All Events, Closures and Refurbishments at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs or Resorts in Walt Disney World during May of 2016 and 2019

May 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!"
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. 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
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. 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.
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. 04 - Early 2017The West Side : Disney SpringsFulton's Crab House Becomes Paddlefish Paddlefish is set to open Saturday, February 4, 2017.
Apr. 19 - Summer 2016Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsJamaica Village Pool
May - Jun. 15Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsTrinidad pool
May. 07 - May. 22Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House : Disney ResortsAKL Concierge Lounge An alternate location will be available
May. 15Town Center : Disney SpringsDisney Springs and Town Center Opening The Disney Springs and half of Town Center will open May 15, 2016.
Memorial Day Weekend - 2016Discovery Island : Disney's Animal KingdomTiffins Restaurant Opens
Memorial Day Weekend - 2016Asia : Disney's Animal KingdomThe Jungle Book Alive with Magic Show For the summer, Discovery River will become the stage for a limited-engagement show inspired by Disney's hit live-action film "The Jungle Book." "The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic" is filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.
Memorial Day Weekend - 2016Discovery Island : Disney's Animal KingdomThe Tree of Life Awakens
Memorial Day Weekend - 2016Africa : Disney's Animal KingdomKilimanjaro Safari After Dark

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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.