Last week, Disney released a LOT of news about what changes are potentially coming to the Disney Parks. From new Coco, Encanto, and villains-themed lands in Magic Kingdom to a complete overhaul of DinoLand U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the announcements were a lot to take in!
A lot of Disney’s plans are just concepts right now, and the changes are still way off in the future. So what can you expect to see in the parks right now? We’re helping you get a better picture of that now by bringing you a list of what’s going to be CLOSED in Disney World from September 18th through the 24th. Rides, shows, attractions, and more will be temporarily unavailable this week.
Magic Kingdom Closures
Walt Disney World Railroad
The Walt Disney World Railroad will continue its years-long closure through this next week. Disney still hasn’t given an update on when the attraction could reopen, although some of the tracks are still missing, so it likely won’t be very soon.
Part of the railroad track has been interrupted by construction in Tomorrowland on the TRON: Lightcycle Run coaster, which is set to open sometime in the spring of 2023. It’s possible that the railroad will reopen around that time as well since construction will be finished at that point.
We recently heard the train testing in this park, which is a good sign that Disney is preparing for a reopening.
Tomorrowland Light & Power Co.
Another casualty of the TRON: Lightcycle Run construction has been the Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. gift shop at Space Mountain. This gift shop is usually how guests exit the Space Mountain ride, but they’re being directed to exit a different way as the shop is under construction.
When we passed by the shop on the PeopleMover, it looked pretty empty inside, with shelves and other fixtures having been removed. Light & Power Co. could also remain closed until TRON construction wraps up — Disney hasn’t announced an opening date for it yet.
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Enchanted Tales with Belle is an attraction mixed with a character meet and greet. Guests could meet Belle and help her tell the story of Beauty and the Beast.
Unfortunately, this attraction is still closed right now, and Disney hasn’t announced when it will return.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow
Speaking of character meet-and-greets, another popular location is currently closed in Magic Kingdom: Pete’s Silly Sideshow. This is usually where you can meet Minnie, Goofy, Daisy, and Donald in their circus outfits, but it’s closed right now.
Disney has said that it will reopen sometime “in the coming months,” and they gave that announcement a few months ago. So the Silly Sideshow could return any day now!
Meet Ariel at Her Grotto
Lastly for Magic Kingdom, Ariel’s Grotto is still closed as well.
Disney hasn’t announced when the Little Mermaid meet and greet will reopen. But Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid (the nearby ride also based on Ariel’s story) is still open!
Check out 10 Magic Kingdom snacks for under $10.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Closures
Fantasmic!
Many Disney fans are anxiously awaiting the return of Fantasmic! This nighttime show, starring Sorcerer Mickey, is a favorite in Hollywood Studios.
Although we don’t have a specific reopening date, Disney has announced that the show will return this year, and Cast Member rehearsals have already begun. It could reopen any day now!
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Our optimism for a Fantasmic! reopening date unfortunately doesn’t extend to Voyage of the Little Mermaid. This Hollywood Studios show is still closed, and Disney hasn’t announced when or if it will reopen.
Disney’s silence on the topic of this show has us a little bit concerned that it could be closed for good, but we’ll let you know if we hear any updates.
Hollywood Studios will have Extended Evening Hours this year!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Closures
Feathered Friends in Flight
This Animal Kingdom show is all about birds and how the trainers in Disney World work with our feathered friends.
The show will be closed through the 24th, but it’s open again starting on Sunday, September 25th. Starting then, the show will run every day at 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, and 3:30PM.
Check out new character flotillas in Animal Kingdom.
EPCOT Closures
Canada Far & Wide in CircleVision 360
Canada Far & Wide in CircleVision 360 is closed right now as an EPCOT Food & Wine Festival booth is currently using the space.
The Appleseed Orchard booth has an apple crumble tart and a few apple-flavored drinks. We’re expecting the movie attraction to return once the festival ends on November 19th.
The American Adventure Pavilion
The American Adventure Pavilion show may be closed temporarily starting on September 19th. Disney hasn’t announced this closure, but the pavilion is not showing any showtimes starting on that day.
So far we don’t see any showtimes listed after September 18th, so we’re not sure when it could reopen if it does close on the 19th. Note that the missing showtimes could also be a glitch on Disney’s website, so check at the pavilion to see if the show is running during your next visit.
You could watch a live EPCOT performance from home!
Disney Water Park Refurbishments
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently closed, but you can still visit Typhoon Lagoon — Disney World’s OTHER water park.
Disney hasn’t announced when Blizzard Beach will reopen, but we’ll be on the lookout for updates about the park.
Find out what’s going on with Blizzard Beach construction here.
This week, Disney World also has lots of new snacks and treats to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. You can grab some Birria Tacos at Sunshine Seasons in EPCOT, a Watermelon Margarita at ABC Commissary in Hollywood Studios, an Encanto cupcake in Animal Kingdom, and so much more.
And don’t forget that Disney is also celebrating Halloween right now. Although Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is all sold out, you can still find some treats and photo ops in the parks during the day. And even MORE Halloween goodies are coming soon.
Stay tuned to AllEars for more of the latest news from Disney World.
Check out all the Disney news released at the D23 Expo.
Are you visiting Disney World this fall? Let us know in the comments!
Here’s a list of all the closures going on but keep paying the full outrageous admission prices.
so true pay more for less
Exactly….always a rip off. So tired of it!