All Events, Closures and Refurbishments at Walt Disney World during December of 2018 and 2021

December 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
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.
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.
Now Through - Early 2019All Star Movies : Disney ResortsRoom Refurbishment
April 2018 - Early 2019Port Orleans Riverside : Disney ResortsRoom Refurbishments
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.
June 2018 - Late 2018Coronado Springs Resort : Disney ResortsPepper Market Pepper Market at Coronado Springs Resort will undergo minor refurbishment but will remain in operation during this time.
Now - TBAResort Wide : Walt Disney WorldWalt Disney World Monorail The monorail is undergoing ongoing refurbishment. As a result, normal service and/or routes may be modified. Alternative transportation options will be available during this time.
Summer - December 2018Swan : Disney ResortsLobby, Public Spaces, Coffee Bar The $3 million Swan Resort project will take place in phases, in order to remain open to guests throughout the renovation.
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.
Early Sept. - Mid-Dec. 2018Coronado Springs Resort : Disney ResortsDig Site Refurbishment The Dig Site, home to The Lost City of Cibola Pool, volleyball court, playground, Iguana Arcade and Siestas Cantina, will be refurbished. While this work takes place, the resort's three leisure pools, dining and merchandise locations, La Vida Health Club, Salon and Spa and recreation activities, including Movies Under the Stars and Campfires with Marshmallows, will remain available.
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.
Sept. 4 - Dec. 4, 2018Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House : Disney ResortsUzima Springs Pool and Pool Bar Refurbishment During this time Samawati Springs Pool and Maji Pool Bar at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village will be available. Brief rides via shuttle transportation will be provided to and from the pool during this time.
Oct. 20 - Jul. 11Disney's Animal Kingdom : Walt Disney WorldRafiki's Planet Watch
Oct. 28 - Jan. 05Water Parks : Walt Disney WorldBlizzard Beach
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. 8 - Dec. 21Magic KingdomMickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2018 Party Dates: -- November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30 -- December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21
Early Nov. - Early Jan.Resort Wide : Walt Disney WorldHoliday Celebrations
Nov. 11 - Dec. 16Wilderness Lodge : Disney ResortsArtist Point Restaurant When Artist Point reopens, it will offer an immersive character dining experience, with Snow White and a few of her forest-dwelling friends. As an added treat, you might even have an evil encounter with Snow White’s nemesis, the Queen.
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.
Nov. 18 - Dec. 30EPCOTEpcot's International Festival of the Holidays Holiday Kitchens, Holiday Entertainment, special IllumiNations finale, and more
Nov. 28 - Late December 2018International Gateway : EPCOTFriendShip Boat Service Guests can use the pedestrian walkway or take a bus to and from Epcot. As Disney Skyliner construction continues, temporary structures will be set up that will affect areas around International Gateway.
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.

December 2021

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
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.
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.
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.
2020 - CLOSEDPolynesian : Disney ResortsSpirit Of Aloha Disney has confirmed that Spirit of Aloha will not be returning after its closure at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mar 2020 - Mar. 31, 2022All Star Sports : Disney ResortsDisney's All-Star Sports Resort Reopening All-Star Sports Resort will reopen on March 31st, 2022. Guests can begin booking their stays at the hotel on December 22nd, 2021.
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
Nov. 1 - Dec. 16Disney's Animal Kingdom : Walt Disney WorldKali River Rapids Kali River Rapids will be closed for refurbishment beginning November 1st through mid-December 2021.
Nov. 08 - Dec. 21Magic Kingdom : Walt Disney WorldDisney Very Merriest After Hours On select nights only
Nov. 2021 - Apr. 23rdEPCOT : Walt Disney WorldSouk-al-Magreb The Souk-al-Magreb store will be closed in EPCOT's Morocco Pavilion through February 5th, 2022.
Nov. 26 - Dec. 30EPCOT : Walt Disney WorldEPCOT International Festival of the Holidays