There are a few very important (and specific) rules to follow at Disney World. For example, adults can’t dress up like Disney characters while they’re in the park (but Disney-bounding is OK), and you cannot bring any balloons into Disney’s Animal Kingdom. But sometimes what you can and can’t do in the parks is dictated not by the rules but by temporary CLOSURES!
Next week, there are six things that you CAN’T do in Disney World, not because they’re against any rules, but just because those attractions and restaurants are temporarily closed. Here’s a complete list of those scheduled refurbishments so that you’re prepared for your upcoming vacation.
Magic Kingdom Closures
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Splash Mountain closed on January 23rd for a long refurbishment. The ride is being re-themed to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, with a Princess and the Frog theme.
The new ride will reopen sometime in late 2024. We’ll be watching for more updates on the reopening timeline. The tree at the top of this ride has been removed as Disney continues construction, and several new rock structures have been built at the bottom of the drop. There’s a new water tower as well, which says “Tiana’s Foods” on the front and “Never, ever lose sight of what’s really important” on the back. It’s topped with Tiana’s crown, which has two stars on it to represent Ray and Evangeline.
Recently, we spotted some moss and grass being added to the mountain.
If you miss Splash Mountain or want to celebrate the new ride, you should check out our DFB t-shirts! We have a Splash Mountain Farwell Tour shirt…
…and a Tiana tee as well!
You can shop both tees (and lots of other Disney merch) at our online store.
Click here to shop our DFB merchandise store.
Barrel Bridge on Tom Sawyer Island
Over on Tom Sawyer Island, the Barrel Bridge is currently missing.
A Cast Member told us that it has been removed for maintenance, and they didn’t know when it might return. The rest of the island is still open to explore, though!
Watch out for this Magic Kingdom PROBLEM in August.
EPCOT Closures & Reopenings
Tokyo Dining
In the Japan Pavilion in EPCOT, Tokyo Dining is currently undergoing a major refurbishment. This restaurant is being re-themed to become Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya.
The new table-service restaurant features a “festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya-style.”
Shiki-Sai is expected to open this summer, so we should hear more news about a specific reopening date very soon.
Click here to learn more about the NEW restaurant coming to EPCOT.
Traveler’s Cafe
Traveler’s Cafe is the old Starbucks location, which closed when Connections Cafe opened in World Celebration. Lately, we’ve spotted some changes to this spot (including a new paint job), so we’re wondering if that could mean it will reopen soon!
According to the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival map, it looks like this spot will be the location for Swirled Showcase when it opens as a festival marketplace booth on September 22nd.
NEW additions arrived in EPCOT, and they could make Disney fans ANGRY.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Closures
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
This Little Mermaid-themed stage show has been closed in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a long time now.
Disney hasn’t announced when or if the Voyage of the Little Mermaid will reopen.
If you can only eat at ONE Hollywood Studios restaurant, let it be this one.
Disney World Water Parks
Blizzard Beach
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park has officially reopened, but now the other water park, Blizzard Beach, has closed for refurbishment.
Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for updates!
The BEST Rides at Blizzard Beach, Ranked
Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides:
- 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness
- What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride
- 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU!
- A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World!
- The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride
We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB.
Click here to check out more upcoming closures and current construction projects at Disney World.
Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know
Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip
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Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments!
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