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As we start a new month, ensure you are prepared for the temporary closures that could impact your experience at Walt Disney World.
Although we appreciate that Disney is constantly updating and improving Disney parks and Disney resorts, we also know that closures can have a significant impact on an overall vacation experience.
Luckily, as we head into October, most closures are pre-planned, meaning you can plan around them and still have a magical time.
Let’s look at some of the refurbishments scheduled as we head into the first week of October and how you can still have a magical time.
Credit: Steven Wilk
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure- Magic Kingdom
When visiting Magic Kingdom, be aware that the area that hosted Splash Mountain is still undergoing a lot of construction to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This overhaul of Splash Mountain will transform this ride to feature Tiana and all her friends in New Orleans.
The retheming will take place through late 2024, and Disney Imagineers will bring Princess and the Frog (2009) to the Magic Kingdom in a spectacular way. We have seen peaks in the theming as new parts are brought into the area.
Since this construction is long-lasting, it will impact your trip no matter when you visit in October. As this construction takes down the E-ticket attractions in Frontierland to just Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, you will notice a longer wait for this wild coaster.
Plan for this by getting to Frontierland either earlier or later in the day to avoid the long waits and large crowds that build. We are thrilled for the new attraction to open, but until then, the construction isn’t our favorite part of Magic Kingdom.
Related: Abandoned Disney World Hotel Making Room for Tiana
Voyage of the Little Mermaid- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Another experience that has seen an extended closure is the live-action stage show featuring Ariel and her friends. This live-action show brought the story of the 1989 film The Little Mermaid (1989) to the stage in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
When Walt Disney World closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this show was closed and hasn’t returned. No word from Disney has been given about whether or when this show will return. It is no longer listed on the Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app.
As you visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios, not having this show available could impact your day in the park. With one less show, you can find the remaining shows, such as For the First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along, to have a larger audience throughout the day.
When heading to the Animation Courtyard, you notice a strange void as the large theatre remains empty. We hope Disney does something magical with this area, even if it doesn’t bring back the classic show.
Credit: Disney
Disney’s Blizzard Beach
You will head to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon if you want to experience a Disney water park during your October stay. After a refurbishment that added some touches from the Frozen (2013) movie, such as young Elsa and Anna, Blizzard Beach closed again for refurbishment.
We don’t have any word from Disney about when we will see this other water park open again to guests. It seems like it could be into 2024 as we near winter. Even though this closure won’t impact all guests traveling to Walt Disney World in October, those who love the Disney water parks might be disappointed.
Without an option, all water park fans will be heading to Typhoon Lagoon, which could cause larger crowds. Get there early to get a chair or rent a cabana for your own space.
Credit: Disney
Disney Resorts
There are also a few Disney resorts that are undergoing refurbishments during this month. These updates will typically impact only those guests staying at one of these Disney resorts. Even with that being the case, it is always good to be aware before your trip.
At Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, updates continue to be made to the rooms, lobby, and new restaurants. We can’t wait for the new Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs and beautiful BoardWalk: The Cake Bake Shop to open.
The DVC tower continues to be constructed at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. This large construction project is creating a new DVC experience at this resort. The construction is isolated to the tower area, but guests will see the walkway and beach area closure.
Those are some of the significant closures happening as we head into October. Be prepared so they won’t have a big impact on your Walt Disney World vacation magic.
