December 2018 Walt Disney World Refurbishments and Closures
Throughout the year, Disney temporarily closes attractions to make sure everything is operating safely and looking it’s best. In order to keep your trip stress-free, it’s important to do a little bit of planning.
No one wants to head off to their favorite attraction only to find that it is temporarily down. With the following refurbishment schedule, you can plan ahead and save yourself from any potential disappointment.
The following is a list of the December 2018 Walt Disney World refurbishments and closures.
Magic Kingdom Park
Monorail (ongoing until further notice) – The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form or transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available.
Liberty Square Riverboat – January 8, 2018 – TBD
Epcot
None
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
None
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
Rafiki’s Planet Watch – October 21, 2018 – Until further notice
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
None
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water park
Closed for Refurbishment – October 28, 2018 – January 5, 2019
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Big Blue Pool – Mid-September 2020 – Mid-December 2020, The Big Blue Pool is scheduled to be closed for refurbishment. During this time, other pool and recreation offerings will remain open-including Flippin’ Fins Pool, Cozy Cone Pool and the Schoolyard Sprayground. Noise may be heard while this work is being completed, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM.
Disney Skyliner – Ongoing until further notice, During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9am.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas
Jambo House – Rooms Refurbishment – Mid-August 2018 – Fall 2019, During this room refurbishment, it is possible that Guests may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00am.
Jambo House – Payment Policy Pilot – February 12, 2018 – TBD, Beginning February 12, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House will participate in a pilot where transactions will be handled with convenient, cash-free options. All purchases and services at the resort will accept MagicBands, credit cards, debit cards, Disney Gift Cards, Disney Rewards Redemption Cards and contactless payments such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Google Pay.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas
Friendship Boat Service to Epcot – November 28, 2018 – Late-December 2018, As Disney Skyliner construction continues, temporary structures will be placed near future routes, which may affect certain areas around International Gateway at Epcot. During construction, FriendShip boat service to Epcot will be unavailable beginning Nov. 28 through late December. Guests may use the pedestrian walkway or bus service to and from Epcot.
Disney Skyliner – Ongoing until further notice, During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9am.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney Skyliner – Ongoing until further notice, During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9am.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Pepper Market – Now through Summer 2019, During this time, the quick-service restaurant, Pepper Market, will undergo minor refurbishment work, but will remain in operation.
The Dig Site (including Feature Pool) – September – Mid-December 2018, The Dig Site, home to The Lost City of Cibola Pool, volleyball court, playground, Iguana Arcade and Siestas Cantina, will be closed for refurbishment.
General Construction/Rooms Refurbishment – Ongoing until further notice, During this time, amenities including dining locations (such as the newly reimagined Rix Sports Bar and Grill) and merchandise locations, pools, La Vida Health Club with the spa and salon, and recreation activities such as beach volleyball, Iguana Arcade, Movies Under the Stars and more, will remain available. Please note that noise will be heard while our Resort is undergoing refurbishments, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms prior to 9:00am daily.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Hippy Dippy Pool – January 2020 – Early Spring 2020, The Hippy Dippy Pool is scheduled to be closed for refurbishment. During this time, Guests can use the Bowling Pool, Computer Pool and the kiddie pool. Also, Movies Under the Stars will be offered in an alternate location. Guests may notice construction noise while this refurbishment is underway, but the noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM.
Disney Skyliner – Ongoing until further notice, During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9am.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Artist Point – November 11, 2018 – December 15, 2018, Starting November 11, Artist Point will be closed for refurbishment. Beginning December 16, 2018, Artist Point Restaurant will introduce a unique Character Dining experience every evening: an opportunity to meet Snow White, The Queen and other Characters in a setting that brings the beloved Disney film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life!
Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s Beach Club Villas
FriendShip Boat Service to Epcot – November 28, 2018 – Late-December 2018, As Disney Skyliner construction continues, temporary structures will be placed near future routes, which may affect certain areas around International Gateway at Epcot. During construction, FriendShip boat service to Epcot will be unavailable beginning Nov. 28 through late December. Guests may use the pedestrian walkway or bus service to and from Epcot.
Disney Springs
None
Golf Courses
None
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Roadwork – Ongoing until further notice, Intermittent overnight lane closures, lane shifts, traffic congestion and noise impacts can be expected along Osceola Parkway / Victory Way.
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