All Events, Closures and Refurbishments at ESPN Wide World of Sports or Resorts in Walt Disney World during January and August of 2016, 2021 and 2023

January 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.
Apr. 15 - Early 2016Polynesian : Disney ResortsOasis Pool (East Pool) Expect noise and construction, possible some pathways blocked.
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.
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 - Mar. 11Art of Animation : Disney ResortsSchoolyard Sprayground
Jan. 03 - Feb. 28Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsOld Port Royale Path of Travel Guests in some parts of Martinique and Trinidad North may experience some construction noise.
Jan. 03 - Through 2017Wilderness Lodge : Disney ResortsCub's Den Children's Activity Center
Jan. 04 - Jan. 06Old Key West : Disney ResortsSandcastle Pool
Jan. 06 - Jan. 08Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsJamaica Pool
Jan. 06 - PERMANENT CLOSUREBoardWalk : Disney ResortsESPN Arcade and Retail ESPN Club dining not affected.
Jan. 11 - Jan. 15Yacht Club : Disney ResortsStormalong Bay Slide
Jan. 11 - Feb. 29Port Orleans Riverside : Disney ResortsOl' Man Island Pool
Jan. 11 - Jan. 13Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsMartinique Quiet Pool
Jan. 13 - Jan. 16Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsFuentes del Morroo Pool
Jan. 18 - Jan. 22Grand Floridian : Disney ResortsCourtyard Pool
Jan. 20 - Jan. 22Saratoga Springs : Disney ResortsGrandstand Pool
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.
Jan. 25 - Jan. 28All Star Sports : Disney ResortsSurfboard Pool
Jan. 27 - Jan. 29Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsTrinidad North Quiet Pool

August 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.
6/2015 - Aug. 30BoardWalk : Disney ResortsVillas Renovation
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.
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. 03 - Through 2017Wilderness Lodge : Disney ResortsCub's Den Children's Activity Center
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
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.
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. 19 - Summer 2016Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsJamaica Village Pool
7/2016 - 10/2016Wilderness Lodge : Disney ResortsSturdy Branches Health Club
Jul. 11 - Nov. 22Port Orleans French Quarter : Disney ResortsSassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory During this refurbishment, the Scat Cat Lounge adjacent to the resort lobby will feature some popular dishes, like jambalaya, gumbo, po' boys, and beignets. There will also be a selection of grab 'n' go meals available for purchase. For guests wishing for more selection, bus transportation will be provided from 7 a.m. to midnight to Port Orleans Riverside. In addition, the resort will continue to offer its in-room pizza delivery service from 4 p.m. to midnight daily. The menu includes pizza, hot and cold sandwiches and pasta.
Jul. 15 - Jan. 31Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village : Disney ResortsSoft Goods Refurbishment
Aug. 01 - Aug. 10Dolphin : Disney ResortsFantasia Gardens Miniature Golf
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.

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.
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
Jan. 06 - Jan. 10ESPN Wide World of Sports : Walt Disney WorldWalt Disney World Marathon Weekend

August 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.
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.
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.
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.
July 2021 - September 30, 2021Disney Resorts : Walt Disney WorldThe Wave...of American Flavors The Wave will be closed as Disney refurbishes the space for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary. It is set to reopen on October 1st, as a BRAND NEW restaurant called Steakhouse 71.
Aug. 26Disney Resorts : Walt Disney WorldDisney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Reopen
Aug. 26Disney Resorts : Walt Disney WorldDisney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House Reopening

January 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.
Early Jan. - Late Mar.Saratoga Springs : Disney ResortsHigh Rock Spring Pool High Rock Spring Pool is set to be closed for refurbishment from early January 2023 through late March 2023. The Grandstand Pool, The Paddock Pool and Congress Park Pool will remain open during this time. Be mindful that guests may see or hear construction while the work is underway, but no noise should be heard between dusk and 9:00 AM.
Early Jan. - Late Mar.Saratoga Springs : Disney ResortsOn the Rocks Pool Bar On the Rocks Pool Bar is set to be closed for refurbishment from early January 2023 through late March 2023.
January 9, 2023 - Early April 2023Contemporary : Disney ResortsDisney's Contemporary Resort The Feature Pool and whirlpool spas will close for refurbishment beginning January 9th, 2023. During this time, the water play area and Bay Lake Pool will still be open but noise should not be heard from guest rooms between dusk and 9AM daily.
Jan. 9 - April 2023Fort Wilderness : Disney ResortsMeadow Swimmin' Pool and whirlpool spa Meadow Swimmin' Pool and whirlpool spa will be closed for refurbishment at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort from January 9, 2023 through early April 2023. The water play area, Meadow Snack Bar, the Wilderness Swimmin' Pool, and its whirlpool spa will remain open for guests during this time. Guests may see and hear construction noise while this refurbishment is underway.

August 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.
Feb 1st - Sept 2023Disney Resorts : Walt Disney WorldAnimal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village Kidani Village will be undergoing updates and renovations.
June 2023 - Late Fall 2023Disney Resorts : Walt Disney WorldBeach Club Resort Beach Club will be undergoing updates and renovations.
July 15th, 2023 - July 1st, 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.