Disney Theme Parks Refurbishment Calendar as of April 2020

    While work has come to a halt on construction projects around Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort property, we wanted to give an update on the refurbishment calendar as it exists right now at the two domestic resorts.

    Walt Disney World Resort Refurbishments

    We’ll start at Walt Disney World Resort and the currently scheduled refurbishments. Keep in mind that while the theme parks are closed, there are no current plans to start or continue any refurbishments. This post will serve as a baseline of sorts that we can use later to illustrate the likely operational shift and adjustments once the parks reopen.

    Swiss Family Treehouse (April 24 – April 30)

    The Swiss Family Treehouse is current scheduled to begin refurbishment at the end of this month. With a recent stay-at-home order from the Florida governor that covers this time period, it’s unlikely that this refurbishment will continue on the dates scheduled.

    Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (May 4 – May 21)

    Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is next on the list with a little less than a three week refurbishment on the calendar. With the current stay-at-home order expiring before this refurbishment is scheduled, it’s possible that Disney could get back to work as planned.

    Spaceship Earth (May 26 until 2021)

    This is the big one. Spaceship Earth is, as of publish time, still on the refurbishment calendar. As Disney works on defunding various projects around property to prioritize others, rumors are swirling that this project could be delayed or revisited completely. With June 1st as the current soft target date, it’s possible that guests won’t get a final ride on Spaceship Earth if it undergoes a refurbishment as currently planned.

    Typhoon Lagoon (January 6 – March 28)

    While the Typhoon Lagoon refurbishment date has passed, it’s unclear if and when the water park will reopen. It’s possible that Disney will need a few more weeks to complete work that is currently halted.

    As of right now, these are the only refurbishments listed on the Walt Disney World Resort calendar.

    Disneyland Resort Refurbishments

    At the Disneyland Resort, work is halted as well including some very substantial refurbishments such as the Haunted Mansion and Snow White’s Scary Adventure. Let’s take a look.

    Haunted Mansion (January 21 – April 30)

    The Haunted Mansion was undergoing a substantial refurbishment with some interesting changes rumored. Confirmed work on the Haunted Mansion includes, but is not limited to, paint and trim work on the interior and exterior, lighting work on the interior, and mechanical work on the interior.

    King Arthur Carousel (January 21 – May 21)

    Another very substantial refurbishment underway at Disneyland Park includes King Arthur Carousel.

    Snow White’s Scary Adventure (January 7 – May 21)

    The refurbishment with the biggest buzz around it is Snow White’s Scary Adventure. Disney has announced that at least two new scenes will be coming to the attraction.

    Walt Disney Imagineering is reimagining how the classic tale of Snow White lives happily ever after, and guests will be invited to follow along with her story.

    In addition to experiencing familiar elements of the attraction you know and love, you’ll discover enhanced story details and all-new scenes. For example, a new vignette will show Snow White in a beautiful forest setting waking up from her deep sleep. Also, the attraction will conclude when Snow White is reunited with her animal friends and a shimmering castle is seen in the distance.

    Imagineers are implementing state-of-the-art audio and visual technology throughout the attraction, including new music, LED black lighting, laser projections and a new animation system. The exterior of the attraction will be completely refreshed with new, fairy tale-inspired details to complement the nearby charming Sleeping Beauty Castle.

    Gadget’s Go Coaster (April 20 – May 14)

    The only refurbishment that hasn’t started yet is Gadget’s Go Coaster in Toontown. At just under a month long, it’s possible that this refurbishment will be delayed like we anticipate some of the Walt Disney World refurbishments will see.


    It’s worth noting that these projects are listed as refurbishments. As Disney looks to make spending cuts such as defunding construction projects and executive pay cuts, it’s unlikely that these refurbishment projects will sit, unfinished, for very long like we might see with construction projects. In addition to new coats of paint and making the attraction look new, refurbishments also involve needed maintenance work that likely can’t be overlooked.

    As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com for the latest Disney Parks news and photos. We’ll continue to bring you news and photos, where possible, through the Disney Parks closure due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and will resume our normal coverage once the parks reopen to guests on July 11th!

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