Here’s the latest news on the Disney parks!

Substantial Epcot Works Begins September 8

Via a variety of updates to the Disney World website, it’s been revealed that significant construction on the core of Future World will begin September 8. Details below, but here’s a map with “X” marks over everything that is closing or temporarily relocating—pretty . much that entire section of the park:

Background

If you don’t follow Disney parks news, you might be shocked by this, but its a longtime coming. Disney previously announced significant changes coming to Future World in anticipation of the park’s 40th anniversary in 2022.

There is substantial work already ongoing, with the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster being built in the old Universe of Energy spot (the construction is visible in the very top right corner of the above map), as well as ongoing construction of new restaurant next to Mission: SPACE, and a Play Pavilion at the old Wonders of Life.

Fountain of Nations Closing

As part of the work beginning September 8, the Fountain of Nations will have its last day of operation on September 7.

Innoventions East Closing (Including Colortopia!)

Innoventions East, including the awesome Colortopia experience, will have its final day of operations on September 7. As Innoventions West has essentially not existed for years, this marks the end of the experience after nearly 25 years in operation.

Club Cool Closing

Club Cool—the sticky spot where you can try all the different sodas—will be closed beginning September 8. Per that linked tweet, “elements” of the experience will return at some point.

Epcot Character Spot Temporarily Closing

Disney has revealed that the Epcot Character Spot will be temporarily closed beginning September 8. The official attraction page indicates the spot will be replaced by character greetings around the park.

Temporary Relocation of Pin Central

Pin Central will relocate to the Camera Center, which will temporarily close.

Fountain View Starbucks Relocated Late Fall 2019

Presumably sometime after September 8—as Disney is saying “late fall”—the Epcot Starbucks will relocate to a temporary home. Multiple sites have speculated that temporary location will be the Odyssey building, but I’m unsure on the origin of that rumor.

Mouse Gear Temporarily Relocating Winter 2019

Mouse Gear, the flagship store in Future World, will “temporarily relocate” beginning Winter 2019.

Electric Umbrella Closing Winter 2019

Electric Umbrella, the most notable quick service option in Future World (but not the best), will be closing winter 2019. You should just go to the World Showcase or Sunshine Seasons (Land pavilion) to eat, regardless.

News from Other Parks

Mickey’s Soundsational Parade Ending July 17 [Disneyland]

The Disneyland parade will have its last performance on July 17.

Main Street Electrical Parade Returning [Disneyland]

The night parade will return to Disneyland August 2 through September 30. Presumably the park will be without a parade for the two weeks between July 17 and August 2. Update: The Mickey and Friends Band-Tastic Cavalcade will fill the two week gap.

Galaxy’s Edge Opening Met With Low Crowds [Disneyland]

The final opening phase of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (aka Star Wars Land), which opened the land to all guests in Disneyland, was met with low crowds. You can read more about that in our most recent Disneyland trip report.

Soarin’ Over California Extended Through August [California Adventure]

Soarin’ Over California will stay in operation—having taken over the Soarin’ Around The World theaters—until August 31 (previously June 30).

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind Opens [California Adventure]

As covered in our most recent Disneyland trip report, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind has opened at Disney California Adventure. This ride—which is a redesign of Flik’s Flyers themed to Inside Out—is on Pixar Pier just a few steps from Silly Symphony Swings.

If you’re visiting Disney California Adventure soon, don’t expect this ride to change things much. It’s a pretty low-demand attraction.

March of the First Order Ending [Hollywood studios]

Per the official Disney World website, March of the First Order will have its last performance on July 6. We won’t be flying out for that one.

Rumors Come and Rumors Go [Magic Kingdom]

We don’t really traffic in rumors because they aren’t really helpful for trip planning, which is our primary focus. That said, we’d be remiss to not mention one of the biggest weeks in Disney rumor history, which saw two rumors reported on by WDWNT refuted (in broad strokes, at least), by Disney.

First, there was the rumor that Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room at Magic Kingdom would be receiving an overhaul related to a Moana overlay. Here’s the rumor as reported by WDWNT. Here’s Disney’s response.

Second, there was the rumor that Country Bear Jamboree at Magic Kingdom would be replaced with a Toy Story show. Here’s the rumor as reported by WDWNT. Here’s Disney’s response.

Suffice to say—we don’t cover rumors for just this reason. We definitely think there’s a place for reporting rumors—and have no problem with the various sites that do so—but they usually aren’t conducive to trip planning. That said, we’ve considered using some sort of running “rumor mill” page, and with so much changing at the resort in the next few years that might still happen.

Part of the reason you may want to pay attention to rumors (on other sites) is because Disney doesn’t always give a ton of notice in advance of big changes. When they announced Great Movie Ride would close, guests had only a few weeks to get to Hollywood Studios for a final visit.

All Your Other Disneyland Planning Questions Answered

Don't be overwhelmed by Disneyland planning! Take a second to check out our most important content and you'll not only be an expert, but you'll save big $$$ along the way.

Just starting out? Check out our Disneyland Planning Guide. If you're still picking dates, we've got everything you need to know about Disney crowd calendars.

When it comes to hotels, we’ve got reviews of all three Disney hotels: Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. As for tickets, check out where to find discount Disneyland tickets.

Know what to ride with our: Disneyland Rides Guide and Disney California Adventure Rides Guide. And just as important, know how to get on the best rides without the wait with our Disneyland and Disney California Adventure FASTPASS and MaxPass Strategy! For the complete guides to a day at the park, we have a One Day Disneyland Itinerary and a One Day Disney California Adventure Itinerary.

We always recommend arriving at the parks early. If you can get access to Extra Magic Hour at Disney California Adventure or Extra Magic Hour and Magic Morning at Disneyland, you’ll have the most time in the parks. Even without those bonus hours, you’ll need to know Rope Drop Strategy at Disneyland and Rope Drop Strategy at Disney California Adventure.

Finally, before you head out, be sure to check out our to-the-point packing list, 10 essentials you forget to pack for every Disney trip. And if you're interested in saving, there's no better list than our 53 Ways to Save on your Disney trip from start to finish.

All Your Other Disney World Planning Questions Answered

Don't be overwhelmed by Disney World planning! Take a second to check out our most important content and you'll not only be an expert, but you'll save big $$$ along the way.

Just starting out? Check out our Walt Disney World planning guide! If you're still picking dates, we've got everything you need to know about Disney crowd calendars. For picking your hotel, check out our Walt Disney World hotels guide.

When it comes time to book, we've got you covered with posts on how to book cheap flights, how to get the best deal on your Disney hotel, and where to find discount Disney World tickets. And of course everyone wants to know whether or not they should get a dining plan—check out our Complete Guide to Disney World Dining Plans!

Don't forget to master your Disney World FastPass+ strategy a few months in advance. We'll keep you out of long lines so you can maximize the magical time in the parks! We've got park-specific guides as well: Magic Kingdom FastPass, Epcot FastPass, Animal Kingdom FastPass, and Hollywood Studios FastPass.

Know what to ride with our guides to: Magic Kingdom rides, Hollywood Studios rides, Epcot rides, and Animal Kingdom rides! Plus learn about the water parks with our guide to Blizzard Beach and our guide to Typhoon Lagoon!

Finally, before you head out, be sure to check out our to-the-point packing list, 10 essentials you forget to pack for every Disney trip. And if you're interested in saving, there's no better list than our 53 Ways to Save on your Disney trip from start to finish.