Refurbishment

News

Epcot’s Soarin’ Set to Close in January 2016 for Refurbishment

If you're making plans to visit the Walt Disney World Resort before the end of the year you'll want to make that FastPass+ reservation for Soarin'. The popular attraction located in Epcot's The Land pavilion is scheduled to close on January 4, 2016 for a months-long refurbishment.

Refurbishment Project announced for the Magic Kingdom’s Central Plaza

One of the most congested areas at the Magic Kingdom, the Central Plaza, is about to go through a major refurbishment project.

Disney recently announced that the "hub" between the end of Main Street U.S.A. and Cinderella Castle is going to be expanded with several new elements including gardens, additional pathways, restaurant seating, and a special viewing area for fireworks.

Port Orleans French Quarter Lobby Reopens after Refurbishment

Last month the lobby at Port Orleans French Quarter was reopened after a several-months long refurbishment. The official rededication of the lobby happened on July 18 and was presided over by POFQ's General Manager Val Bunting.

California Grill Opening Later This Summer – Some Reservations Available for November

As fine dining fans eagerly wait for the date for the reopening of the California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort, there is some exciting news to report about reservations for later this year.

Port Orleans Jazz Musician Elliot Dyson Laid Off

According to an online report, popular jazz musician Elliot Dyson, who regularly performs at the Port Orleans Scat Cats Club, has been laid off by Disney.

Boardwalk Bakery Closed For Refurbishment

A heads up to those of you whose Disney plans include Disney's BoardWalk Inn: The Boardwalk Bakery will be closed for a major refurbishment soon.

The bakery, which is set to be closed as of January 6, is undergoing a transformation that's said to include a new entrance way, a new queue and the addition of a new refillable mug station. In addition, the bakery's menu will be expanded to include more grub besides baked goods (think sandwiches, soups and salads).

Tidbits from WDW: Attractions and Restaurants

Here are a few attraction- and food-related news tidbits from around Walt Disney World.

First off, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has reopened after a long refurbishment with some changes. If you're heading out to take in the Magic Kingdom attraction, you'll see the Fastpass and Stand-by line entrances have been switched. The Stand-by queue area has been lengthened by quite a bit with the promise of additional props to be added to the waiting area in the weeks to come. As for the ride itself, not a whole lot appears to have changed; there are reports the coaster is smoother overall.

Test Track Closed For Refurbishment

We first brought you the news of the planned refurbishment of the GM Test Track in Epcot back in January. The Future World attraction officially closed April 16 and is anticipated to reopen this fall with a new name: Test Track Presented by Chevrolet.

"Health" Suite Plans At Contemporary Canceled

Back in April, we brought you news about new health and wellness suites at the Contemporary Resort. Now, news out of Disney has it that those plans have been scrapped.

The suites, which were orginally slated to open last month, were to feature in-room exercise equipment, massages and other "healthy" amenities. There is no official word as to why the suite plans fell through.

Disney Fined $69,000 by OSHA for Safety Violations

OSHA has cited and fined Walt Disney World for safety violations following the March death of a worker on the Animal Kingdom ride Primeval Whirl.

Russell Roscoe, a maintenance employee, was killed by one of the ride's vehicles in March as he was working on the roller coaster. The Primeval Whirl, originally closed in January for refurbishment, remained closed after the accident.

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Articles

Cinderella Castle To Get A Fresh New Face

Cinderella Castle is the showpiece of Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. This towering structure that can be seen from all over the Park is the icon that most people think of when considering a Disney Park. With 2020 marking the 70th anniversary of Disney's original film Cinderella, and the 2021 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World right around the corner this beloved icon is getting a make-over.

Inside A Refurbished Room At Disney's Pop Century Resort

In late 2016 Disney's Pop Century Resort began to refurbish its 1990's building rooms with a brand new design. Walt Disney World For Grown-ups reader Rebekah M. recently stayed in a newly refurbished room at Disney's Pop Century Resort and shared some of her thoughts with us on the new design.

Tomorrowland Refurbishment Brings A Bright New Color Scheme

Unlike most of the Lands in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland is always fighting against time to stay current and ahead of it all in this modern age. This has lead to a bit of personality disorder as the overall themeing and attractions seem to get switched up more than anyplace else. Apparently it's about that time again, and Tomorrowland is getting a facelift.

Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room at the Magic Kingdom

The Enchanted Tiki Room is one of the signature attractions in Adventureland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Present since opening day in 1971, it debuted as the 'Tropical Serenade' an almost identical copy of Walt's classic Disneyland hit.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Spa to Reopen December 17th

After more than a year without one the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa will once again be home to an actual Spa, and this time it's Disney owned and run. Stepping out from behind the cover of a third party contractor Disney Parks and Resorts welcomes home a lush new retreat at the Grand Floridian. "Senses," the first of several new Disney Spas across property, is opening for business on December 17th, 2012.

The Country Bear Jamboree at the Magic Kingdom

Melinda touched on it last week and I wanted to delve a little deeper into the Country Bear Jamboree in the Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. Recently reopened after having been closed for refurbishment. Disney knows that rehabs can put fans of an attraction on edge. Though it's important to keep everything in good shape, most guests want their favorites to remain the same.

The Original Space Mountain

This space-themed roller coaster, and fan favorite, can be found in all five of Disney's Magic Kingdom-style Parks. All five versions of the attraction have different queues and tracks, but all of them share that famous domed exterior, a space age exterior facade reaching into the sky. After seeing the popularity of the Matterhorn in Disneyland, Walt Disney was convinced that thrill rides had a place in his park and had plans drawn plans drawn up for the Space Mountain attraction.