We’re looking forward to the coming week in Magic Kingdom!
Magic Kingdom
One of Magic Kingdom’s most popular and iconic rides will FINALLY be reopening. Get ready for tons of puns, the back side of water, and loads of jungle animals on a cruise down the Nile and other famous rivers of the world. Other than this reopening, though, Disney World still has several closures. Take a peek at what will be closed during your vacation on the week of October 12th through October 19th.
Jungle Cruise
The wild river ride closed on August 26th, and no, this is not some joke the Skippers just came up with!
The Jungle Cruise will be back soon!
The punny ride was scheduled to be closed for refurbishment until October 18th, but the website is showing times for cruises starting October 16th (TWO days early)! If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom this week, you may be one of the first to see the eighth wonder of the world, the backside of water, once again. Hopefully, the next time you visit, you’ll get to “ooo” and “ahhh” and this marvel!
For other closures around Disney World from October 12th through October 19th, keep reading below!
Magic Kingdom
Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
We had to say goodbye to an opening day attraction on June 23rd.
Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade was around for generations and provided simple fun to all who played. Now, the attraction has closed to make room for a new Disney Vacation Club lounge. This lounge will be the third in Disney World, joining one in EPCOT and one at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Disney has not yet announced when the new lounge will open.
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Tomorrowland Terrace
Tomorrowland Terrace is a quick-service restaurant that has been closed since the 2020 pandemic-related closures, but even before that, this spot was only occasionally open.
Tomorrowland Terrace
Once in a while, you’ll see the dining room open as a rest area (and it’s still being used for the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties), but it’s usually all roped off and empty.
Tomorrowland Terrace seating
Disney hasn’t announced when this spot could finally reopen, but we’ll be watching for updates. If you’re looking for a nice spot to hang out in Disney World and sit down for a rest, this could be it!
EPCOT
Test Track
Test Track closed on June 17th, and Disney is giving this ride a BIG makeover!
Test Track
Disney has shared that the new version of Test Track will take inspiration from the old ride, World of Motion, that was originally there when the park opened in 1982. Disney recently shared more details at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience, including an opening timeline! We’ll be able to ride Test Trace once again in 2025.
Restaurant Marrakesh
Restaurant Marrakesh is currently closed as a dining location in the Morocco pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase, and there’s no word yet on when the restaurant could fully reopen.
Restaurant Marrakesh
However, it is currently open as the Florida Blue Lounge during the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. So, if you’re in the Morocco Pavilion, check it out to see if it’s open. We’re watching for updates on when the full restaurant could reopen!
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Hollywood Studios
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Voyage of the Little Mermaid is currently closed in Disney World. But we recently spotted some construction walls up at the show!
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Disney is going to introduce a new, updated show in this spot, though it will still be themed to the animated movie The Little Mermaid! The new show will be called “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” and is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Fall 2024.
©Disney
Disney still hasn’t announced an official opening date for the new show, but hopefully, we’ll hear some news soon! It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.”
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
The Cars-themed show featuring Lighting McQueen permanently closed on October 8th, 2024, to make way for a brand new villains show.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
The show was previously housed in the Sunset Showcase building, but the last day for guests to enjoy it was October 7th. The new villains show is supposed to debut in the summer of 2025! We’re watching for more details about the new show.
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Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach closed for refurbishment on March 17th.
Blizzard Beach
While Blizzard Beach is closed, Typhoon Lagoon is currently open. The two water parks often rotate off and on for being open. And recently, Disney announced that Blizzard Beach will be reopening on November 4th, when Typhoon Lagoon will close!
Click here to learn all about Blizzard Beach
Disney World Hotels
Everything POP Shopping & Dining — Disney’s Pop Century Resort
The Everything Pop Food Court will continue its refurbishment for the time being.
Everything Pop
Since July 29th, Everything Pop has been getting some work done. The refurbishment was supposed to end on September 29th. However, Disney updated the refurbishment timeline to extend it to November. This means the food court should have been back to full and normal operation, but that’s not the case. However, we did stop by and noticed a few updates — it’s looking really good so far! Guests can grab food at several counters and on mobile order, as well as use the limited seating while work is being done.
World Premiere Food Court — Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
World Premiere Food Court
This food court closed for refurbishment on July 1st and was set to reopen on July 31st. However, a change on the Disney World website and speaking with Cast Members has indicated that did not happen. Disney has recently updated the website to say it won’t open until mid-October. While it has been getting a face-lift, guests have been able to mobile order from a limited menu on the Disney World app, and seating in the food court is still available.
REVIEW: Disney Just FIXED One of Our Favorite Pop Century Hotel Snacks (and We’re THRILLED!)
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.
Check out more upcoming closures and current construction projects at Disney World here.
Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know
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Do you have any news on Candlelight Processional at Epcot? We are waiting to book a dining package for this event but see no information on the website.
“This lounge will be the third in Disney World, joining one in EPCOT and one at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.”
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Top of The World, on the top floor of Bay Lake Tower is fantastic. It features a terrace facing the Magic Kingdom which is an excellent place to enjoy the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks. The best, is the inside lounge/bar, Villains’ Lair. You need to show proof of DVC membership and a photo ID to get one of the limited tables. With a full bar, they also feature specialty drinks themed after Disney villains and a limited bar menu. It opens at 6 pm and elevator only begins working at opening time.
Getting ready to fly down tomorrow the 16th. Staying 8 days!!