All Events, Closures and Refurbishments at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or Resorts in Walt Disney World during January and April of 2015, 2018 and 2021

January 2015

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!"
Early 2014 - Late 2015Swan : Disney ResortsWDW Swan Hotel The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is currently undergoing the largest renovation in its 25-year history. The Swan rooms are currently being renovated, set to be completed in 2015. Renovations take place between 9am and 7pm daily.
Jul. 26 - Apr. 01Polynesian : Disney ResortsNanea Volcano Pool Several enhancements are scheduled, including a new aquatic playground with children's slides, a new hot tub, and a larger deck with more guest seating. As an alternative, resort guests are being notified that they will receive free, single-day admission to Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park. Transportation will be provided to the water park, where a dedicated Polynesian guest check-in will be available, at which you can receive your complimentary tickets and towels. The Polynesian's leisure pool will remain open during the Nanea pool refurbishment.
Jan. 01 - Spring 2015Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsCaribbean Beach Guest Rooms During this time, all rooms (with the exception of King Bed rooms and Pirate Rooms) will be upgrading to queen beds. Many rooms (but not all) will then have the ability to accommodate up to five, with the addition of a bunk-size fold down bed. These rooms will be located in all of the resort's villages.
Ongoing - Aug. 22Beach Club : Disney ResortsBeach Club Guest Rooms Guest rooms are being refurbished with new hard and soft goods. Work takes place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
Jan. 01 - Feb. 02Beach Club : Disney ResortsStormalong Bay Through February 2, 2015, the Flying Jib slide will not be available to guests. Also closed during this period will be Bubblin' Bay and Sinking Sands areas of the pool -- essentially all areas from the slide exit up to the nearby bridge. During these closures, all other areas of the pool will remain open to guests.
Jan. 05 - Apr. 22Discovery Island : Disney's Animal KingdomFlame Tree Barbecue
Jan. 05 - Jun. 17Discovery Island : Disney's Animal KingdomCreature Comforts Closed to be converted into a Starbucks location.
Jan. 05 - Jun. 25Disney's Animal KingdomFlame Tree BBQ

April 2015

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!"
Early 2014 - Late 2015Swan : Disney ResortsWDW Swan Hotel The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is currently undergoing the largest renovation in its 25-year history. The Swan rooms are currently being renovated, set to be completed in 2015. Renovations take place between 9am and 7pm daily.
Jul. 26 - Apr. 01Polynesian : Disney ResortsNanea Volcano Pool Several enhancements are scheduled, including a new aquatic playground with children's slides, a new hot tub, and a larger deck with more guest seating. As an alternative, resort guests are being notified that they will receive free, single-day admission to Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park. Transportation will be provided to the water park, where a dedicated Polynesian guest check-in will be available, at which you can receive your complimentary tickets and towels. The Polynesian's leisure pool will remain open during the Nanea pool refurbishment.
Jan. 01 - Spring 2015Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsCaribbean Beach Guest Rooms During this time, all rooms (with the exception of King Bed rooms and Pirate Rooms) will be upgrading to queen beds. Many rooms (but not all) will then have the ability to accommodate up to five, with the addition of a bunk-size fold down bed. These rooms will be located in all of the resort's villages.
Ongoing - Aug. 22Beach Club : Disney ResortsBeach Club Guest Rooms Guest rooms are being refurbished with new hard and soft goods. Work takes place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
Jan. 05 - Apr. 22Discovery Island : Disney's Animal KingdomFlame Tree Barbecue
Jan. 05 - Jun. 17Discovery Island : Disney's Animal KingdomCreature Comforts Closed to be converted into a Starbucks location.
Jan. 05 - Jun. 25Disney's Animal KingdomFlame Tree BBQ
Late March 2015 - Late June 2015Beach Club : Disney ResortsVillas Guest Rooms Small blocks of rooms will be renovated at one time, meaning that guest stays in refurbished villas should commence in early April. Major in-room modifications include new furniture, carpet, flooring, curtains, linens and stainless steel appliances. Upgrades to the electrical system will add USB charging stations and additional electrical outlets to the villas. Deluxe Studio villas are being expanded to accommodate five guests with the addition of a fold-down sleeper. Elsewhere at the resort, a billiard table has been added to The Drawing Room located at the entrance to the villa wing. The table is available free to guests 24 hours per day.
Apr. 15 - Early 2016Polynesian : Disney ResortsOasis Pool (East Pool) Expect noise and construction, possible some pathways blocked.
Apr. 27 - May. 03Saratoga Springs : Disney ResortsGrandstand Water Play Area Pool remains open during the work.

January 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.
8/4/16 - Late 2018Yacht 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. 2017 - Mar. 19Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsSpyglass Grill This new dining location is set to open in Spring 2018. Located in Trinidad South, it will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu offers a variety of items, including hot breakfast entrees, sandwiches, salads, tacos and beverages.
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.
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.
11/20/17 - Spring 2018Grand Floridian : Disney ResortsBeach Pool and Beaches Pool Bar The water play area and the mug refill station will still be available during this refurbishment.
Jan. 01 - Apr. 22Asia : Disney's Animal KingdomFlights of Wonder / New UP-Themed Show Flights of Wonder is now closed. A a new show featuring Russell and Dug from Disney Pixar's film "UP" will open spring/summer 2018. This new experience will offer guests the chance to see Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug as they discover species of birds from around the world in their newest adventure at the Caravan Theater in Anandapur Village.
Early Jan. - Mid-Jan. 2018Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village : Disney ResortsSamawati Springs Pool
Jan. 02 - Feb. 10Asia : Disney's Animal KingdomKali River Rapids
Jan. 02 - Apr. 01All Star Movies : Disney ResortsDuck Pond Pool
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-Jan. 2018 - TBAArt of Animation : Disney ResortsBig Blue Pool
Mid-Jan. - Late Jan. 2018Saratoga Springs : Disney ResortsHigh Rock Spring Pool
Late Jan. - Early Feb. 2018Art of Animation : Disney ResortsFlippin' Fins Pool
Late Jan. - Mid-Feb. 2018Saratoga Springs : Disney ResortsPaddock Pool

April 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.
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.
Jan. 01 - Apr. 22Asia : Disney's Animal KingdomFlights of Wonder / New UP-Themed Show Flights of Wonder is now closed. A a new show featuring Russell and Dug from Disney Pixar's film "UP" will open spring/summer 2018. This new experience will offer guests the chance to see Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug as they discover species of birds from around the world in their newest adventure at the Caravan Theater in Anandapur Village.
Jan. 02 - Apr. 01All Star Movies : Disney ResortsDuck Pond Pool
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.
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. 22Disney's Animal KingdomD23 Celebrates 20 Years of Disney's Animal Kingdom
Apr. 22Discovery Island : Disney's Animal KingdomTiffins Talk At Tiffins restaurant, as part of the theme park's 20th anniversary celebration, Dr. Joseph Soltis, Research Scientist for Disney's Animals, Science and Environment, will speak about the "Elephants and Bees" project in which honeybees are helping people and elephants in Kenya. The menu will feature African cuisine.
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.
Apr. 25Discovery Island : Disney's Animal KingdomTiffins Talk At Tiffins restaurant as part of the theme park's 20th anniversary celebration, Joe Rohde, Portfolio Creative Executive and a veteran Imagineer, will share tales from his adventures all over Asia, India, Nepal and China. The chefs of Tiffins will follow Joe's journeys with a menu inspired by his travels.
Apr. 27Discovery Island : Disney's Animal KingdomTiffins Talk At Tiffins restaurant as part of the theme park's 20th anniversary celebration, Dr. Jason Fischer, Conservation Program Manager for Disney's Animals, Science and Environment, will speak about Disney's efforts to conserve the purple martin, a remarkable migratory songbird that travels to Walt Disney World Resort from the Brazilian Amazon to raise a family each year. The menu will feature North American cuisine.
Apr. 29Discovery Island : Disney's Animal KingdomTiffins Talk At Tiffins restaurant, Rachel Daneault, Zoological Manager at Disney's Animal Kingdom for the Primate - Carnivore team, will talk about the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE) project that Disney supports in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The menu will feature African cuisine.

January 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.
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.
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.
Sep. 01 - Summer 2021Art of Animation : Disney ResortsDisney's Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is receiving a big overhaul to the entryway with updates on the lobby and monorail station. The guest rooms will also receive a Moana-inspired room update. The project is currently underway and will continue to this summer.
Dec. 22 - CompletedSaratoga Springs : Disney ResortsSaratoga Springs Resort and Spa Paddock Pool The Paddock Pool at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa will be refurbishing its water slide as well this winter. In the interim, the bridge between the resort and The Paddock will be closed with the resort shuttle and other routes available to guests instead. However, the Paddock Pool will stay open, even with the construction

April 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.
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.
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.
Sep. 01 - Summer 2021Art of Animation : Disney ResortsDisney's Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is receiving a big overhaul to the entryway with updates on the lobby and monorail station. The guest rooms will also receive a Moana-inspired room update. The project is currently underway and will continue to this summer.
Dec. 22 - CompletedSaratoga Springs : Disney ResortsSaratoga Springs Resort and Spa Paddock Pool The Paddock Pool at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa will be refurbishing its water slide as well this winter. In the interim, the bridge between the resort and The Paddock will be closed with the resort shuttle and other routes available to guests instead. However, the Paddock Pool will stay open, even with the construction
April 2021 - Late September 2021Disney Resorts : Walt Disney WorldDisney's Contemporary Resort Rooms in the main building and lobby space will undergo refurbishment through late-September as Disney transforms the resort with a new restaurant and new rooms details themed after Disney and Pixar's 'Incredibles.' Additionally, the water play area is also closed through late-September.