We’re back to check in on all the construction projects going on around Disney World!
Fall has already arrived in the parks (along with LOTS of new treats) and the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebrations are just around the corner! And, with the countdown on until the park icons transform into “beacons of magic,” new rides make their big debut, and more, Disney is busy at work sprucing up the parks. So, let’s take a look at all the construction progress from this week!
Magic Kingdom
Jungle Cruise
We’ve been keeping track of the MAJOR refurbishment going on at Jungle Cruise in Magic Kingdom, and now there are a few more things to check out on your ride!
First up, we noticed that there are five new life rings hanging from the wall in the queue and if you’ve been on Jungle Cruise before, you might recognize a few of the names. For example, Garland Gertie commemorates the inaugural Jingle Cruise (which is the holiday overlay for the attraction) and Bomokandi Bertha pays tribute to the “first underwater excursion” that unexpectedly happened last year.
And, on the ride, you may remember the brand new Lost & Found, aka Gift Shop, that Trader Sam set up at the end of your journey. Well, there are two new shoppers here now!
On our latest ride, we noticed two monkeys had made their way to the store and are now perpetually fighting over some clothing.
The Jungle Cruise updates are expected to be completed by the end of summer, so we’ll continue to keep an eye out for all the new characters, props, and animals that get added to the updated storyline!
Splash Mountain
There was another attraction getting some updates this week too! Over in Frontierland, we noticed that some construction skrim had been added to the exterior of Splash Mountain as Disney gives it some quick refurbishments for the 50th anniversary.
If you’ve been keeping up with us for some time, you may remember that Disney is planning to completely re-theme Splash Mountain. However, Disney shared just a few days ago that the project is still in development and it could be many months, and even years, before we see anything here. So, it’s safe to say that this construction skrim is not part of the transformation.
Click HERE to See the FULL Update on the Splash Mountain Transformation!
Frontierland
And, construction is also continuing in the greater Frontierland area with new walls around parts of Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe…
…and shorter walls blocking the entrance to Frontier Mercantile and other storefronts in the area.
Disney hasn’t shared any information on what exactly they’re working to refurbish here, but we’ve seen quite a few smaller projects pop up around the parks like this over the past year in preparation for the 50th-anniversary celebrations.
TRON: Lightcycle Run
Disney is also still hard at work over at the newest roller coaster coming to Magic Kingdom — TRON: Lightcycle Run. Currently, almost all of the exterior canvas has blue netting installed on top (a project that started many weeks ago), and every day you can spot some workers out there preparing the ride!
It’s still not clear exactly when the new attraction will officially open, but we’re keeping a close eye on the progress!
Big Top Souvenirs
Big Top Souvenirs also remains closed in New Fantasyland as crews work to give the building a fresh coat of paint on the exterior.
The main entrance sign was also removed a few weeks ago, so it may be getting some refurbishment, too!
Main Street, U.S.A. Train Station
And, up at the entrance to the park, we got to see a little more progress at the Main Street, U.S.A. Train Station! The last time we checked in, Disney had unveiled the top of the main building…
…and this week the construction skrim covering the main portion of the building has been removed! Now we can see the updated paint job and all that remains is a construction tarp around the two sides of the building.
As a reminder, the Walt Disney World Railroad has been closed for well over two years and, though it may not be reopening anytime soon (because part of the tracks is blocked by TRON construction), it sure is exciting to see the building once again!
Disney Resorts
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Outside of the parks, construction is also continuing on the refurbishments coming to Disney’s Contemporary Resort! Back in April, the rooms in the main building were closed off to make way for a BIG Incredibles-themed makeover, and the tarps are still there extending alllll the way to the vaulted ceilings.
Plus, now the construction skrim extends outside of the main foyer, so you won’t be able to catch any views of the Magic Kingdom from here.
And, elevators to the monorail are getting some work done as well, so just expect some construction walls if you’re in need of the elevator.
Keep in mind that there is also some construction going on in the lobby area on the first level as The Wave…of American Flavors receives a big refurbishment leading up to the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, we also spotted some progress on the new entrance area and monorail station! Now the roof is covered in thatch and brand new colorful panels have been installed to match the entrance.
But, it still does look like there’s some work to be done, so we may be a bit away from the reopening of the monorail here.
Keep in mind that the hotel did reopen for guests last month with brand new Moana-themed rooms, so guests can stay here, you’ll just have to take the bus to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT or walk over to the Transportation and Ticket Center or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to catch the monorail.
Click HERE to Check Out MORE of the Main Entrance Progress!
And, that’s it for this week’s construction updates! Of course, we’ll continue to keep an eye out for more progress around the parks and resorts so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest!
Check Out ALL the Disney World Rides and Hotels That Are CLOSED in August HERE!
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What construction project are YOU looking forward to being completed? Let us know in the comments!
Ken says
Thanks for the update. Any word on when Typhoon Lagoon will be reopening and if there is any re-imagining going on. The park could use a few new features…
DFB Sarah says
Ken, no updates on Typhoon Lagoon, unfortunately.