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5 Exciting Refurbishments Coming Very Soon to Walt Disney World

Christy Caby

Summer of 2016 is going to be an extremely exciting time for Walt Disney World. There are several refurbishments going on with major attractions and areas throughout the resort and these changes will definitely be drawing in the crowds all summer long and likely carry into the rest of the year. You won’t want to miss these, so you might want to start planning your trip. Here are 5 exciting refurbishments coming very soon to Walt Disney World for you to experience and enjoy:

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5. Toy Story Midway Mania – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This attraction remains one of the most popular attractions in all of Walt Disney World with the line rarely getting below 60 -80 minutes each day, even on “slower” days (do we still even get those anymore?). This is what encouraged Disney to add a third ride track to the ride so that even more guests can enjoy the attraction each day without the need to make a mad dash there right at park opening. This will be a huge improvement and we look forward to seeing how it impacts the wait time trends daily for the attraction. This one is currently expected to open at some point over summer of 2016.

4. Disney Springs Expansion

Disney Springs has been under construction for a while now. It converted its entire image from the original Downtown Disney to be what we are beginning to see as Disney Springs, which has the feel of an upscale shopping district. There has already been a huge increase in the number of restaurants and shopping locations with major high-end brands making an appearance in the area. Disney Springs is continuing to expand and there will be even more opening. The additional parking garage is also coming along, which is much needed to give easier access to the Marketplace side. This expansion is expected to be completed later in 2016.

3. Nighttime Safari – Animal Kingdom

Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a beloved attraction for the park and definitely the most unique. It is a real safari opportunity to see native African animals in their own environment with no cages and fences. You get a real up close view of all of these beautiful animals. It gets even better as the imagineers are working on extending this attraction to be a nighttime attraction, too! The attraction will feature African nocturnal animals. The effects in the area will help the area look like sunset on the savanna and you will get to experience the attraction in a whole different way. It will be two attractions in one! FastPass+ selections can already be made for the attraction and it looks like it will be open around Memorial Weekend 2016. We can’t wait!!!

2. Soarin’ – Epcot

Soarin’ is another extremely popular attraction at Walt Disney World and guests are definitely sad about this one being closed for refurbishment. The attraction used to feature scenes from all over California to capture key areas and landscapes for the area. When the attraction re-opens, it will be Soarin’ Around the World and will incorporate various countries and landmarks to take guests on an all new adventure as the soar! We have no doubt that the lines will be extremely long and Epcot will see a huge increase in attendance when this one re-opens. It is all set to re-open in Summer of 2016, and Soarin’ fans can’t wait!

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1. Frozen Ever After – Epcot

It was extremely controversial when Maelstrom in Norway closed in order to make room for the beloved Frozen sisters. Maelstrom was still a pretty popular attraction that usually had a line for it, and there were many guests that were upset and disappointed by this announcement. The attraction was showing its age and the refurbishment plans for this attraction will include a massive Frozen overlay to repurpose the attraction with amazing scenes. This will include all of the beloved characters and of course lots and lots of snow and ice effects! Not only that, there is a whole new building being added where the Frozen sisters will be meeting their guests and we are sure that other great surprises are in store for Frozen fans. I have a sneaking suspicion that this attraction will become one of the new most popular attractions in all of Walt Disney World and will maintain extremely long lines for a good long while! We better all get prepared to wait and face the difficulty to get FastPass+ even at the earliest you can get them. This one is also set to open in Summer of 2016!

About Christy Caby

I am a diehard Disney fanatic! I fell in love with all things Disney from an early age and that only increased once I first visited Walt Disney World! It led me to complete a yearlong Disney College Program working at merchandise locations within Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Disney-MGM Studios at that time) and I worked for Disney Parks & Resorts Technology in Project/Program Management. Now I get to write about Disney and help others plan their magical vacations! Disney holds a special place in the hearts of my entire family as my husband proposed there, we honeymooned there, took trips while pregnant with each of my boys and have visited with them many, many times from 8 weeks old through now. One of my favorite memories from each trip is always the look on my kids’ faces the first time they see the castle. I’d love to help you plan your magical vacation! Request a free quote at http://magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/christy-caby/ or look for me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/christy.caby. Have a magical day!