5 Refurbishments Coming Soon to Walt Disney World (August 2019)

Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - 03:29

Disney parks are constantly changing their refurbishment schedules, making it difficult for guests to keep up with the operating times and latest news regarding their favorite attractions, resorts, shops, and restaurants. Here are a few big, upcoming changes that are either confirmed by their respective parks or at the least very strongly rumored for the very near future.

This month's refurbishment update includes two Magic Kingdom closures, the reworking of a once-popular show at Disney's Animal Kingdom, plus the ongoing saga of one of the most mysterious refurbishments we've ever seen...

1. Primeval Whirl (Disney's Animal Kingdom)

Status: Confirmed

Dates: Now - TBA

Several months ago on June 17, the Walt Disney World Resort released an advisory informing Guests that Primeval Whirl would be closed until further notice due to unspecified technical issues. However, Disney assured guests that this ride would reopen in July. And of course, it never did. But Disney said the closure was being addressed and the attraction would open in September. However, guests with FastPass+ reservations for this attraction in September and October are reporting that their reservations are being cancelled, casting doubt on the idea that this ride will reopen this fall.

This closure is very strange as we don't really know exactly what is currently happening with this attraction, or even why it closed in the first place. However, with this unexpected closure being extended again and again, we're starting to wonder if this attraction will ever reopen, or if whatever issue that caused it to close in the first place is just too big to be fixed at this point.

2. Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom)

Status: Confirmed

Dates: Now - August 23, 2019

Looking towards the short term, guests visiting the Magic Kingdom this week will find the Liberty Square Riverboat down for a brief refurbishment from now through August 23, 2019. This closure is simply to perform routine maintenance on this attraction and no changes are expected to be made during this brief closure.

3. UP! A Great Bird Adventure (Disney's Animal Kingdom)

Image: Disney

Status: Confirmed

Dates: September 8-14

Back in 2018 Disney's Animal Kingdom changed its Flights of Wonder show at Disney's Animal Kingdom to include characters from the movie UP! alongside the show's cast of birds, and changed the title to the more IP-friendly UP! A Great Bird Adventure.

However, it looks like these changes have not been very popular with guests, and Disney is going to be reworking this show again as a result. While these changes are being implemented the show will close from September 8 to September 14, with a reopening of the new(ish) planned for September 15. Though nothing has confirmed it seems likely that that the Up characters will remain part of the show, but their role may be scaled back somewhat.

Amanda KondolojyView Profile

Managing editor of Theme Park Tourist and dark ride enthusiast. Amanda is a lifelong theme parks fan who lives just outside Orlando. When she’s not booking FastPass+ reservations, standing in a queue or eating the latest specialty cupcake, you can find her watching a Marvel movie, reading a book (probably by Neil Gaiman) or singing along to showtunes in her car. Contact: [email protected]