There is no shortage of construction projects going on around Walt Disney World as they prepare for the 50th-anniversary celebrations this year!
Magic Kingdom
This week was filled with more progress on some long-term projects that we’ve been keeping track of and we even got a surprise at the end of the week that answered our questions about some mystery construction we spotted back in March. So, let’s get to all the updates from this week!
Magic Kingdom
Main Street Train Station
The Walt Disney World railroad has been closed for quite some time now as construction progresses on the new TRON roller coaster coming to Tomorrowland. In the meantime, the Main Street Train Station has been hiding “undercover” in true Disney fashion, where they try to convince us that it’s still kind of there with the tarp design.
While we didn’t see progress…we could HEAR it!
And, this past week we didn’t necessarily see construction going on here, but we did HEAR it! When we passed by the station, we listened closely and could hear some work being done inside. So, there is still something underway!
Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak
Over in Storybook Circus, we’ve been keeping track of the ongoing refurbishment of the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak area. Last week we noticed that more areas had been taped off to paint on the giraffe car, and this week we got the grand reveal! The giraffe car now has a fresh coat of GOLD paint!
The work is done on the giraffe car!
And, now it’s the clown car’s turn — the bushes have moved over to surround the car so it looks like that’s the next paint project for Disney.
Work is underway on another link in the train!
EPCOT
Innoventions West
EPCOT has also been home to quite a few construction projects over the past year, and instead of spotting something going up, we spotted something completely gone. This week we noticed that Innovations West can no longer be seen towering over the construction walls near Spaceship Earth.
Innoventions West, are you back there?!
Italy Pavilion
And, another building is missing in EPCOT over in the Italy Pavilion. The former gelati stand that served up some frozen treats has been completely removed. The area is still surrounded by construction walls, but there was no indication that something new would be coming in the spot. They might just be fixing the pavement.
We reckon there’s only room for one gelati stand in this pavilion
But, rest assured, there is still a spot to grab gelati in the Italy Pavilion — in fact, it’s brand new! Gelateria Toscana opened just a few weeks ago on the other side of the pavilion, so it seems there’s only room for one gelati stand in the area and the newbie won out.
Click HERE For Our FULL REVIEW of the NEW Gelati Stand!
Disney Springs
Beatrix
When we were making our way around Disney Springs this week we noticed that some construction walls were looking different around the area that the restaurant Beatrix is planned to eventually be located. The walls used to have Beatrix advertisements on the panels, but those are now gone.
Beatrix signs are no more
Back in April, a representative from the company that owns Beatrix (Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants) confirmed that the project has not been canceled but instead has been delayed significantly. Until work can resume, Disney and Beatrix have agreed to return the area to “green space” and we recently saw a permit filed for building that won’t expire until 2023. So, it could be a while before we see much change in this space.
Disney Resorts
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, we’re continuing to keep track of the construction on the monorail platform. The station was demolished back in January and is part of the larger refurbishment that Disney is doing at the hotel.
Look at that progress!
When we stopped by to check in on the progress, we could see that construction crews were outside working on one of the new structures.
BoardWalk Ice Cream
And, over at Disney’s BoardWalk, we got a surprise update in the form of a BRAND NEW ice cream shop! This spot used to be home to Ample Hills Creamery, but it closed last year with the parks when the COVID-19 pandemic began and did not reopen. We had spotted some mystery construction on the exterior a few months ago, and this week it was revealed as the new home of BoardWalk Ice Cream.
BoardWalk Ice Cream
The new location opened on May 20th and you can stop in to grab a sweet treat from 3PM-10PM on weekdays and 12PM-10PM on weekends. And, of course, we already stopped by to check out the menu and give it a try!
Check Out Our FULL REVIEW of BoardWalk Ice Cream!
Well, there ya have it — ALL the construction updates from this week in Disney World! We will continue to keep an eye out for more so check back with us next week for the latest!
Check out 7 Things that Are Back to Normal in Disney World
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Which construction project are you looking forward to finishing? Let us know in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
I read that the new Ice Cream shop on the Boardwalk serves Edy’s Ice Cream, which is what is served on Main Street. I’m not sure if Ample Hills served something different or not.
David, you are correct about Boardwalk Ice Cream serving Edy’s (and Tofutti for those who are dairy free). Ample Hills served its own specialty ice cream.