All Events, Closures and Refurbishments at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village, Disney Springs or Resorts in Walt Disney World during May and December of 2018 and 2023

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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
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
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. 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. 09Africa : Disney's Animal KingdomFestival of the Lion King

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.
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.
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. 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.
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
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.
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. 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. 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.

May 2023

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.
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.
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 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.
Aug. 01 - Late 2023Disney Springs : Walt Disney WorldSummer House on the Lake New restaurant coming soon to Disney Springs
Feb 1st - Sept 2023Disney Resorts : Walt Disney WorldAnimal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village Kidani Village will be undergoing updates and renovations.

December 2023

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.
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 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.
Aug. 01 - Late 2023Disney Springs : Walt Disney WorldSummer House on the Lake New restaurant coming soon to Disney Springs
June 2023 - Late Fall 2023Disney Resorts : Walt Disney WorldBeach Club Resort Beach Club will be undergoing updates and renovations.
Jul. 15 - In 2024Disney Resorts : Walt Disney WorldDisney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground 350 Cabins at the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds will be completely renovated and adopted into the Disney Vacation Club offerings.