When planning a Disney vacation, it is important to remember to check on what rides will be open. It is not uncommon for rides to shut down sporadically but some will be down for repairs. Here is a list of Disney World refurbishment schedule 2021 and when they are set to open. These can be changed at any given time, as we have seen with the People Mover.
We will break this down by each park and include attractions that are permanently closed for those that may not have heard. Many of the temporary closures were due to the pandemic and the recommendations for reopening hindered opening certain attractions. We will likely see this change over the course of the next few months. With any changes, this will be updated.
Published on 3/8/2021 and updated on 4/25/2021 for accuracy and updated information regarding refurbishment schedule
Why are there refurbishment times?
Refurbishment times for rides or attractions are usually utilized for several reasons. First reason is to update the ride. This may be to update the paint or make sure the mechanical aspects continue to remain in working order. A prime example of this is the PeopleMover which has repeatedly been down in the past to have the track worked on. The second reason is to change the theming or structure. This is much less common but does happen. This can be adding animatronics such as a new president to the Hall of President. Disney wants to make sure that everything remains in working order. Rides can go down for maintenance at any point but this helps make it less likely.
Animal Kingdom
Refurbishment
- Festival of the Lion King – Reopens in Summer 2021, rumor is around Mid-May
- Kali River Rapids – Reopens on April 2, 2021
- Primeval Whirl – Permanently Closed
- Rivers of Light – Permanently Ended
- It’s Tough To Be A Bug – Reopens March 11th, 2021
Temporary closures
- Finding Nemo: The Musical
- Festival of the Lion King – Reopens in Summer 2021, rumor is around Mid-May
EPCOT
One big thing to look forward to is the new ride coming to the France Pavilion. Ratatouille will be getting its own ride that has been extremely popular in Disneyland Paris.
No refurbishments scheduled
Temporary closures:
- Epcot Forever
- Turtle Talk with Crush
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
No refurbishments scheduled
Temporary closures
Most of these were do to the close proximity of guests while watching the shows. These should slowly begin to reopen, but may have continued social distancing.
- Fantasmic
- Jedi Training Academy: Trials of the Temple
- Star Wars Launch Bay
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
- Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid
- Star Wars: Galactic Spectacular
Magic Kingdom
Refurbishment scheduled
- Hall of Presidents – Reopening date (Likely July 4th, 2021 or later) – could be later
- Mad Tea Party – Reopens on March 5th, 2021
- Stitch’s Great Escape – Permanently Closed
- Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom – Permanently Ended
- Swiss Family Treehouse – March 12 to 25, 2021
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover – Finally opening as of April 25th, 2021.
- Walt Disney World Railroad – Reopening TBD (Likely 2022)
Temporary closure
- Happily Ever After
- Festival of Fantasy Parade
- Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
Water Parks
Blizzard Beach – Reopened as of March 7, 2021
Typhoon Lagoon – Reopening TBD (Likely Summer 2021)
A lot of these may open up sooner as expected, however, nothing is guaranteed. Disney has been doing a lot of upgrades throughout Disney World. Including changing the theme of the Polynesian to walkways from the hotels to Magic Kingdom. Things will return to semi-normal but it will take some time. Would any of the Disney World Refurbishment 2021 be a reason to hold off going? Let us know in the comments below.