Disney4me Posted 4 hours ago Report Posted 4 hours ago We had some fantastic news come out of Disney World this week regarding a massive construction project…and then in the same week, practically half of an EPCOT pavilion is closed off to the public. You’ll get to go inside! Disney has announced that the rest of The Walt Disney Studios will open on September 14th, which includes the new The Magic of Disney Animation experience. While we still have a while to wait, we’re thrilled to actually begin counting down the days. In the meantime, you’ll want to watch out for this EPCOT pavilion when you’re traveling through World Showcase, because some of the prior amenities available currently are not. Germany in EPCOT’s World Showcase has completely closed off its bathrooms for refurbishment, and nearly the entire Volkskunst store is suffering the same fate. We don’t have a reopening date for either of them yet, but it’s our hope that once they reopen, the pavilion will be less likely to smell like sewage. Totally closed Let’s take a look at all the current closures taking place in Disney World from July 18th through July 24th. Magic Kingdom Carousel of Progress Carousel of Progress closed on July 6th to undergo a major refurbishment. The work will include completely revamping the scenes in the attraction to make them more modern and represent more recent parts of history, as well as adding a new Walt Disney animatronic at the opening. ©Disney Currently, the attraction is set to reopen in 2027, though no official date has been set yet. Big Top Souvenirs Big Top Souvenirs closed on February 20th, and Disney has said it’ll “reopen for guests to enjoy later this year,” but there’s no date in sight. When we stopped by recently, we saw that the big top has FINALLY been added back to the shop, which is a relief! The tent is back! We’re really curious to see how this all turns out, so we’ll keep you updated! Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island An iconic part of the Magic Kingdom is now permanently closed. As of July 7th, 2025, the Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island, are permanently closed to make way for the new Cars area, Piston Peak. There are lots of construction walls up in the area now, and the structures on Tom Sawyer Island have been demolished. Most recently, we saw a new addition to one of the old boat docks, as a shed-like structure has now been added to the boat dock near Memento Mori. A new building? Piston Peak National Park will be replacing this area of the Magic Kingdom. Disney has not yet announced an opening date for the new Cars area, but we do know it will feature two brand-new attractions and be themed to look like a National Park. 5 Previously Impossible Magic Kingdom Lightning Lanes That Are Easy Now Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Parts of) Animation Courtyard Animation Courtyard closed on September 25th, 2025, to make way for Walt Disney Studios. The courtyard area, new Disney Jr. show, and meet and greet station for Sofia the First and SupeKitties officially opened on May 26th. Star Wars Launch Bay will be turned into The Magic of Disney Animation. This attraction will have you interacting and exploring with this fun take on Disney Animation headquarters, complete with the return of the Sorcerer Mickey hat! The Magic of Disney Animation in Walt Disney Studios This area will also feature a new Drawn to Wonderland indoor play area that we can’t wait to see! Now, we know the rest of The Walt Disney Studios will open on September 14th. Muppets Courtyard Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo closed on June 8th, 2025, and Muppets Courtyard has been walled off for construction on the new Monsters, Inc. land. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano has been closed since May 11th, 2025. Most recently, Disney released new information about Monstropolis, saying that “Monstropolis — the monster city now powered by laughter — is getting ready to give humans a glimpse of what’s been hidden from their world for generations. Which raises an interesting question: if humans were never meant to enter the monster world … why are the doors finally opening to us?” ©Disney We’ll get to explore their world during H.U.M.A.N. Day, or “Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice” Day, with Disney continuing to say, “Human guests will have the chance to explore the city, meet its citizens, taste unique cuisine, and step into the everyday world of monsters in a totally new way. For the first time, two worlds once separated are meeting face to scaly, furry, and fang-filled face – brought together not by screams, but by laughter.” ©Disney It’s also been fully confirmed that Harryhausen’s will be one of the restaurants in the new land, which we’re beyond excited to experience. Most recently, we saw TONS of scaffolding and outdoor work being done on nearly all the buildings visible from inside the park — it looks like Disney is hard at work! Tons of scaffolding! If you’re missing The Muppets, you can go visit them at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets right now! Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Most Popular Bar Is About to Get Even Sweeter EPCOT La Signature La Signature, one of the stores located in the France Pavilion, closed for refurbishment on June 30th. La Signature closed The store specializes in French cosmetics and fragrances from Guerlain. During the closure, if you’re looking to buy Guerlain products, they’ll be temporarily available at the nearby Plume Et Palette. Sections of Germany Pavilion On July 13th, both the guest bathrooms in the Germany Pavilion and the majority of the Volkskunst store in EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion closed for refurbishment. Totally closed While a Cast Member did tell us the store closure was to fix the Cast Member bathrooms out of sight, Disney has not revealed a reopening date for the store or the public bathrooms. An EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Experience Just Got More Expensive Disney’s Animal Kingdom DinoLand, USA On February 2nd, DinoLand, USA, officially closed to make way for the new Tropical Americas land, Pueblo Esperanza. Most recently, we noticed that walls are beginning to be built up inside the new land, and there are several large pieces of construction equipment on the land. Lots of progress! We can also see lots of work happening at the front of the new Indiana Jones ride! Recently, Disney revised the permit they filed last August for this ride, and the new Notice of Commencement permit renews the installation through April 2027. via @bioreconstruct This new land is shaping up nicely! It will have three new rides – a carousel featuring classic Disney animals, an Indiana Jones ride where you’ll explore a Mayan temple, and an Encanto ride that invites you into the Madrigals’ home. We can’t wait to continue to see how it all shapes up. 4 Viral Food Trends That Just Won’t Leave Disney World Disney World Hotels Boat Dock — Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Starting on May 11th, the Boat Dock at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort became unavailable for guests to use due to refurbishment. The dock is closed! Boat transportation was unavailable through June 5th, but has now reopened. Construction on the dock as a whole was set to continue through late June, but has now continued into July. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa This hotel has been undergoing refurbishments for quite some time now, but some sections of the hotel — specifically the porte cochere — will continue to undergo refurbishment through at least early 2027. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort We certainly hope it’ll actually reopen on this timeline — we’re a little tired of seeing construction all over this beautiful hotel! Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Currently, work is taking place all over Bay Lake Tower through Late 2027. Bay Lake Tower While currently no major closures are taking place due to this construction, it’s important to note that you may see or hear construction during your stay. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort For those looking to dine at this hotel, you need to know that the Turf Club Bar & Grill and Turf Club Lounge will both be under refurbishment from mid-March through mid-September 2026. Turf Club Bar & Grill In early April, the Turf Club Lounge will close for refurbishment and will reopen in early August. In the meantime, the Turf Club Bar & Grill will remain open with a pop-up bar serving a modified Lounge food and beverage menu. Then, from early to mid-August, the Turf Club patio will close for refurbishment, and finally, from mid-August through mid-September, the Turf Club Bar & Grill will be closed for refurbishment, but the Turf Club Lounge will be open. Leisure Pools — Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Beach Club Resort are currently undergoing visible exterior maintenance. The maintenance could affect views and may require alternate routes at times. In addition, two of the resort’s leisure pools will close for routine maintenance. Tidal Pool At Disney’s Yacht Club, the Admiral leisure pool will be closed for maintenance through early May 2026. At Disney’s Beach Club, the Tidal leisure pool will be closed for maintenance through early May 2026. Guests may see or hear construction work, but it will only be done during the daytime hours. Yachtsman Steakhouse — Disney’s Yacht Club Resort On May 11th, Yachtsman Steakhouse officially closed for refurbishment. Yachtsman Steakhouse Recently, it was revealed that reservations for this restaurant are now available beginning on August 28th! Promenade Fine Art Gallery — Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Resort The Promenade Fine Art Gallery closed its Disney’s BoardWalk location on October 20th, 2025. However, the Promenade Fine Art Gallery isn’t closing for good, and it will just be moving to a new location. Promenade Fine Art Gallery Disney just filed permits for the BoardWalk titled “Project Amazon” and “Project Bubbles” earlier this year, and now that we have a bit more information on them, we’re thinking that this currently vacant spot could soon become the home of the new Basin on the BoardWalk store on its way! The shop will be rooted in the resort’s classic boardwalk heritage and will offer a sensory shopping experience that is described as “both timeless and distinctly new.” Jellyrolls — Disney’s BoardWalk Jellyrolls at Disney’s BoardWalk officially closed on April 19th, 2025. This entertainment venue has provided our team with countless memories, and we know many others are also sad to see it close. Jellyrolls had its final farewell performance on April 19th. 2025 and closed its doors forever on Disney’s BoardWalk. It was just recently revealed, though, that a new lounge will be coming to the BoardWalk! ©Disney The new lounge will be called Hurly-Burly and will be a “fun-filled afternoons and glamorous evenings inside a historic seaside theatre with a vibrant BoardWalk story that spans over a century.” Based on the concept art revealed, it’s looking like the former JellyRolls building would be the best fit for this spot, but we’re also waiting to see where the new quick-service restaurant announced for the BoardWalk will be going! 5 Big Changes Are About to Hit Disney World Hotels in August We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! Mark My Words: This Souvenir Trend Is Going To Be BIG in Disney World This Fall Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! View the full article Quote
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