All Events, Closures and Refurbishments at Disney Springs or ESPN Wide World of Sports in Walt Disney World during April of 2017, 2018 and 2020

April 2017

2/16 - TBAESPN Wide World of SportsMulti-Use Sports and Entertainment Venue ESPN Wide World of Sports has teamed up with the nation's top cheerleading organization, Varsity Spirit, to create a new state-of-the-art cheerleading and dance team competition venue, which will include a flexible design for one large competition space that can be set up for as many as four competition areas. Additional areas are being tailored for warm up and practice, along with areas for judges and officials. With the capacity to seat more than 8,000 guests, plus performance and warm-up space, the new multi-use sports and entertainment venue will also be able to host six regulation basketball courts, six regulation volleyball courts or concert configurations. There will be concessions throughout the building, and an additional box office and entry to the complex. Construction is ongoing until further notice, with intermittent overnight lane closures, lane shifts, traffic congestion and noise along Osceola Parkway/Victory Way.
Apr. 20 - Apr. 23ESPN Wide World of SportsStar Wars Half Marathon - The Dark Side Weekend Races include the 5K, Kids' Races, 10K, and half marathon, with the Dark Side Challenge for those completing the 10K and half marathon distances. New for 2017: the 10K and half marathon will start on Floridian Way and finish at Epcot. In the Inaugural event those races started at Epcot and finished at ESPN Wide World of Sports. The Kessel Run Challenge medal will be awarded to those who complete both the Star Wars Half Marathon - The Light Side in California and the Star Wars Half Marathon - The Dark Side in Florida.
Apr. 23 - Fall 2017The Landing : Disney SpringsPortobello Country Italian Trattoria Terralina Crafted Italian is slated to open this fall on the site of the former Portobello Country Italian Trattoria. No official opening date has been announced yet.

April 2018

May. 30 - TBAThe West Side : Disney SpringsJaleo A new restaurant coming from Chef Jose Andres.
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-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.
Mar. 15 - Apr. 15The Landing : Disney SpringsSakura Festival at Morimoto Asia The restaurant will be decorated with the pink blooms of the Sakura and will feature themed menu specials during lunch and dinner.
Apr. 19 - 22ESPN Wide World of SportsStar Wars Half Marathon - The Dark Side 2018

April 2020

Mar. 20 - Apr. 16Disney Springs : Walt Disney WorldPreviews Start for New Cirque du Soleil "Drawn to Life" Show For the first time, Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios joined forces with Cirque du Soleil to create a show that combines Disney storytelling and heart with Cirque du Soleil’s signature artistry. The story is the tale of young girl whose father is a Disney animator. Because of this she has grown up with the characters and her dad finds a way to send her on a journey in the world of Disney Animation!
Apr. 16 - Apr. 19ESPN Wide World of Sports : Walt Disney WorldStar Wars Rival Run Weekend
Apr. 17Disney Springs : Walt Disney WorldNew Cirque du Soleil Show "Drawn to Life" Opens For the first time, Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios joined forces with Cirque du Soleil to create a show that combines Disney storytelling and heart with Cirque du Soleil’s signature artistry. The story is the tale of young girl whose father is a Disney animator. Because of this she has grown up with the characters and her dad finds a way to send her on a journey in the world of Disney Animation!