We’ve heard some MAJOR news from Disney this week, including new character meet-and-greets, updates on the opening of TRON Lightcycle / Run, and even a Genie+ update from Magic Kingdom.
There’s a lot of new stuff coming soon, but it’s also important to keep an eye on the existing rides and restaurants in the park. Sometimes these attractions have to close temporarily for refurbishments and updates, and those closures might affect your next trip. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you out. Check out everything that’s going to be closed in Disney World next week here!
Magic Kingdom
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. 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.
Tomorrowland Light & Power Co.
For a while, we have been watching the refurbishment of the Tomorrowland Light & Power Co building. This building has previously been used as the Space Mountain gift shop. Just last week we saw a change to the front of the store when a new mural was added.
It has now been announced that the Tomorrowland Light & Power Co will be renamed Tomorrowland Launch Depot. The store will open on April 4th along with TRON Lightcycle / Run! Here you can see photos of the new sign completed.
The Tomorrowland Launch Depot will be home to the new interactive experience called TRON Identity Program. Guests will able to customize a “Program” action figure that looks and sounds like you and an identity chip that will interact with other merchandise as well! This is similar to the Avatar Maker found in Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
We’ve also spotted some TRON merchandise inside this store, although another shop will be opening in Tomorrowland with even more merchandise for the new ride. The new store will be located across from Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.
Check out a bunch of TRON Lightcycle / Run merchandise here.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
The popular Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster ride closed on February 21st for a long refurbishment.
So far Disney hasn’t announced specifically when it will reopen, but we know it’ll be sometime in the summer of 2023.
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.
Find out what’s new over at Hollywood Studios!
EPCOT
Cool Wash
Cool Wash temporarily had a new sign that re-named the spot “Refreshment Station,” but that sign was later removed. However, it looks like the sign is back now! The snack kiosk is still closed and blocked off by several plants.
Disney hasn’t announced when Cool Wash (sorry, Refreshment Station) will reopen, but we’ll watch for any changes.
Don’t forget that the Flower & Garden Festival is going on in EPCOT right now as well! Click here to check out our NEW tees that are perfect for a trip to the festival.
You can choose from a variety of colors for our Flower & Garden tees.
Shop the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival tees here.
Disney World Hotels
Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Narcoossee’s is an upscale seafood restaurant at the Grand Floridian, and it’s been closed for several months now.
This restaurant will reopen on April 1st, 2023, with an “enhanced dining experience.” You can check out the full menu (with prices) here, and reservations are open now.
Full Menu and Prices Revealed for Narcoossee’s Restaurant
Pools at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
A few pools and a pool bar are currently closed at Saratoga Springs. The High Rock Spring Pool, On the Rocks Pool Bar, and the leisure pool at Treehouse Villas are all going to be closed through late March 2023.
Disney notes on the website that the Grandstand Pool, Paddock Pool, and Congress Park Pool all remain open for guests to use during the closures.
Check out an exclusive Star Wars hotel DISCOUNT at Disney World.
Disney World Water Parks
Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon will reopen SOON on March 21st! Although the original reopening date was March 19th, the water park had to postpone due to cold weather.
Disney World’s other water park, Blizzard Beach,will close for refurbishment on March 19th.
Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for updates!
Check out our full guide to Typhoon Lagoon here.
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 12 major announcements from Disney World!
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Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe
Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments!
Dodger says
Do you guys happen to know…when Blizzard Beach is closed for refurbishment, does Disney continue to offer bus transportation there for people who want to play mini-golf at Winter Summer Land, or do guests have to arrange their own transportation – Uber, Lyft, Minnie Van, etc. – during this period?