All Events, Closures and Refurbishments at Walt Disney World during January of 2016 and 2021

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.
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!"
2021/11/18 - 2021/12/31EPCOT : Walt Disney World2021 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
Early 2015 - Memorial Day WeekendPixar Place : Disney's Hollywood StudiosToy Story Expansion The expanded Toy Story Midway Mania new 3rd track opens Memorial Day weekend, 2016.
Apr. 15 - Early 2016Polynesian : Disney ResortsOasis Pool (East Pool) Expect noise and construction, possible some pathways blocked.
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. 15 - Aug. 29Disney's Hollywood StudiosStar Wars: Galaxy's Edge Work is under way on the 14-acre Star Wars-themed land at Disney's Hollywood Studios that was announced during the 2015 D23 EXPO.
Aug. 17 - May. 05BoardWalk : Disney ResortsBoardwalk Inn Exterior repair and painting
Oct. 04 - Jan. 02Blizzard Beach : Water ParksBlizzard Beach
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.
2014 - March 2016The Marketplace : Disney SpringsRoadwork on Buena Vista Drive Expect major traffic. Due to heavy roadwork, expect delays on Buena Vista Drive. It is recommended that guests use Walt Disney World Resort transportation from Parks and Resorts to Downtown Disney and plan to arrive early for reserved dining and entertainment experiences.
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 - Mar. 11Art of Animation : Disney ResortsSchoolyard Sprayground
Jan. 03 - Mar. 19Typhoon Lagoon : Water ParksTyphoon Lagoon
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 - Mar. 13Asia : Disney's Animal KingdomKali River Rapids
Jan. 04 - Opens June 17th - FastPass+ AvailableLand Pavilion : EPCOTSoarin' Update and Expansion Another theater is being added, as well as new screens and a projection system bringing a visually enhanced experience.
Jan. 04 - Jan. 06Old Key West : Disney ResortsSandcastle Pool
Jan. 04 - Jan. 25Asia : Disney's Animal KingdomMaharajah Jungle Trek
Jan. 04 - Feb. 18Asia : Disney's Animal KingdomKali River Rapids
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. 06 - Jan. 08Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsJamaica Pool
Jan. 06 - PERMANENT CLOSUREBoardWalk : Disney ResortsESPN Arcade and Retail ESPN Club dining not affected.
January 6 - 10Resort Wide : Walt Disney WorldWalt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna a range of events and races, each pacing through an assortment of exciting locations-including all four theme parks. There's a Family Fun Run 5K on Thursday, January 7, followed by a 10K on January 8, a Half Marathon on January 9 and the full marathon on January 10. For more details on the weekend, visit the runDisney site.
Jan. 10 - Jan. 14Frontierland : Magic KingdomSplash Mountain
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. 22Liberty Square : Magic KingdomLiberty Square Riverboat
Jan. 18 - PERMANENT CLOSUREFuture World West : EPCOTHabit Heroes
Jan. 18 - Jan. 22Grand Floridian : Disney ResortsCourtyard Pool
Jan. 19 - Nov. 18Muppets Courtyard : Disney's Hollywood StudiosPizza Planet PizzeRizzo, themed after the Muppets character Rizzo the Rat, will open this fall in Muppets Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios, in the former Toy Story Pizza Planet location. The casual Italian-American dining experience will feature pizza and other Italian specialties, with updated indoor and outdoor seating areas, a banquet room, and a special booth designated just for Rizzo's celebrity friends.
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 - Feb. 03Adventureland : Magic KingdomMagic Carpets of Aladdin
Jan. 25 - Jan. 28All Star Sports : Disney ResortsSurfboard Pool
Jan. 25 - Mar. 17Asia : Disney's Animal KingdomWarung Outpost
Jan. 27 - Jan. 29Caribbean Beach : Disney ResortsTrinidad North Quiet Pool

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.
2021/11/18 - 2021/12/31EPCOT : Walt Disney World2021 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
July 2017 - September 30, 2021France Pavilion : EPCOTRemy's Ratatouille Adventure Similar to the 4-D attraction Ratatouille: The Adventure that opened at the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris in 2014, guests will be able to shrink to Remy’s size and scurry to safety in a dazzling chase across a kitchen with the sights, sounds and smells of Gusteau’s legendary Parisian restaurant. The attraction will open on October 1st, 2021 just in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.
Under Construction - May 27thFuture World East : EPCOTGuardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind The Guardians of Galaxy themed coaster will be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world and feature a brand-new ride system. Disney has shared that the ride will open in Summer 2022.
Under Construction - TBDTomorrowland : Magic KingdomTRON: Lightcycle Run TRON Lightcycle Run is coaster-style attraction, in which riders board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles. It offers access into the energy, lights and excitement of TRON's high-tech universe and is one of the most thrilling adventures.
Dec 2018 - December 23, 2022Main Street USA : Magic KingdomWalt Disney World Railroad The Walt Disney World Railroad will cease running and will sit "in residence" at its Main Street Station while work progresses on the new Tron coaster coming to Tomorrowland. This will give guests the chance to have an up-close look at the railroad and take advantage of some unique photo opportunities.
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.
Feb. 19 - 2021Future World East : EPCOTPLAY Pavilion The Wonders of Life pavilion is being reimagined into the Play Pavilion, and will feature first-of-their-kind experiences devoted to playful fun. The Play Pavilion will take guests into an innovative, interactive city bursting with games and hands-on activities. Play Pavilion visitors will interact with Disney characters in an energetic metropolis unlike anything ever seen before at Epcot.
Mar 2019 - September 30, 2021France Pavilion : EPCOTLa Creperie de Paris Built in an all-new location near the previously announced Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction, the new crêperie will feature the cuisine of celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse, who is also responsible for the pavilion’s Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul. There will also be a quick-service location attached. The GRAND OPENING is set for October 1st, 2021.
May 2019 - Mar 2021EPCOT : Walt Disney WorldEpcot Main Entrance Transformation Epcot‘s main entrance plaza will see changes that include new pathways, sweeping green spaces, and a newly re-imagined fountain. The new design will pay homage to the original park entrance with fresh takes on classic elements. The Leave A Legacy photos, currently in the entrance plaza, will move into a setting just outside the park’s gateway.
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.
March 2020 - Nov. 3rdDisney's Hollywood Studios : Walt Disney WorldFantasmic! After a long closure, Fantasmic will reopen in Disney's Hollywood Studios on November 3rd.
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.
2020 - Jan. 30Tomorrowland : Magic KingdomTomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Aug. 29 - Late 2023EPCOT : Walt Disney WorldCommuniCore Plaza CommuniCore Plaza will provide an outdoor space where guests can come to relax and experience all that the Festivals have to offer
Aug. 31 - Late 2023World Celebration : EPCOTCommuniCore Hall CommuniCore Hall will be housed within the CommuniCore Plaza, and will be the first fully-purpose built structure in FestiTal programing! there will also be a new location in EPCOT called “Mickey and Friends” where you can meet some of your favorite Disney characters!
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
Under Construction - TBDEPCOT : Walt Disney WorldPLAY! Pavilion Part of the EPCOT Transformation, the PLAY! Pavilion will be an interactive metropolis and you will find a city filled with games, activities, and experiences that connect you with friends, family, and beloved Disney characters like never before.
Jan. 06 - Jan. 10ESPN Wide World of Sports : Walt Disney WorldWalt Disney World Marathon Weekend
January 2021 - August 2021Magic Kingdom : Walt Disney WorldThe Hall of Presidents - Refurbishment