Disney World Update: Summer Closings & Changings
The folks at Walt Disney World are always working hard to “plus” the experience for the guest. Here’s what they’ve got up their sleeves, plus a park-by-park look at some ride closings that might be of interest to summer visitors.
MAGIC KINGDOM
First, the good news: New rides and attractions are coming! In fact, the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom is now underway. To facilitate the changes, “Pooh’s Playful Spot,” “Ariel’s Grotto” and “Scuttle’s Landing” have been closed. When the expansion finishes in 2013, Fantasyland will boast several new features, including:
* A place where guests can visit their favorite Disney Princess in her castle, cottage, or chateau to share a dance with Cinderella; celebrate Sleeping Beauty’s birthday with the Good Fairies; or join Belle in an enchanting story performance in the Beast’s castle library.
* Visitors can “Be Our Guest: and dine in one of three enchanted rooms inside the Beast’s castle.
* Kid and adults can fly with Dumbo high above brand new circus grounds, twice the size of the existing attraction with a new interactive, three-ring circus tent.
* You can take a journey under the sea with Ariel, The Little Mermaid, in her very own attraction (this will also open at Disney’s California Adventure in Anaheim in 2011)
* Bring the kids to meet Tinker Bell and her friends in the magical world of Pixie Hollow.
“It’s a Small World” will be closed for refurbishment from August 1st until October 22nd.
“Storytime with Belle” will end on September 12th. The attraction is being replaced by a new one based on the new film “Tangled.” That attraction is scheduled to open Friday, October 15th.
ANIMAL KINGDOM“Flame Tree Barbecue” will be closed for renovations from August 9th through September 19th.
“The Village Beatniks” will play their final performance on Saturday, September 25th. They have been an Animal Kingdom staple since 1998.
EPCOT
“Cantina de San Angel” in the Mexico Pavilion is closed for refurbishment and expansion. It is scheduled to re-open September 16th.
“La Hacienda de San Angel” will be a new full-service restaurant in the Mexico Pavilion and it will open on September 16th.
DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS“Star Tours” will close on September 8th for a major renovation. It will re-open in May, 2011 and feature an all-new 3-D ride that includes many of the new worlds and elements from the more recent Star Wars movies.
“Walt Disney – One Man’s Dream” will be closed for refurbishment from August 16th through November 2nd.
Remember to check with Walt Disney World directly if you are visiting during these renovations, as schedules are subject to change.
