For anyone visiting WDW before or after our cruise, here is the current list of rides & resorts that will be closed or refurbished during August. Our family really enjoys Test Track which will be closed..
August 2012
Magic Kingdom
Storybook Circus in the New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom soft-opened on March 12, 2012. Other areas of Fantasyland will open in phases throughout this year and next.
Epcot
The current GM Test Track in Epcot's Future World closed for refurbishment April 16, 2012. It is expected to reopen as Test Track Presented by Chevrolet in fall 2012. The re-imagined attraction will transform into the "Chevrolet Design Center at Epcot" with interactive design and styling workstations at which you will be able to create custom concept vehicles. Also included will be a "SimCar" ride vehicle experience where you can put your design through its paces on the Test Track circuit. The post-show area will feature the latest Chevrolet vehicles in an all-new, state-of-the-art showroom, as well as lots of special effects. While Test Track is closed for refurbishment, a number of special experiences will be added to the entertainment schedule. The Test Track Allstars, a travel-themed a cappella group, is now performing daily in the area near the Test Track pavilion. In addition, the Epcot Character Spot, Soarin' and all attractions, merchandise locations and grab-n-go food and beverage offerings in The Land will remain open until 10 p.m. on a trial basis.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Beginning this spring, Kilimanjaro Safaris in Disney's Animal Kingdom will undergo some wild changes, aimed at giving guests the opportunity to see more of their favorite animals, specifically zebras, during the 20-minute open-air ride. Though zebras have long been part of Kilimanjaro Safaris, they are often overlooked because of their location on the savanna. By creating a new habitat for the zebras, Guests will have more of an opportunity to see them. The audio-animatronics "Little Red" elephant and related "poacher" set pieces will be removed as the theme park adds a new savanna space, including a watering hole for live animals. Work will begin in March and construction is scheduled to be complete in fall 2012. Kilimanjaro Safaris will remain open during the construction.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
The first wing of the Disney's Art of Animation Resort will open on May 31, 2012. Located near Pop Century Resort, the new resort will offer 1,120 family suites (including a bedroom and living room) themed after "The Lion King," "Cars" and "Finding Nemo" animated films, as well as 864 guest rooms inspired by "The Little Mermaid." Construction on these other sections is ahead of scheduled, and new opening dates were recently announced: the Cars wing is now set to open June 18; Lion King wing now opens August 10; Little Mermaid wing is now slated to open September 15. The resort will be home to the largest swimming pool at the Walt Disney World Resort (aside from the water parks). This pool will be located in the "Finding Nemo" wing, and will measure 11,859 square feet. The resort also will feature two other pools and a children's water play area. Disney's Art of Animation Resort will be a "value" category of lodging, with nightly rates similar to Disney's All-Star Resort and Disney's Pop Century Resort.
Disney's Beach Club Resort
A summer refurbishment has been announced for the Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club Resort. This buffet restaurant, which hosts a character breakfast, will be closed from July 9 - August 4, 2012.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort
The spa at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa closed on September 19, 2011, for 18 months as part of a planned renovation at the resort, and the addition of Disney Vacation Club units. During this downtime, enhancements are also being planned for the spa. As an alternative, you can purchase spa services at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. If you are staying at the Grand Floridian or the Polynesian Resort and you book a spa treatment at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, complimentary transportation will be provided for you. Note that the health club at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is still open. In addition, the Ivy Trellis Beauty and Barber Shop remain open in the main building of the Grand Floridian.
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Building repainting is expected to conclude in August 2012. The "soft goods" room refurbishment at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa has begun. Accessories and linens will be replaced. The project is expected to last through spring 2013. Note that all refurbishment dates are estimates only and exact project dates may vary.
Disney's Yacht Club
The Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club Resort will be undergoing refurbishment from August 27 to September 15, 2012.
Downtown Disney
Construction is underway on Splitsville, a 45,000-square-foot upscale entertainment center that combines bowling with billiards, dining, music and nightlife. The all-new day-and-nighttime venue also will be available for birthday parties and corporate events. Splitsville will join other new offerings at Downtown Disney, such as BLINK by Wet Seal, Apricot Lane, a completely redesigned Sunglass Icon by Sunglass Hut, an extensive renovation of Basin and an exterior remodel at Rainforest Cafe (see below).
On Pleasure Island, some buildings have been removed, but plans for the site are being reevaluated, which means previously announced construction plans have been delayed.
Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney Orlando is undergoing refurbishment. During the renovation, the restaurant will remain open. Upon completion in October 2012, a new lounge area, exterior updates and an updated volcano will be unveiled.
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Totally fun if you are shopping and suddenly Mickey informs me that "there is a phone call for ya!". 
We are so excited to be on this cruise!!! We went on the Dream last May and our girls LOVED it! 
We came home and told my family and we all booked one for next October. I thought that would have been the next time we would sail with Mickey again. However, my husband and I were in a rut trying to come up with a nice kid friendly vacation for this summer break. Having just bought our new dream home 3 weeks ago, we were thinking low key. We almost booked Atlantis on Saturday, but I wanted to think it over. Then today at work, my husband emailed me confirmation where he had booked this cruise!
Best husband EVER! 
Now to just keep it a secret from our girls!!! 
Our window opens on Wednesday and then the cruise will be here soon. 
