots A-G in preparation for the construction of Town Center and the East Garage.
6/2015 - Aug. 30BoardWalk : Disney ResortsVillas Renovation
Aug. 15 - Aug. 29Disney's Hollywood StudiosStar Wars: Galaxy's Edge Work is under way on the 14-acre Star Wars-themed land at Disney's Hollywood Studios that was announced during the 2015 D23 EXPO.
Aug. 17 - May. 05BoardWalk : Disney ResortsBoardwalk Inn Exterior repair and painting
Early 2016 - Sep. 30Dolphin : Disney ResortsWDW Dolphin Hotel The first phase of the Dolphin Hotel room renovations will begin in 2016, with the entire room project currently scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017.
2014 - Through early 2016Polynesian : Disney ResortsGeneral Construction Around Resort Certain buildings or pathways may be unavailable at certain times. Construction will be taking place throughout the resort.
UnknownThe West Side : Disney SpringsDisneyQuest DisneyQuest at Downtown Disney will close sometime in 2016 to make way for the previously announced new NBA Experience, which will include a restaurant and a store.
10/26/15 - July 2017Wilderness Lodge : Disney ResortsHidden Springs Pool Area The Hidden Springs leisure pool, resort beach, playground and recreation fire pit will be unavailable starting October 26, 2015.
Jan. 01 - May. 20Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House : Disney ResortsSoft Goods Rehab - Villas Soft goods typically consist of design materials including bedding, wall, window and floor coverings and upholstery.
Jan. 03 - Through 2017Wilderness Lodge : Disney ResortsCub's Den Children's Activity Center
Jan. 04 - Opens June 17th - FastPass+ AvailableLand Pavilion : EPCOTSoarin' Update and Expansion Another theater is being added, as well as new screens and a projection system bringing a visually enhanced experience.
Early 2015 - Feb. 03The West Side : Disney SpringsPlanet Hollywood Planet Hollywood will be transformed into a four-story stargazing observatory to "match the design aesthetic of Disney Springs." The interior will feature spherical, planet-shaped lighting fixtures and will create a welcoming atmosphere for fans to celebrate a new generation of superstar entertainers, while retaining the old movie memorabilia. There will be a new outdoor terrace and an outdoor bar space called Stargazers that will feature live entertainment. The main dining room will include a DJ. Planet Hollywood's renovations will be completed in 2016.
Jan. 18 - PERMANENT CLOSUREFuture World West : EPCOTHabit Heroes
Jan. 19 - Nov. 18Muppets Courtyard : Disney's Hollywood StudiosPizza Planet PizzeRizzo, themed after the Muppets character Rizzo the Rat, will open this fall in Muppets Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios, in the former Toy Story Pizza Planet location. The casual Italian-American dining experience will feature pizza and other Italian specialties, with updated indoor and outdoor seating areas, a banquet room, and a special booth designated just for Rizzo's celebrity friends.
Jan. 22 - Aug. 17Beach Club : Disney ResortsSoft Goods Rehab - Villas Soft goods typically consist of design materials including bedding, wall, window and floor coverings and upholstery.
Feb. 01 - Aug. 03BoardWalk : Disney ResortsFlying Fish Cafe Total redo of the restaurant.
Feb. 01 - PERMANENT CLOSUREBoardWalk : Disney ResortsSeashore Sweets Closed to make way for a new experience.
2016 - Through summer 2017Wilderness Lodge : Disney ResortsTrout Pass Pool Bar
Feb. 07 - Jun. 22Saratoga Springs : Disney ResortsTreehouse Villas Soft Goods Rehab Soft goods typically consist of design materials including bedding, wall, window and floor coverings and upholstery.
Feb. 07 - OPEN SEASONALLYSunset Boulevard : Disney's Hollywood StudiosClub Disney According to the official Disney website, Club Disney in the Sunset Showcase will be closed beginning February 7. No word on when or whether it will return. The Sunset Showcase will continue to host special events, such as Club Villain, however.
2/16 - TBAESPN Wide World of SportsMulti-Use Sports and Entertainment Venue ESPN Wide World of Sports has teamed up with the nation's top cheerleading organization, Varsity Spirit, to create a new state-of-the-art cheerleading and dance team competition venue, which will include a flexible design for one large competition space that can be set up for as many as four competition areas. Additional areas are being tailored for warm up and practice, along with areas for judges and officials. With the capacity to seat more than 8,000 guests, plus performance and warm-up space, the new multi-use sports and entertainment venue will also be able to host six regulation basketball courts, six regulation volleyball courts or concert configurations. There will be concessions throughout the building, and an additional box office and entry to the complex. Construction is ongoing until further notice, with intermittent overnight lane closures, lane shifts, traffic congestion and noise along Osceola Parkway/Victory Way.
Now - Jun. 30Magic KingdomWalt Disney World Monorail System The Walt Disney World Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If you plan to use this form of transportation during your visit, check to be sure of the best option available, as alternative transportation options will be available.
March 2 - May 30EPCOTEpcot Flower and Garden Festival To celebrate its 23rd year, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will expand to 90 days and run from March 2-May 30, 2016, at Walt Disney World Resort. The popular spring festival previously ran for 75 days. Fresh farm market flavors at the festival's Outdoor Kitchens, new Disney character topiaries, interactive play gardens and live rockin' music will shower spring surprises on park guests.
March 2 - May 30American Adventure Pavilion : EPCOTGarden Rocks Concert Series runs every weekend throughout the Flower and Garden Festival at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m.
4/2016 - Through Summer 2016Port Orleans Riverside : Disney ResortsRoutine Roof Maintenance During this time guests may see work in progress.
Apr. 02 - Sep. 24Contemporary - Bay Lake Tower : Disney ResortsSoft Goods Refurbishment Soft goods typically consist of design materials including bedding, wall, window and floor coverings and upholstery.
Apr. 02 - PERMANENT CLOSUREDisney's Hollywood StudiosStreets of America
Apr. 03 - PERMANENT CLOSUREMuppets Courtyard : Disney's Hollywood StudiosLights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show Closing permanently to make way for theme park expansion.
Apr. 03 - PERMANENT CLOSUREMuppets Courtyard : Disney's Hollywood StudiosMike and Sulley Meet and Greet Closing permanently to make way for theme park expansion.
Apr. 03 - PERMANENT CLOSUREMickey Avenue : Disney's Hollywood StudiosProp Shop Closing permanently to make way for theme park expansion.
Apr. 03 - PERMANENT CLOSUREMuppets Courtyard : Disney's Hollywood StudiosStudio Catering Company Closing permanently to make way for theme park expansion.
Apr. 03 - PERMANENT CLOSUREMuppets Courtyard : Disney's Hollywood StudiosWatto's Grotto Closing permanently to make way for theme park expansion.
Apr. 04 - Early 2017The West Side : Disney SpringsFulton's Crab House Becomes Paddlefish Paddlefish is set to open Saturday, February 4, 2017.
Apr. 14 - May. 19Magic KingdomDisney After Hours a special ticketed event in the Magic Kingdom. The $149 (plus tax) ticket will allow guests to stay in the Magic Kingdom for three hours after the park closes. Guests will have the chance to enjoy most of the park's popular attractions and character greetings, such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, and Princess Fairytale Hall. In addition, the cost of admission includes ice cream novelties and select beverages. Dates for the event are: April 28 and May 5, 2016 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. April 14 and 21, and May 8, 12 and 19, 2016 from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more details or to purchase tickets, call the Disney Reservation Center at (407) 827-7185. Number of tickets to be sold for each evening are limited.
Apr. 18 - May. 27Norway Pavilion : EPCOTStave Church
Apr. 19 - Summer 2016Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsJamaica Village Pool
May - Jun. 15Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsTrinidad pool
May - 2016Seas with Nemo & Friends : EPCOTFinding Dory Characters Added to Turtle Talk with Crush Characters from Finding Dory are added to Turtle Talk with Crush in the Seas with Nemo and Friends. Some of her new pals you can expect to spot within the attraction include Destiny the whale shark, Bailey the beluga whale and Hank the "septopus" (that's a seven-legged octopus). Crush's son and best pal Squirt will also be swimming by for the first time.
May. 02 - Jun. 16China Pavilion : EPCOTHouse of Whispering Willows
May. 07 - May. 22Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House : Disney ResortsAKL Concierge Lounge An alternate location will be available
May 8 - 12ESPN Wide World of SportsInvictus Games Britain's Prince Harry is bringing the Invictus Games, an event that features wounded servicemen and women from around the world competing in a variety of sports events, to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The inaugural Invictus Games, held in London in 2014, drew more than 400 athletes from 13 countries -- plus some 65,000 spectators. The Invictus Games at Disney next year is expected to involve a similar number of athletes from up to 14 nations competing in 10 sports -- archery, cycling, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, triathlon, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis.
May. 15Town Center : Disney SpringsDisney Springs and Town Center Opening The Disney Springs and half of Town Center will open May 15, 2016.
Memorial Day Weekend - 2016Discovery Island : Disney's Animal KingdomTiffins Restaurant Opens
Memorial Day Weekend - 2016Asia : Disney's Animal KingdomThe Jungle Book Alive with Magic Show For the summer, Discovery River will become the stage for a limited-engagement show inspired by Disney's hit live-action film "The Jungle Book." "The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic" is filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.
Memorial Day Weekend - 2016Discovery Island : Disney's Animal KingdomThe Tree of Life Awakens
Memorial Day Weekend - 2016Africa : Disney's Animal KingdomKilimanjaro Safari After Dark

May 2017

Jan. 01 - Sept 30th 2023Disney Resorts : Walt Disney WorldStar Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Disney announced that the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will be closing permanently. The final voyage for the Star Wars Hotel will be September 28th-30th, 2023.
Nov. 30 - CLOSINGAsia : Disney's Animal KingdomFlights of Wonder This show will close to make way for a new show featuring Russell and Dug from "UP!"
2021/11/18 - 2021/12/31EPCOT : Walt Disney World2021 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
Aug. 15 - Aug. 29Disney's Hollywood StudiosStar Wars: Galaxy's Edge Work is under way on the 14-acre Star Wars-themed land at Disney's Hollywood Studios that was announced during the 2015 D23 EXPO.
Early 2016 - Sep. 30Dolphin : Disney ResortsWDW Dolphin Hotel The first phase of the Dolphin Hotel room renovations will begin in 2016, with the entire room project currently scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017.
10/26/15 - July 2017Wilderness Lodge : Disney ResortsHidden Springs Pool Area The Hidden Springs leisure pool, resort beach, playground and recreation fire pit will be unavailable starting October 26, 2015.
Jan. 03 - Through 2017Wilderness Lodge : Disney ResortsCub's Den Children's Activity Center
2016 - Through summer 2017Wilderness Lodge : Disney ResortsTrout Pass Pool Bar
2/16 - TBAESPN Wide World of SportsMulti-Use Sports and Entertainment Venue ESPN Wide World of Sports has teamed up with the nation's top cheerleading organization, Varsity Spirit, to create a new state-of-the-art cheerleading and dance team competition venue, which will include a flexible design for one large competition space that can be set up for as many as four competition areas. Additional areas are being tailored for warm up and practice, along with areas for judges and officials. With the capacity to seat more than 8,000 guests, plus performance and warm-up space, the new multi-use sports and entertainment venue will also be able to host six regulation basketball courts, six regulation volleyball courts or concert configurations. There will be concessions throughout the building, and an additional box office and entry to the complex. Construction is ongoing until further notice, with intermittent overnight lane closures, lane shifts, traffic congestion and noise along Osceola Parkway/Victory Way.
Now - Jun. 30Magic KingdomWalt Disney World Monorail System The Walt Disney World Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If you plan to use this form of transportation during your visit, check to be sure of the best option available, as alternative transportation options will be available.
8/4/16 - Late 2018Beach Club : Disney ResortsConvention Center Expansion Work During this time, Guests may see or hear work in progress and certain pathways may be unavailable. To minimize any disruptions, work should be limited to between 9 a.m and 9 p.m.
8/4/16 - Late 2018Yacht Club : Disney ResortsConvention Center Expansion Work During this time, Guests may see or hear work in progress and certain pathways may be unavailable. To minimize any disruptions, work should be limited to between 9 a.m and 9 p.m.
Oct. 02 - Jul. 17Wilderness Lodge : Disney ResortsDisney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas General resort refurbishments, construction work in multiple areas. Certain pathways and the nature trail will be unavailable. It was recently announced that construction would also begin soon on new waterfront cabins and deluxe DVC accommodations. In addition to the Disney Vacation Club project, other guest areas within Disney's Wilderness Lodge are scheduled to undergo substantial enhancements and refurbishment, including new recreation and food and beverage options. More information and project details will be shared at a later date.
2016 - May 2017BoardWalk : Disney ResortsExterior Maintenance and Painting Most work will be done between 9am and 5pm.
January 2017 - Mid-Late 2017Yacht Club : Disney ResortsResort Room Refurbishment
Nov. 2016 - Summer 2019Coronado Springs Resort : Disney ResortsHard Goods Refurbishment
Aug. 2015 - JUNE 30, 2018!Toy Story Land : Disney's Hollywood StudiosToy Story Land Construction is under way for the new Toy Story Land that will open in Disney's Hollywood Studios on June 30, 2018.
1/17 - 12/19/17Liberty Square : Magic KingdomHall of Presidents REOPENING DEC. 19! Along with the addition of the new president audio-animatronic, the attraction is getting a new show, and a complete theater upgrade including a new sound system, lighting and high-definition projection system.
February 2017 - Jul. 01Wilderness Lodge : Disney ResortsRoaring Fork During the time these areas will be closed the new Geyser Point Pool Bar and Grill will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Territory Lounge will also offer continental breakfast.
Feb. 1, 2017 - 2019Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsBarbados and Martinique These sections of the resort have been demolished to make way for construction of the new Disney Riviera Resort.
Feb. 2017 - Mar. 19Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsSpyglass Grill This new dining location is set to open in Spring 2018. Located in Trinidad South, it will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu offers a variety of items, including hot breakfast entrees, sandwiches, salads, tacos and beverages.
Feb. 04 - Summer 2018Pop Century : Disney ResortsHard Goods Refurbishment
Feb. 16 - Jul. 09Coronado Springs Resort : Disney ResortsGran Destino Tower New 15-story tower being added at Coronado Springs, will include a two-story lobby and 545 guest rooms. There will also be a roof-top dining location called Toledo. Reservations are now being taken for stays starting July 9, 2019 and later.
Spring 2017 - Fall 2017Dolphin : Disney ResortsWDW Dolphin Lobby The Dolphin Resort lobby will remain open throughout the renovation with minimal impact to resort guests. The project is currently scheduled to begin in spring 2017 for completion by fall 2017.
March 1 - May. 29EPCOTEpcot International Flower and Garden Festival
Spring 2017 - Jul. 31Old Key West : Disney ResortsOld Key West Refresh In an ongoing effort to improve the quality of facilities and offerings, Disney's Old Key West Resort will be undergoing a wholesale refurb. Work most likely to cause a noise impact will be limited to the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This refurbishment is expected to be completed in 2019.
Apr. 15 - Until Further NoticeArt of Animation : Disney ResortsArt of Animation General Refurbishment In an effort to make future visits more magical, Disney's Art of Animation Resort is currently undergoing some refurbishment projects across the Resort. During this time, the Resort will be in full operation with all amenities available, including dining, merchandise and recreation locations. It is possible that construction may be seen or heard, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00am.
Apr. 23 - Fall 2017The Landing : Disney SpringsPortobello Country Italian Trattoria Terralina Crafted Italian is slated to open this fall on the site of the former Portobello Country Italian Trattoria. No official opening date has been announced yet.
Apr. 24 - May. 18Fantasyland : Magic KingdomPrince Charming Regal Carrousel
May. 01 - Fall 2018Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsOld Port Royale Food Court, Shutters at Old Port Royale, Cabana Pool Bar and Calypso Trading Post A variety of dining options will be available for all meals. Centertown will serve breakfast and dinner. Grab 'n' Go options will be available in three island markets: Aruba, Jamaica, and Martinique.
May 2 - May. 02ESPN Wide World of SportsDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2018 Registration opens
May. 12Magic KingdomHappily Ever After Fireworks and Projection Spectacular Debut Beginning May 12, Walt Disney World Resort guests will discover just how magical and emotional that fairy tale ending can be with the newest, most breathtaking fireworks show in the history of Magic Kingdom Park - "Happily Ever After."
5/15/17 - Nov. 23Yacht Club : Disney ResortsCaptain's Grille The reopening of the Captain's Grille has been delayed until mid- to late November. For now, the Captain's Grille breakfast and lunch menus are being served in the Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club. There will be no Captain's Grille dinner service. When Captain's Grille reopens, it will be known as the Ale and Compass Restaurant.
May. 22 - May. 27Land Pavilion : EPCOTCircle of Life
May. 27Pandora - The World of Avatar : Disney's Animal KingdomPandora the World of Avatar Official Opening Pandora the World of Avatar officially opens on May 27, 2017.
May. 30 - TBAThe West Side : Disney SpringsJaleo A new restaurant coming from Chef Jose Andres.

May 2022

Jan. 01 - Sept 30th 2023Disney Resorts : Walt Disney WorldStar Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Disney announced that the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will be closing permanently. The final voyage for the Star Wars Hotel will be September 28th-30th, 2023.
Under Construction - May 27thFuture World East : EPCOTGuardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind The Guardians of Galaxy themed coaster will be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world and feature a brand-new ride system. Disney has shared that the ride will open in Summer 2022.
Under Construction - TBDTomorrowland : Magic KingdomTRON: Lightcycle Run TRON Lightcycle Run is coaster-style attraction, in which riders board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles. It offers access into the energy, lights and excitement of TRON's high-tech universe and is one of the most thrilling adventures.
Dec 2018 - December 23, 2022Main Street USA : Magic KingdomWalt Disney World Railroad The Walt Disney World Railroad will cease running and will sit "in residence" at its Main Street Station while work progresses on the new Tron coaster coming to Tomorrowland. This will give guests the chance to have an up-close look at the railroad and take advantage of some unique photo opportunities.
Mar 2020 - Jun. 13Disney's Animal Kingdom : Walt Disney WorldFinding Nemo: The Musical Disney has announced that Finding Nemo: The Musical has permanently closed as we know it to be reimagined with a new storyline based on the same classic characters. The new show will be named Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! and is set to open sometime in summer 2022.
March 2020 - Nov. 3rdDisney's Hollywood Studios : Walt Disney WorldFantasmic! After a long closure, Fantasmic will reopen in Disney's Hollywood Studios on November 3rd.
Aug. 29 - Late 2023EPCOT : Walt Disney WorldCommuniCore Plaza CommuniCore Plaza will provide an outdoor space where guests can come to relax and experience all that the Festivals have to offer
Aug. 31 - Late 2023World Celebration : EPCOTCommuniCore Hall CommuniCore Hall will be housed within the CommuniCore Plaza, and will be the first fully-purpose built structure in FestiTal programing! there will also be a new location in EPCOT called “Mickey and Friends” where you can meet some of your favorite Disney characters!
Under Construction - TBDEPCOT : Walt Disney WorldPLAY! Pavilion Part of the EPCOT Transformation, the PLAY! Pavilion will be an interactive metropolis and you will find a city filled with games, activities, and experiences that connect you with friends, family, and beloved Disney characters like never before.
Jun. 05 - Late 2023Disney Resorts : Walt Disney WorldBoardWalk Inn Addition of the new Cake Bake Shop. The Inn itself is undergoing a transformation, as well. “Light and airy touches” will (as Disney says) “reinvigorate” the hotel’s lobby, lounge, and guest rooms.
Oct 1, 2021 - Apr 1, 2023Disney's Hollywood Studios : Walt Disney WorldWalt Disney World 50th Anniversary Across all 4 parks
Mar. 1 - TBADisney Resorts : Walt Disney WorldDisney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort continues its renovation to spruce up and update this flagship resort for it's 30th anniversary.
Mar. 2 - Jul. 4EPCOT : Walt Disney World2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival
Mar 1 - Late 2024Disney Resorts : Walt Disney WorldDisney’s Polynesian Village Resort While the Resort remains open to guests, areas are currently being renovated to include new Disney Vacation Club Villas, restaurants, and even new recreation offerings! The Disney Vacation Club Villas are expected to open in late 2024.
2022/05/26 - 2022/08/28Typhoon Lagoon : Water Parks2022 H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon