Closures - BTMR

[PrincessWithABlaster]

The official WDW closures list only goes through March. Touring Plans and a couple other sites are showing a year long list (and don't allow you to add those rides to your plan). Anybody know where they get their info? They don't indicate that it's rumor or conjecture but it's not on Disneys official list. I ask because DD5's fav ride BTMR is listed as closed April thru mid July. TA thinks it's unlikely they would plan that for a pretty busy time. I'm trying not to let it bother me (Soarin is another one both DDs really liked). But I am hoping they're wrong.

 

[Happy_Haunt999]

Yes, BTMRR is planned for a refurb from roughly April thru Mid July. They are adding the improvements that the DL version has.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

Did Disney announce that somewhere or is it speculation?

 

[mousehockey37]

Both of those rides are going to be down for some time. Allears is pretty accurate.

http://allears.net/pl/refurbishments-and-closings.htm

I can't speak for how they get their info but there are a number of people that have connections, just like anything else. Disney also gives a rough time frame in their press releases too. At this point, BTMRR should open around July 15, maybe a few soft openings before then if all is on schedule and Soarin' is looking like possibly the end of summer, so end of July possibly August.

It's an unfortunate instance that Disney has to take rides down, and take them down for extended periods of time, but it's a necessary evil. Soarin' is getting a new film and 3rd theater. BTMRR is getting more effects and such. All of these things take time and unlike amusement parks in the northern half of the country, Disney is open 365 days a year. Someone is bound to be disappointed.

Disney is pretty good with their estimates though. If they say mid-July, don't expect a June opening (doesn't mean it can't happen, but it's extremely unlikely). Just because your TA thinks they won't hold a refurb long because of the busy summer season, well... that's incorrect. Disney will keep a ride(s) closed indefinitely until they deem the ride ready for public use, whether there's 1 or 100,000 people in the park.

 

[jaz0308]

Jumping in here to ask about FPs for rides that are temp closed. BTMR and Soarin are 2 of our top picks and we will be there first week of aug. when can I typically make FPs for those rides? Do they not become available until the ride officially opens which would be days before my trip?

 

[mousehockey37]

More than likely, FPs will not be available until the rides open. So you might have to wing it on those. Big Thunder should be open by mid-July, so when it opens, you'll be able to book those, but if Soarin' is down possibly through the end of August, obviously, they won't be available.

 

[Iheartdis]

Both of those rides are going to be down for some time. Allears is pretty accurate.

http://allears.net/pl/refurbishments-and-closings.htm

I can't speak for how they get their info but there are a number of people that have connections, just like anything else. Disney also gives a rough time frame in their press releases too. At this point, BTMRR should open around July 15, maybe a few soft openings before then if all is on schedule and Soarin' is looking like possibly the end of summer, so end of July possibly August.

It's an unfortunate instance that Disney has to take rides down, and take them down for extended periods of time, but it's a necessary evil. Soarin' is getting a new film and 3rd theater. BTMRR is getting more effects and such. All of these things take time and unlike amusement parks in the northern half of the country, Disney is open 365 days a year. Someone is bound to be disappointed.

Disney is pretty good with their estimates though. If they say mid-July, don't expect a June opening (doesn't mean it can't happen, but it's extremely unlikely). Just because your TA thinks they won't hold a refurb long because of the busy summer season, well... that's incorrect. Disney will keep a ride(s) closed indefinitely until they deem the ride ready for public use, whether there's 1 or 100,000 people in the park.

I checked the Allears link and BTMRR is no longer listed under closures but Touring Plans does list it as closed. Does anyone have official word on whether it will be open in May?

 

[mousehockey37]

I checked the Allears link and BTMRR is no longer listed under closures but Touring Plans does list it as closed. Does anyone have official word on whether it will be open in May?

It looks like it was confirmed in 2015 to be down from April to July. Most of the outside planning sites have it on the schedule as being down during that time. Disney has since pulled it from their calendar, but may be putting it back on the list shortly. There's a reason that the planning sites have not taken it off yet. It looks pretty definitive that something is happening with BTMRR during those 3 months, so I would definitely count it out as being closed. Until then, you're just going to have to wait until either 1. Disney says otherwise officially or 2. You can't make FPs for the ride when your FP window opens.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

I would think Disney would have to make it official at least 60 days ahead for planned things to avoid FP confusion. Since this supposedly starts in April, I would think there would be something soon. Thanks!

 

[Babydreamz]

hoping it'll be open for our end of April trip.