All Events, Closures and Refurbishments at Walt Disney World during April of 2016

April 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 - Apr. 21Future World East : EPCOTCircle of Life
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.
Feb. 22 - Apr. 15Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsAruba Pool
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 StudiosHoney I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure Closing permanently to make way for theme park expansion.
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. 03Commissary Lane : Disney's Hollywood StudiosWriter's Stop 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. 04 - Apr. 20Dolphin : Disney ResortsDisney's Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf Fantasia Fairways
Apr. 11 - Apr. 23Main Street USA : Magic KingdomWalt Disney World Railroad
Apr. 11 - Apr. 26Magic KingdomWalt Disney World Railroad
April 14 - 17Resort Wide : Walt Disney WorldStar Wars Half Marathon -- The Dark Side This race follows the debut of the popular Star Wars-themed race at Disneyland Resort, "Star Wars Half Marathon the Light Side." The new race weekend will include kids' races, a 5K and a 10K in addition to the half marathon, plus a variety of Star Wars experiences, medals, events and merchandise inspired by a galaxy far, far away. Among its many features will be a unique 13.1-mile course that propels runners through Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios and finishes at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. There will also be a Star Wars Dark Side Challenge -- running the 10K and the half marathon on consecutive days that offers each finisher a Death Star-themed medal. Jedi and Sith Lords who dare to experience both Star Wars races will have the chance to take on the Kessel Run Challenge -- completing the Star Wars half marathon missions on both coasts. Kessel Run Challenge runners can earn a commemorative "Coast to Coast'' medal inspired by the Millennium Falcon starship.
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. 15 - Apr. 17The Marketplace : Disney SpringsRob Kaz ACME Artist Signing ACME Artist Rob Kaz will be on hand for special appearances and signings at Art of Disney at Disney Springs Marketplace from 3-5p.m. and 7-9p.m.
Apr. 18 - May. 27Norway Pavilion : EPCOTStave Church
Apr. 19 - Summer 2016Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsJamaica Village Pool
Apr. 22Disney's Animal KingdomEarth Day Animal Kingdom will host Party for the Planet presented by Disneynature. Throughout the day, guests are encouraged to connect with nature by engaging in fun activities in every land of the park. Meet animal-care team members, animal educators and conservation experts to see first-hand how Disney cares for animals and works to save endangered species worldwide. Watch animal feedings and training experiences specially planned for Earth Day to learn how keepers care for some of your favorite animals. Also, upon entrance to Animal Kingdom, stop by the Oasis to see "The Jungle Book" sand sculpture and celebrate the new live-action adventure opening in theaters April 15. In Discovery Island, Disney PhotoPass photographers will take your photo with Earth Day-themed props and frames.
Apr. 22Discovery Island : Disney's Animal KingdomJoe Rohde Appearance and Signing As part of Animal Kingdom's Earth Day festivities, Walt Disney Imagineer and Portfolio Creative Executive Joe Rohde will be at Discovery Trading Company (previously Disney Outfitters) from 1-2 p.m. Rohde will be signing his artwork, created for a new Disney Conservation Fund initiative. He will also sign the new coffee table book, The Disney Conservation Fund: Carrying Forward A Conservation Legacy, to which he contributed. The Disney Conservation Fund will receive 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the book. Visit DisneyParksMerchandise.com for details about wristband distribution.
Apr. 22 - Apr. 23The Marketplace : Disney SpringsDisney Artist Showcase Join the Disney artist showcase with Costa Alavezos, Tim McCloskey, Randy Noble, Don "Ducky" Williams and Darren Wilson for special appearances and signings April 22 from 6-8p.m. and April 23 from 4-6p.m. at Art of Disney at Disney Springs Marketplace. Special note: Randy Noble will only appear on April 22 for signings.
April 22 - 24Seas with Nemo & Friends : EPCOTEarth Day Weekend interactive activities help visitors learn about the efforts to protect coral reefs and other marine life at The Seas with Nemo and Friends, a special tribute to the creatures that dwell in our vast oceans.