Sometimes Disney has to close down certain rides, restaurants, and attractions in order to update and refurbish them. Usually, those closures only last a few weeks or maybe a few months at most. But there are a couple of things that have been MISSING from Magic Kingdom for a LONG time now, and we’re starting to wonder if they’ll ever return at all!
Let’s check out these mysteriously missing things and take a look at ALL the temporary closures and refurbishments that will affect Disney World from February 4th through the 10th.
The Barrel Bridge on Tom Sawyer Island
The Barrel Bridge on Tom Sawyer’s Island has been completely missing for several months.
When it first went missing, we asked a Cast Member what was going on. They told us that it had been removed for repairs and would be back soon.
We’ve checked back every single day, but every day we’re disappointed to see that it’s still gone! There’s no word on when the bridge might return.
Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant
Tomorrowland Terrace is a quick service restaurant that’s remained closed since the 2020 pandemic-related closures, but even before that, this spot was only occasionally open.
This restaurant’s location is prime real estate, just off Main Street, U.S.A., by the entrance to Tomorrowland. It seems like it’d be a no-brainer to reopen it so that guests have more options for eating and can take advantage of that huge dining room!
Once in a while, you’ll see the dining rooms open as a rest area, but it’s usually all roped off and empty. Disney hasn’t announced when this spot could finally reopen, but we’ll be watching for updates.
These aren’t the only closures in Disney World this week, though. Let’s take a look at all the refurbishments that are currently affecting the rides, restaurants, and hotels in Disney World!
Magic Kingdom
Country Bear Jamboree
Country Bear Jamboree closed on January 27th, 2024, for refurbishment.
Disney announced that a NEW show is coming to Country Bear Jamboree, with the bears learning an all-new act. The new show should open THIS SUMMER.
Learn more about the changes coming to Country Bear Jamboree here!
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate this attraction as it’s closing down, check out these Country Bear Jamboree Collectible Plushes on Amazon!
The set comes with three collectible plushes: Teddi Barra, Big Al, and Henry.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Splash Mountain closed over a year ago for a long refurbishment. The ride is being re-themed to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, with a Princess and the Frog theme.
The new ride will reopen sometime in 2024. Disney originally said “late 2024,” but in recent updates, they’ve removed the “late” and are just going with “2024” — does that mean it could open SOONER? We’ll be watching for more updates on the opening timeline.
Disney also just released lots of new information about this ride, including a hint that there will be Splash Mountain Easter Eggs throughout the attraction!
Learn more about the new details here.
If you miss Splash Mountain or want to celebrate the new ride, you should check out our DFB t-shirts! We have a Splash Mountain Farwell Tour shirt…
…and a Tiana tee as well!
You can shop both tees (and lots of other Disney merch) at our online store.
Click here to shop our DFB merchandise store.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closed on January 8th, it won’t reopen until the summer of this year.
Although we don’t have an exact reopening date yet, we know that it’ll be at least a few months before the ride reopens. Last year, when the ride closed around this time (on February 20th, to be exact), it reopened on May 26th.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Well, it’s official — Voyage of the Little Mermaid is permanently closed in Disney World. We had suspected this was the case for some time (as it hasn’t actually been open for a few years now), but now the permanent closure has finally been confirmed.
Disney is going to introduce a NEW show in this spot, though it will still be themed to the animated movie The Little Mermaid! The new show will be called “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” and is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Fall 2024.
It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.”
The ONE Thing Hollywood Studios Desperately Needs
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Kali River Rapids
Kali River Rapids usually closes in January for refurbishment since water rides like this tend to be less popular during the winter months when it’s chilly outside. In 2024, it closed on January 8th.
Disney has announced that Kali River Rapids will be closed through mid-March. Right now, Disney’s calendar shows that this ride should reopen on March 16th, but Disney hasn’t officially confirmed this as the reopening date.
Animal Kingdom Has 33 Restaurants, but You Only Need To Know About 5
EPCOT
Restaurant Marrakesh
Restaurant Marrakesh is still closed in the Morocco pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase, and there’s no word yet on when it might reopen.
The restaurant is kind of open right now — it’s functioning as a lounge with just a couple of drink options. However, we’re still waiting for the full restaurant to reopen!
There’s a NEW Secret Menu Margarita in EPCOT!
Disney World Hotels
1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, 1900 Park Fare is a table service restaurant where you could meet characters like Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland at their Supercalifragilistic Breakfast and Cinderella and her Prince Charming during the Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner.
They also had a special event for younger children called the Wonderland Tea Party. It’s sad to see a spot closed that had so much character interaction! Disney hasn’t announced a permanent closure, so there is hope for 1900 Park Fare. Recently, we’ve even heard construction going on behind those doors, so it’s possible this spot will reopen soon!
With 1900 Park Fare closed…you’ll need this SECRET spot to get afternoon tea in Disney World!
Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
The Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is going to be closed from January 2024 to late March 2024.
During this time, Disney says that “guests are welcome to swim in any of the five leisure pools” at Caribbean Beach Resort.
Doubloon Lagoon Pool at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
The Doubloon Lagoon Pool at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter will be closed from January 2024 to April 2024.
If you’re staying at this hotel during the pool’s closure, you can still go swimming at the Ol’ Man Island Pool at Port Orleans Riverside.
A hotel-themed Loungefly is HIDING in Disney World!
Disney World Water Parks
Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon is currently closed in Disney World, and the website does not yet list a reopening date.
Disney World’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, however, is usually open! The water park may close when it’s especially cold outside, so keep an eye on the My Disney Experience app to double check that it’s open before you go.
Check Out the Best Rides at Blizzard Beach, Ranked
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.
Click here to check out more upcoming closures and current construction projects at Disney World.
Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know
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The post We’re Starting To Wonder If These 2 Things Will EVER Return to Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog.