On Monday, Walt Disney World Resort announced the temporary closure of a section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The shutdown affects a merchandise location in the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village section of this Deluxe Resort hotel near Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Closure on August 17Credit: DisneyOn July 27, Walt Disney World Resort updated the official webpage for the Johari Treasures merchandise location in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village. The operating calendar now states that the gift shop at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will close for refurbishment from August 17 to August 28.Operating hours for Johari Treasures are typically 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The merchandise location is scheduled to operate normally until August 16 and reopen on August 29. However, refurbishment closures at the Central Florida Disney vacation destination sometimes last longer than originally planned, so guests with upcoming stays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge should double-check the Walt Disney World Resort website or My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date operating information.Credit: Will Bostwick, FlickrWalt Disney World Resort hasn’t indicated any major construction plans for Johari Treasures; the Central Florida Disney park rarely comments publicly on standard refurbishment closures. It’s unclear whether any merchandise from Johari Treasures will be relocated to a different location at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge during the August closure.Johari is the Swahili word for “gem.” This gem of a gift shop near the lobby of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village sells a mix of classic Disney merchandise and authentic African goods, including crafts and clothing.Credit: Jack Miller, FlickrGuests staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge during this upcoming closure can check with a cast member or on the My Disney Experience app for a list of other open merchandise locations throughout the Deluxe Walt Disney World Resort hotel.Where is your favorite place to stay at Walt Disney World Resort? Share your opinion with Inside the Magic in the comments!The post Disney World Announces Animal Kingdom Closure, Effective August 17 appeared first on Inside the Magic.