Between Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Epcot’s huge transformation (and so much more), it’s safe to say the Disney theme parks are going through some changes. Amidst these, we have to say goodbye to some well-loved attractions, dining locations, and treats (whether for a temporary time or for good). But don’t worry, there’s still time to enjoy these experiences!
Magic Kingdom
Today we’re reminding you of 10 Disney rides and attractions you’ll want to see before they close. So grab your hankies and your plane tickets, my friends! It’s time to celebrate some last hurrahs!
Walt Disney World
1. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
Disney World’s IllumiNations nighttime spectacular first debuted on October 1, 1999, and has become an Epcot park staple. The show is scheduled to hold its last performance on September 30th, 2019 before it is replaced by the temporary show titled Epcot Forever on October 1st. Epcot’s permanent nighttime show is still in development and is expected in 2020.
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
Epcot Forever Concept Art
While we’re excited to see the new fireworks show, we’re definitely a bit sad about IllumiNations’ looming departure. If you love IllumiNations as much as we do, be sure to check out the Farewell IllumiNations merchandise line! We especially love these adorable Minnie ears!
Farewell IllumiNations Ears
If you’ll be in Disney World sometime before September ends, don’t miss seeing IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth one last time!
2. Beaches and Cream Soda Shoppe
is a favorite of many Disney World guests. Located in Disney’s Beach Club Resort, this diner is famous for serving up giant sundaes like the iconic Kitchen Sink among several comfort food classics.
Kitchen Sink and Beaches and Cream
The restaurant is currently scheduled to close on August 26th, 2019, but that’s subject to change at any time! Accordingly to Disney World’s website, Beaches and Cream will be closed for refurbishment “through winter 2019.” We don’t have an official reopening date yet, but stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more updates!
3. Club Cool
Club Cool is one of MANY Epcot locations and attractions affected by Epcot’s massive transformation. If you don’t know much about Club Cool, this Epcot spot is where you can get FREE samples of Coca-Cola soda from around the world (including Italy’s notorious Beverly drink)! According to Disney, “Club Cool will close on September 8, 2019. Club Cool will reopen in a new capacity at a future merchandise location.” Hmm…
New Flavors at Club Cool
We don’t know what Club Cool will become when it reopens, so be sure to stop by before September 8th to get one last slug of your favorite flavor (BIBO OF COURSE)!
Find out what else will be affected by Epcot’s transformation!
4. Blizzard Beach
Water park lovers, this one’s for you! Disney World’s two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, close periodically for seasonal maintenance. This fall, Blizzard Beach is slated to close its gates for a bit longer than usual.
©Disney
According to Disney, the park is scheduled to undergo refurbishment from September 8th through December 31st.
Blizzard Beach Refurbishment
Blizzard Beach Refurbishment
We’re glad Typhoon Lagoon will remain open during this refurbishment; but get yourself on over to Blizzard Beach for one last snowball fight before they close early!
5. Electric Umbrella
In addition to Club Cool, another location affected by Epcot’s transformation is none other than Electric Umbrella, located in the Future World section of the park. Electric Umbrella serves up Quick Service meals such as the recent standout Brisket Sandwich.
Electric Umbrella
According to Disney World’s website, the dining location will close its doors this winter. No availability is listed for the restaurant beginning on November 24th, 2019. We’ll be sure to keep you updated with more details as we have them!
Electric Umbrella Restaurant Page
Read our full review of Electric Umbrella here!
6. Guardians of the Galaxy — Awesome Mix Live!
With the end of the summer season will come the end of Guardians of the Galaxy — Awesome Mix Live! The show returned to Epcot’s American Gardens Theatre, where it will hold performances through August 18th, 2019. If you’re a big fan of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, carve out some time to see this show!
Guardians of the Galaxy — Awesome Mix Live!
Check out our full review of Guardians of the Galaxy — Awesome Mix Live!
7. Mickey and Minnie Waffle Sundae
Mickey and Minnie’s Surprise Celebration will conclude its run in Magic Kingdom on September 30th of this year. An adorable treat from the lengthy celebration is the Mickey and Minnie Waffle Sundae from Sleepy Hollow!
Mickey and Minnie Waffle Sundae
Now, we aren’t sure whether this dessert will go away when the Surprise Celebration ends, but we want you to be prepared in case it does! Disney has stated that the specialty desserts and dishes that debuted for the Celebration would be leaving their posts on the 30th, so go grab your Minnie waffle while you still can!
8. Key Lime Pie on a Stick
In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we’ve enjoyed An Incredible Celebration this year! The celebration introduced Neighborhood Bakery, which brought us two super cool snacks — Num Num Cookies and Key Lime Pie on a Stick.
Key Lime Pie on a Stick
An Incredible Celebration will conclude September 30th, 2019, and we aren’t sure if these treats will stick around. Be sure to try them before September ends!
Disneyland Resort
9. Soarin’ Over California
In case you missed it, Soarin’ Over California is BACK in Disney California Adventure for a limited time! The ride has replaced Soarin’ Around the World in the Grizzly Peak section of the park.
Soarin’ Over California
Originally, the attraction was supposed to return for only the month of June, but due to guest feedback, Soarin’ Over California’s stay has been extended through August 31st, 2019! If you’re visiting Disney California Adventure between now and the end of August, head over to Grizzly Peak for a chance to float over the picturesque California scenery (and get ALMOST hit by that golf ball) once more.
10. Main Street Electrical Parade
As we previously reported, the fan-favorite Main Street Electrical Parade will RETURN to Disneyland this summer! Currently, the Mickey and Friends Band-Tastic Cavalcade Parade is holding performances in Disneyland, but the Electrical Parade will take over on August 2nd, 2019 and will run through September 30th.
Main Street Electrical Parade
I am TOTES booking my tickets now.
We’ll be sad to say goodbye to some of these experiences, but we are looking forward to the NEW experiences coming to the Disney parks. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for all the news from the Disney parks and resorts!
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Why are Blizzard Beach and Beaches & Cream on the list? They’re only closing for refurb, not for good. That happens to BB every year.