All Events, Closures and Refurbishments at Walt Disney World during May of 2018, 2019 and 2022

May 2018

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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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 - 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.
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. 30 - TBAThe West Side : Disney SpringsJaleo A new restaurant coming from Chef Jose Andres.
July 2017 - September 30, 2021France Pavilion : EPCOTRemy's Ratatouille Adventure Similar to the 4-D attraction Ratatouille: The Adventure that opened at the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris in 2014, guests will be able to shrink to Remy’s size and scurry to safety in a dazzling chase across a kitchen with the sights, sounds and smells of Gusteau’s legendary Parisian restaurant. The attraction will open on October 1st, 2021 just in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.
Jul. 15 - Dec. 16Riviera Resort : Disney ResortsDisney's Riviera Resort The Riviera Resort is “inspired by the grandeur of Europe, but reimagined à la Disney magic.” It will be conveniently located near Caribbean Beach Resort, and will feature Disney Skyliner transportation to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot when it opens December 16, 2019.
Jul. 15 - Winter 2019-2020Mission: Space : EPCOTSpace 220 A new International Space Station-themed restaurant will open its doors this winter and be called Space 220. The restaurant will offer an out-of-this-world culinary experience with the celestial panorama of a space station, including daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up.
Jul. 21 - Fall 2019Art of Animation : Disney ResortsDisney Skyliner Construction A new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, will give guests a bird's-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from guest rooms between dusk and 9 a.m.
Jul. 21 - Fall 2019Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsDisney Skyliner Construction A new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, will give guests a bird's-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from guest rooms between dusk and 9 a.m.
Jul. 21 - Fall 2019Pop Century : Disney ResortsDisney Skyliner Construction A new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, will give guests a bird's-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from guest rooms between dusk and 9 a.m.
Aug. 01 - Spring 2019Old Key West : Disney ResortsRoom Refurbishment During this time, the Resort will be in full operation with all amenities available including dining and merchandise locations, pools, and recreation activities. It is possible that construction may be seen or heard, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9 a.m.
Aug. 13 - Early 2020Hollywood Boulevard : Disney's Hollywood StudiosMickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is inspired by the Mickey Shorts that you can see on the Disney Channel.
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.
Oct. 2017 - Aug. 12Disney Springs : Walt Disney WorldNBA Experience The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort will be a one-of-a-kind basketball-themed experience featuring hands-on activities that put guests of all ages right in the middle of NBA game action. There will be immersive NBA video productions and numerous interactive experiences and an exciting retail store that will offer something for all NBA fans worldwide. The NBA Experience opens in summer 2019.
Jan. 06 - Summer 2018Port Orleans French Quarter : Disney ResortsSoft Goods Refurbishment A soft goods refurbishment should provide new linens, curtains, flooring and some electronic updates.
Feb. 04 - Sep. 02Norway Pavilion : EPCOTKringla Bakeri og Kafe The refurbishment will enlarge the space and create more seating. While the Bakeri is closed, visit the temporary kiosk called Midnattssol which will sell the spot's most popular items (including School Bread).
Mid-Feb. 2018 - Oct. 26The Marketplace : Disney SpringsWorld of Disney World of Disney will be "reimagined" in 2018. Work will be completed in phases so guests can continue shopping during construction. Shops in Town Center at Disney Springs, such as Ever After Jewelry Co. or The Disney Corner (opening in mid-February), will carry select merchandise during renovations.
Now Through - Early 2019All Star Movies : Disney ResortsRoom Refurbishment
Late Feb. - May 2018Pop Century : Disney ResortsBowling Pin Pool
Feb. 28 - May 28EPCOTEpcot International Flower and Garden Festival This year, 2018, is the 25th annual springtime flower fest.
Apr. 1 - July 31, 2018Old Key West : Disney ResortsTurtle Pond Pool, Turtle Shack Snack Bar and Flying Fish Gameroom
April 2018 - Fall 2018Port Orleans Riverside : Disney ResortsPool Refurbishments One of the Alligator Bayou leisure pools will be closed for refurbishment, but the feature pool, Ol' Man Island, and four other leisure pools will be available.
April 2018 - Early 2019Port Orleans Riverside : Disney ResortsRoom Refurbishments
Apr. 09 - May. 07Pixar Place : Disney's Hollywood StudiosToy Story Midway Mania FastPasses will not be available as the queue is undergoing work to reconfigure it prior to the opening of Toy Story Land on June 30.
Apr. 22 - May 5Disney's Animal KingdomParty for the Planet/20th Anniversary Celebration As part of this celebration, the new attraction UP! A Great Bird Adventure will debut, and the park will offer animal encounters, family-friendly activities, specialty desserts and more.
May. 02Discovery Island : Disney's Animal KingdomTiffins Talk At Tiffins restaurant, Dr. Anne Savage, Conservation Director for Disney's Animals, Science and Environment, will speak about the cotton-top tamarin conservation project Disney supports in Colombia. The menu will feature South American cuisine.
May. 04Discovery Island : Disney's Animal KingdomTiffins Talk At Tiffins restaurant, Dr. Scott Terrell, Director of Animal and Science Operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, will chat about caring for the Sumatran tigers that call Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park home, as well as the conservation work Disney is doing to protect tigers in Asia. The menu will feature Asian cuisine.
May 7 - June 7, 2018EPCOTFriendShip Boat Service FriendShip boat service between Epcot area resorts and Epcot will be suspended while required repairs and maintenance on the bridge near the Dolphin and Swan is performed. Resorts affected include Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas, Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts including the Beach Club Villas and Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan Resorts. During this time, bus service will be provided, and the walking paths will remain open.
May 8 - June 21, 2018Disney's Hollywood StudiosFriendShip Boat Service FriendShip boat service between Epcot area resorts and Disney's Hollywood Studios will be suspended while required repairs and maintenance on the bridge near the Dolphin and Swan is performed. Resorts affected include Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas, Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts including the Beach Club Villas and Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan Resorts. During this time, bus service will be provided, and the walking paths will remain open.
May. 09Africa : Disney's Animal KingdomFestival of the Lion King
May. 12 - Jul. 05Japan Pavilion : EPCOTTakumi-Tei Restaurant An all-new table service restaurant will be coming to the Japan Pavilion in World Showcase. The restaurant will be a signature dining experience inspired by the natural beauty of Japan. The setting will draw from both nature and takumi, which means “artisan” in Japanese, and the relationship between Japanese craftsmanship and the natural world will be evident throughout the space. Takumi-Tei will be operated by Mitsukoshi USA, which currently operates the merchandise, restaurants (Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining), and kiosks in the Japan Pavilion.
May. 13Resort Wide : Walt Disney WorldMother's Day A number of restaurants around Walt Disney World will have special dining menus on this day set aside to honor mothers. Remember to check the site and the AllEars newsletter for updates.
May. 25 - Sep. 03Resort Wide : Walt Disney WorldIncredible Summer Walt Disney World kicks off its Incredible Summer over Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27. Highlights include Donald's Dino Bash at Animal Kingdom, Guardians of the Galaxy - Awesome Mix Live! concert series at Epcot (starts June 9), an Incredibles Dance Party at Magic Kingdom, H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon and more.
May. 27Disney's Hollywood StudiosStar Wars: Galactic Nights This Star Wars-themed evening is held after park hours from 7 p.m. to midnight and celebrates the entire Star Wars saga with entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and food and beverage, and encounters with rarely seen characters.

May 2019

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.
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.
Nov. 2016 - Summer 2019Coronado Springs Resort : Disney ResortsHard Goods Refurbishment
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. 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 - 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.
July 2017 - September 30, 2021France Pavilion : EPCOTRemy's Ratatouille Adventure Similar to the 4-D attraction Ratatouille: The Adventure that opened at the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris in 2014, guests will be able to shrink to Remy’s size and scurry to safety in a dazzling chase across a kitchen with the sights, sounds and smells of Gusteau’s legendary Parisian restaurant. The attraction will open on October 1st, 2021 just in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.
Jul. 15 - Dec. 16Riviera Resort : Disney ResortsDisney's Riviera Resort The Riviera Resort is “inspired by the grandeur of Europe, but reimagined à la Disney magic.” It will be conveniently located near Caribbean Beach Resort, and will feature Disney Skyliner transportation to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot when it opens December 16, 2019.
Jul. 15 - Winter 2019-2020Mission: Space : EPCOTSpace 220 A new International Space Station-themed restaurant will open its doors this winter and be called Space 220. The restaurant will offer an out-of-this-world culinary experience with the celestial panorama of a space station, including daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up.
Jul. 21 - Fall 2019Art of Animation : Disney ResortsDisney Skyliner Construction A new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, will give guests a bird's-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from guest rooms between dusk and 9 a.m.
Jul. 21 - Fall 2019Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsDisney Skyliner Construction A new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, will give guests a bird's-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from guest rooms between dusk and 9 a.m.
Jul. 21 - Fall 2019Pop Century : Disney ResortsDisney Skyliner Construction A new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, will give guests a bird's-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from guest rooms between dusk and 9 a.m.
Aug. 01 - Spring 2019Old Key West : Disney ResortsRoom Refurbishment During this time, the Resort will be in full operation with all amenities available including dining and merchandise locations, pools, and recreation activities. It is possible that construction may be seen or heard, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9 a.m.
Aug. 13 - Early 2020Hollywood Boulevard : Disney's Hollywood StudiosMickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is inspired by the Mickey Shorts that you can see on the Disney Channel.
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.
Oct. 2017 - Aug. 12Disney Springs : Walt Disney WorldNBA Experience The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort will be a one-of-a-kind basketball-themed experience featuring hands-on activities that put guests of all ages right in the middle of NBA game action. There will be immersive NBA video productions and numerous interactive experiences and an exciting retail store that will offer something for all NBA fans worldwide. The NBA Experience opens in summer 2019.
May. 12 - Jul. 05Japan Pavilion : EPCOTTakumi-Tei Restaurant An all-new table service restaurant will be coming to the Japan Pavilion in World Showcase. The restaurant will be a signature dining experience inspired by the natural beauty of Japan. The setting will draw from both nature and takumi, which means “artisan” in Japanese, and the relationship between Japanese craftsmanship and the natural world will be evident throughout the space. Takumi-Tei will be operated by Mitsukoshi USA, which currently operates the merchandise, restaurants (Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining), and kiosks in the Japan Pavilion.
Mid-Aug. 2018 - Fall 2019Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House : Disney ResortsRoom Refurbishment
August 2018 - Summer 2019Disney Resorts : Walt Disney WorldCoffee Bar and Lobby Spaces The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is undergoing its next redesign project, a $3 million transformation of the Swan Resort’s lobby, public spaces and coffee bar.
Fall 2018 - 2020Swan : Disney ResortsThe Cove The Walt Disney World Swan Hotel's tennis courts will be the site of a new 349-room, 14-story hotel tower.
Oct. 20 - Jul. 11Disney's Animal Kingdom : Walt Disney WorldRafiki's Planet Watch
Oct. 30 - Aug. 12The West Side : Disney SpringsCity Works Eatery and Pour House A restaurant and bar known for craft beers from local breweries and around the world, plans to open its eighth location in Disney Springs West Side. Opening date has been announced as August 12, 2019!
Nov. 18 - Late 2019Resort Wide : Walt Disney World90 Years of Mickey Mouse "The World's Biggest Mouse Party" will be a celebration at Disney parks and resorts around the world, with commemorative merchandise, photo locations and more.
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.
Under Construction - Mar 1, 2022Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser : Disney ResortsStar Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, more simply known to some as the Star Wars hotel, is a two-night, fully-immersive “cruise” adventure located adjacent to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is the most highly-themed Resort that Disney has ever built, and it promises to transport guests into the world of Star Wars for an experience like no other. The hotel's GRAND OPENING is set for March 1st, 2022.
Jan. 03 - May. 18Tomorrowland : Magic KingdomTomorrowland Speedway The Tomorrowland Speedway will close for part of 2019, to allow for the adjustment of its track. Contrary to rumors, the attraction is not permanently closing -- it will reopen otherwise unchanged in 2019.
Feb. 19 - 2021Future World East : EPCOTPLAY Pavilion The Wonders of Life pavilion is being reimagined into the Play Pavilion, and will feature first-of-their-kind experiences devoted to playful fun. The Play Pavilion will take guests into an innovative, interactive city bursting with games and hands-on activities. Play Pavilion visitors will interact with Disney characters in an energetic metropolis unlike anything ever seen before at Epcot.
Mar. 06 - Jun. 03EPCOT : Walt Disney WorldEpcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2019 This event, returning for its 26th year, again will feature outdoor kitchens, as well as dozens of Disney-themed topiaries and amazing plantings. The Garden Rocks Concert Series expands to seven days a week in 2019, with a mix of new and returning artists.
Mar 2019 - September 30, 2021France Pavilion : EPCOTLa Creperie de Paris Built in an all-new location near the previously announced Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction, the new crêperie will feature the cuisine of celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse, who is also responsible for the pavilion’s Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul. There will also be a quick-service location attached. The GRAND OPENING is set for October 1st, 2021.
Apr. 05 - Fall 2019Grand Floridian : Disney ResortsMizner's Lounge Disney has announced that in addition to expanding the lounge it will be re-themed to a Beauty and the Beast inspired location.
May 2019 - Mar 2021EPCOT : Walt Disney WorldEpcot Main Entrance Transformation Epcot‘s main entrance plaza will see changes that include new pathways, sweeping green spaces, and a newly re-imagined fountain. The new design will pay homage to the original park entrance with fresh takes on classic elements. The Leave A Legacy photos, currently in the entrance plaza, will move into a setting just outside the park’s gateway.

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