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

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.

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.