Right now might be the ideal time to visit Disney World! We saw some pretty big crowds in the parks around Thanksgiving time, and Genie+ price increases reflected the higher demand. But Genie+ has been around $15 to $17 per person lately (not $29 like we saw over the holiday weekend!), wait times at popular rides are lower, and crowds, in general, have been very light. It seems like early December is a great time to get all the holiday cheer in the parks without all the hassle of big crowds.
If you’re visiting Disney World during this magical time, you’ll still need to know what’s going to be temporarily CLOSED during your next trip. Here’s a look at all of those refurbishments planned for the parks and hotels!
But before we get to the closures…do you already have your bags packed for your trip? If you’re going to visit Disney World soon, you’ll need the perfect outfit to wear into the parks! We’ve got a lot of great tees and sweatshirts (including some holiday designs!) at our online DFB store — Click here to check out our whole merch line.
Now that you’re ready with the perfect Disney ‘fits, check out our full list of what’s going to be CLOSED in Disney World this week.
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World Railroad
Could the Walt Disney World Railroad be reopening soon? We’ve seen the train testing several times in the park (including at the construction site for TRON Lightcycle Run), and Disney even released a video of an engineer operating one of the engines.
However, Disney still hasn’t revealed when exactly the Railroad will reopen. We’ll be watching for updates!
Tomorrowland Light & Power Co.
Tomorrowland Light & Power is the gift shop at the end of the Space Mountain coaster. This shop is currently closed for some refurbishments, and Disney hasn’t announced when it’ll reopen.
In the meantime, guests who visit Space Mountain are being directed to exit the ride a different way.
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Enchanted Tales with Belle is where guests could previously hear the story of Beauty and the Beast from Belle herself.
This attraction is currently closed, and Disney hasn’t announced a reopening date.
Meet Ariel at Her Grotto
Like Belle’s attraction, Ariel’s meet-and-greet is also closed in Fantasyland.
Disney hasn’t announced a reopening date for Ariel’s Grotto, either.
Pete’s Silly Sideshow
Over in Storybook Circus, Pete’s Silly Sideshow is closed. This character meet-and-greet spot usually has Minnie, Daisy, Goofy, and Donald, dressed in circus performer outfits.
Disney has announced that it’ll reopen sometime “in the coming months.” We’ll be watching for more updates!
A popular treat is BACK in Magic Kingdom.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
This Little Mermaid-themed stage show has been closed in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a long time now.
Disney hasn’t announced when or if the Voyage of the Little Mermaid will reopen.
See the NEW gelato stand at Hollywood Studios!
EPCOT
American Adventure Show
Although the American Adventure show is still closed in EPCOT, we might have a clue about when it could reopen.
This attraction’s listing on Disney’s refurbishments calendar disappears on December 17th, so it’s possible that it will reopen on that date. Sometimes attractions will disappear and then reappear (possibly due to errors on the webpage), so we’ll watch for any updates.
Cool Wash
Cool Wash temporarily had a new sign that re-named the spot “Refreshment Kiosk,” but that sign has been removed. The snack kiosk is still closed and blocked off by several plants.
Disney hasn’t announced when Cool Wash will reopen, but we’ll watch for any changes.
Check out an UPDATE on the upcoming Moana attraction in EPCOT.
Disney World Hotels
Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Narcoossee’s is an upscale seafood restaurant at the Grand Floridian, and it’s been closed for several months now.
This restaurant will reopen sometime in 2023 with an “enhanced dining experience.”
Oak Manor Leisure Pool at Port Orleans Resort — Riverside
The Oak Manor Leisure Pool in Magnolia Bend at Port Orleans Resort — Riverside closed on November 14th for refurbishment. All other pools at this hotel remain open, including Ol’ Man Island Pool.
The pool is scheduled to reopen sometime in mid-December.
Having a hard time finding a Disney World hotel reservation? This might be WHY.
Disney World Water Parks
Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon is closed in Disney World, and Disney hasn’t announced when it’ll reopen.
Disney World’s other water park, Blizzard Beach, is open!
Check out our full guide to Typhoon Lagoon here.
Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides:
- 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness
- What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride
- 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU!
- A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World!
- The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride
We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB.
The 4 Best Things To Do in Disney World in December
Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know

Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip
Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe
Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments!














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