Disneyland Paris is well known to not share much information about closures or changes until the last minute. It’s why fans cling to rumours and small details to find even a hint about what is to come. A combination of comments from Imagineers and rumours can suggest some ideas but when we can see closure dates they can give us an indication they may be correct.
The current closure schedule at Disneyland Paris lists 8 attractions for closure periods of two months or more. The first two are easy to pass off as standard winter closures, Casey Jr. and Le payes de contes de fees. These close from January to March. Mad Hatters Tea Cups is closed for the same length but beginning April. The central area of Fantasyland may slow the refurbishment process here. Dumbo is also closed for 2 months from January, I wouldn’t be expecting more than refurbishment here either.
Next up is Walt Disney Studios where Crushes Coaster is closing for 3 months from April. This is quite lengthy. I would expect they could be some serious work done to the track here, like Big Thunder Mountain. This closure is a lot shorted but there is no lake draining, outdoor painting or outdoor track work needed here. Given the regular breakdowns I expect the track is the only reason for needing so long.
ED92 recently shared the rumour of Art of Animation closing, possibly to be replaces by more character meet and greets. This may add fuel to the fire. It is scheduled to close on 4th June. The current calendar only runs until 30th September 2018, Art of Animation will be close at least until then. Thats four months and probably enough for an overhaul. It’s certainly too long for a simple refurbishment. Of course it could be longer which would suggest something more significant than character meets.
Phantom Manor will close in January for at least 9 months. Tony Baxterley suggested there would be a significant update to the ride. The closure could still go beyond 30th September. A new scene has long been rumoured. Given the ride is entirely enclosed and easily accessible it would make sense that a good deal of work will be done. This is longer than the recent Pirates of the Caribbean closure, it could even require movement of track or walls to fit in this new scene.
The last one is a little more unusual but its location may suggest another length closure. The Frontierland station is closing at the same time as Phantom Manor for at least 9 months. What the schedule doesn’t list is show building closures. A rumour has been that a new Lion King show will come to the Chaparral Theatre. If this is to be something along the lines of the Festival of the Lion King already in multiple parks, then this would take up significant time and maybe a theatre redesign. Frontierland station usually closes for work at the theatre, especially to provide access to it.
Cinemagique isn’t listed on the closures. Much like the Chaparral Theatre, this is quite common. It leaves us will little idea about when we might see the rumoured Marvel stunt show. A separate Schedule currently lists the closure ending on 31st August, with no announcements about is reopening this seems likely to be extended.
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