When planning your Disney vacation, there are always attractions on your must-do list that you especially look forward to. It’s somewhat disappointing when our favorites are down for refurbishment or simply aren’t open. Some favorites are also returning, but when? Well, here’s a heads up of the 2022 list as we know it so far!
From thepointsguy-
Splash Mountain (reopens Feb. 10, 2022)
This Magic Kingdom log flume ride closed for refurbishment on Jan. 10, 2022, and is scheduled to reopen on Feb. 10, 2022. If you’re thinking this closure means Disney’s plan to switch the ride’s theme to “The Princess and the Frog” is underway, think again. Splash Mountain closes every year around this time for an annual refurbishment and Disney has yet to announce any timeline for the re-theme.
Walt Disney World Railroad
The Walt Disney World Railroad has been closed since December 2018 to make way for the upcoming Tron Lightcycle Power Run coaster in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland.
The coaster, originally announced in 2017, was scheduled to open in time for the kickoff of Disney’s 50th-anniversary celebration in 2021. Progress has been delayed because of the pandemic and no new opening date has been announced. For now, the Main Street station just inside the entrance to Magic Kingdom is a great spot for photos and to see characters throughout the day.
Enchanted Tales with Belle
When Disney reopened in July 2020 after its closure at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain attractions did not come back online, including Enchanted Tales with Belle.
In this case, it’s likely because of the close interaction between guests and costumed characters. Disney has yet to share a reopening date, but you can visit the nearby Princess Fairytale Hall to meet Cinderella and other surprise princesses. (From a safe distance, of course.)
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Harmony Barbershop
If you were planning a royal makeover for your child or a memorable first haircut for your toddler on your next Disney World vacation, you may still be out of luck. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations and Magic Kingdom’s Harmony Barbershop have yet to reopen, and a timeline hasn’t been announced.
However, the announcement that the Grand Floridian Spa (formerly Senses – A Disney Spa) will open on Jan. 26, 2022, may bode well for Disney’s other spa and salon locations.
Star Wars Launch Bay
Over at Hollywood Studios, Star Wars Launch Bay also has a galaxy-sized question mark hanging over it. It was shut down during Disney’s COVID-19 park closure, and no reopening date has been announced. Luckily, you can take a short walk toward the back of the park and get your fill of all things Jedi at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney’s immersive Star Wars-themed land.
‘Voyage of the Little Mermaid’
Also at Hollywood Studios, this indoor stage show has yet to reopen, and a timeline for bringing back this attraction hasn’t been announced.
Many of Disney World’s live shows had to be retooled to comply with COVID-19 health and safety protocols before reopening. We don’t know when the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” will reopen, but we do know you can get your Mermaid fix over at Magic Kingdom’s Under the Sea — Journey of The Little Mermaid ride.
Expedition Everest (reopening April 2022)
Easily the biggest attraction on this list, along with Splash Mountain, is Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest. It closed for refurbishment on Jan. 4, 2022, and isn’t expected to reopen until mid-April 2022. It’s Animal Kingdom’s only roller coaster and normally one the two individually purchased Lightning Lane attractions in the park.
After they had finally worked up the courage and wanted to ride it on an upcoming spring break trip, TPG’s director of travel content, Summer Hull, had to break the sad news to her kids that the ride wouldn’t be open during their next visit. While still disappointing, it’s much better to know in advance than get all hyped up to ride only to be met with a closed sign.
Entertainment
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experience, and Products, announced during Nov. 2021’s Destination D23 event that the Festival of Fantasy Parade will return to Magic Kingdom in early 2022.
This will mark the first parade to roll down the streets of any Disney World park during regular operating hours since the start of COVID-19, with the exception of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, which guests who paid extra for Mickey’s Very Merriest After Hours party were treated to during their visit.
‘Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire’
“Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” was a live stage show that was held multiple times daily on the stage in front of Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle. It has yet to reopen, but Disney announced at the same D23 event that a new iteration titled “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” will take to the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage in early 2022.
‘Fantasmic’
“Fantasmic” is still closed as of now, but will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios sometime in 2022. No hard date has been given, but Disney also shared that an all-new sequence would be added to the fan-favorite lagoon show that takes place in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater.
Jedi Training Academy: Trials of the Temple
Unlike the entertainment offerings we’ve already mentioned, this one has not received a reopening date. It’s such a unique experience for the whole family, so we’re crossing our fingers for a reopening date to be announced soon — your kids will never forget the day they fought (and bested) Darth Vader or Kylo Ren.
‘Star Wars: Galactic Spectacular’
Hollywood Studios has multiple options for nighttime entertainment, but “Star Wars: Galactic Spectacular” has yet to make its comeback. In lieu of this show that features fireworks, music and projections, you can see the park’s “Wonderful World of Animation” show nightly, which utilizes similar theatrical elements.
‘Finding Nemo – The Musical’ (permanently closed)
Don’t get too upset when we tell you this show won’t be returning to Animal Kingdom’s Theater in the Wild. An all-new version of the show, “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!,” is set to debut sometime in 2022. The updated version will have many of the same songs and characters as before, but also new songs and a new storyline.
Until then, you can simply walk straight across from the theater to see the “KiteTails” show at the park’s outdoor Discovery River Theater.
Hopefully this helps with your planning! There are so many amazing things coming up at Disney Parks, so stay tuned for more updates!
Info from thepointsguy.com!
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