Disney World ride and attraction closings and refurbishments for December 2018

The holiday season is going full steam at Walt Disney World, but there will be a number of attractions closing for refurbishment during December, while other attractions that have been closed for a while will finally re-open.

Normally Disney tries to keep any refurbishments to the minimum during the holiday season, but there is a lot of changes planned in the future.

Here are the rides and attractions that will be closed for refurbishment in December and the start of 2019. Remember to check the Disney World website for the latest information.

(Updated Nov. 29, 2018):

Magic Kingdom

Liberty Square Riverboat closed Jan. 8 for major refurbishment and is expected to return Dec. 22, 2018.

Tom Sawyer Island closed for refurbishment Oct. 14 to Dec 22, 2018.

Peter Pan’s Flight will be closed for refurbishment Jan. 7, 2019 through Feb. 2, 2019.

Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party will close Dec. 2, 2018 and return Jan. 18, 2019.

Festival of Fantasy Parade stops on Dec. 22 for the Christmas Parade and returns on Jan. 1, 2019.

Walt Disney World Railroad will be closed starting Dec. 3, 2018, but the train will remain at the Main Street, U.S.A. station so people can get a closer look and photos. It is expected to reopen in Summer 2019. This is taking place as construction moves forward for the new Tron ride opening in Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland Speedway will be closed starting Jan. 2, 2019 and reopen in Summer 2019 as construction moves forward for the new Tron ride opening in Tomorrowland.

EPCOT

Illuminations Reflections of Earth will close permanently and be replaced by another show in September 2019.

Hollywood Studios

No closings scheduled

Animal Kingdom

Kali River Rapids will be closed for refurbishment starting on Jan. 7, 2019 and re-opening on March 23, 2019.

Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch is closed, re-opening Spring 2019.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch, which includes, Affection Section, Animal Encounters, Conservation Station and Habit Habit!  is closed,  re-opening Spring 2019.

Blizzard Beach

The park will be closed for refurbishment Oct. 28, 2018  to Jan. 6, 2019.

Typhoon Lagoon

The entire park will close Jan. 6, 2019 for its annual refurbishment. No opening date has yet been announced.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Uzima Springs Pool and Uzima Springs Pool Bar closed for refurbishment Sept. 4, 2018, to Dec. 4, 2018.

Coronado Springs Resort

The main pool at the Coronado Springs Resort will close Sept. 4, 2018, and won’t reopen until Dec. 13, 2018. This includes the  Lost City of Cibola pool, theJaguar waterslide; the Dig Site, the Lost City of Cibola Kiddie Pool; and the Iguana Arcade.

Also closing on Sept. 4, 2018, will be the Siestas Cantina pool bar. That is scheduled to reopen on Jan. 6 2019.