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.

Last month we saw Disney's Typhoon Lagoon closing for its winter refurbishment whilst Blizzard Beach reopened for the first time since March.

In this month's update we see the last performance of a nighttime spectacular at EPCOT to make way for a new offering. We continue to see a whole host of evenings when the nighttime spectacular at the Magic Kingdom, "Happily Ever After" will not be performed due to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party nights which kicked off on November 9.

A popular parade has a temporary closure at the Magic Kingdom and Splash Mountain remains closed in order to continue its reimagining to Tiana's Bayou Adventure which is set to open in late 2024. We still await news on rumors that one show and one experience may never return to Walt Disney World.

 1. EPCOT Forever (EPCOT)

Status: Confirmed

Dates: December 5, 2023 - permanent

Disney announced at the beginning of September that the new nighttime spectacular named “Luminous The Symphony of Us" will debut at EPCOT on December 5. It is set to feature fireworks, fountains, lasers, lighting effects and music.

This means that EPCOT Forever which returned on April 3 to bridge the gap between the final performance of the somewhat controversial Harmonious and the newly announced, “Luminous The Symphony of Us" is currently set to have its last show on December 4.

EPCOT Forever originally debuted on October 1, 2019 to bridge the gap between the closure of Reflections of Earth and opening of Harmonious on September 29, 2021. Whether we see the return of EPCOT Forever in the future remains uncertain but don't rule it out completely.

 2. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon

Status: Confirmed

Dates: November 6 - TBC

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon closed at the end of the day on November 5 for its annual winter refurbishment. At this point, Blizzard Beach reopened on November 6, as was the case in 2022 when Blizzard Beach reopened on November 13.

We are certainly hoping that at some point in 2024 we will see both Walt Disney World water parks up and running again together but are currently skeptical whether this will be the case. 

3. Happily Ever After (Magic Kingdom)

Status: Confirmed

Dates: Select evenings, September - December 2023

"Happily Ever After" returned to Disney's Magic Kingdom on April 3, replacing "Disney's Enchantment" which debuted for Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary celebrations.

It has been confirmed that "Happily Ever After" will not be performed on certain evenings from September through the December when events are taking place at the park.

Below are the dates in November and December when "Happily Ever After" will not be performed due to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party nights. This event will feature Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime fireworks:

• December: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22

4. Festival of Fantasy Parade (Magic Kingdom)

Status: Confirmed

Dates: Late December 2023 - January 2024

It appears that guests need to be prepared for the popular Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom to be closed temporarily from Late December 2023 to January 2024. So far, exact dates have not been confirmed but we will update you when they have been announced.

Festival of Fantasy Parade returned to the Magic Kingdom in March 2022 after being absent from the park for two years due to COVID-19. It includes colorful floats, catchy music, characters including The Princess and the Frog, Tangled and Peter Pan as well as the iconic Maleficent Dragon.