We’re back to check in on all of the construction projects going on around Disney World and WOW has it been busy!

The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary is just around the corner so there’s almost always something new to spot in the parks. Between sparkly new golden statues, missing animatronics, more progress on upcoming attractions, and other construction projects, we’ve got A LOT to cover — so let’s jump right on in!

Magic Kingdom

Main Street Confectionery

We’re starting our tour all the way up at the front of Main Street, U.S.A. at the Main Street Confectionery. This sweet shop closed all the way back in March to be “reimagined” for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary. And, ever since the walk down Main Street has been blocked by some construction walls… .

But, this week the walls came DOWN (though the shop still remains closed).

Disney still hasn’t announced any details about what new experiences will await us inside or even when it will reopen, but this was one step in the right direction. And, for now, you can get many of the treats and merchandise at the Emporium and Main Street Cinema.

Click HERE for More Details About the Main Street Confectionery Closure!

The Hub

You may remember that all of the bronze statues and concrete banisters disappeared from The Hub last week in anticipation of the NEW golden character statues that were announced for the 50th anniversary. Well, Disney didn’t make us stare at blank spaces in the bushes for long — many of the new statues are now in place at The Hub in front of Cinderella Castle and around the rest of the park!

We’ve been having fun going on our very own “Fab 50” scavenger hunt to spot all of the ones that have been added and we’ve got them all listed here!

Click HERE to See ALL of the New Statues That Have Arrived in Magic Kingdom!

TRON: Lightcycle Run

We’ve finally got another update over at TRON: Lightcycle Run! For a long time, we’ve been watching as construction crews have added blue netting to the outdoor canopies at the attraction, and for the first time this week, we spotted a vehicle on the tracks!

Now, you have to look pretty close to see it…and it wasn’t moving when we passed by, but this could be a sign that the ride is getting closer to completion! Of course, we’ll continue to keep an eye out for updates!

Check Out More Photos and Videos From the Testing HERE!

Dumbo

A few other attractions were getting some TLC this week including Dumbo the Flying Elephant. We passed by and noticed that the water underneath both sides was drained and the water fountains were turned off.

We often see various fountains drained throughout the parks as Disney completes routine maintenance, so we expect the water to be flowing once again soon!

Mad Tea Party

Mad Tea Party also got a bit of a makeover this week with new detailing added to the roof! As a refresher, here’s what it looked like before…

…and here’s what it looks like now! The roof now features a bright teal color (instead of green) with purple detailing and other designs.

We’ll continue to keep an eye out for any other small changes that might be made here in the coming weeks too!

Storybook Circus

And, the Storybook Circus area also got some updates. The Florida sun can do some damage to bright colors over time, so we noticed that Disney replaced some of the large banners in the area with…

…well, the same banners — just brighter!

This update joins other minor painting projects that have been taking place in the area to make sure things are spick-and-span for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary.

Big Top Souvenirs

Big Top Treats has been reopened inside Big Top Souvenirs for a few weeks now, but much of the exterior of the circus tent was still “in progress.” But, it’s back to looking like its old self! Here’s what the main entrance used to look like…

…and here it is now! That’s right, the full Big Top Souvenirs sign has RETURNED to welcome guests into the shop!

From what we can tell, the sign simply received some paint touch-ups while it was away.

Frontierland

We’ve also been keeping track of the construction going on throughout Frontierland for some time now. Last week, construction walls were blocking the entrance to Country Bear Jamboree, but they’ve moved once again.

The main entrance is now free of the barriers so there is no detour required and no construction walls are in sight.

Adventureland

And, over in Adventureland, the floors are changing colors. A portion of the pavement has been blocked off outside of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room for some time now as they give the pavement a green makeover.

We spoke with a few Cast Members who said that green was the original color of the pavement in Adventureland when the park first opened in 1971 and they’re restoring it back to that look.

EPCOT

Spaceship Earth

Just as EPCOT is preparing to open TWO new stores next week, we noticed some changes at another spot in the park — Spaceship Earth. On our ride through history, there were a few animatronics missing, including the caveman that is normally standing just to the left of the mammoth drawings in this scene…

…and the Roman Soldier who can typically be found in the Rome scene.

Now, Disney has previously announced a major transformation that they have planned for the attraction, but the development of this project has reportedly been postponed. So, the animatronics have likely just been removed for routine maintenance and will be back to their normal duties soon.

Check Out More Details About the Missing Animatronics!

Also, it was announced that Club Cool and the Creations Shop will be opening on September 15th.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Once Upon a Time

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Once Upon a Time store was looking a bit different. Part of the building was covered in blue tarp — very incognito Disney.

It’s not clear exactly what work Disney is doing here, but we’ll keep an eye out for any updates once the tarp is removed.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Discovery River Amphitheater

If you’ve been keeping up with Disney construction for a little while now, then you likely know that we’ve been tracking the progress on the new daytime show coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom — Disney KiteTails. We’ve watched the platforms in the water go from new arrivals to long-time residents and now there are more small structures to be found!

The show will debut on October 1st and feature some of our favorite characters in giant-kite form and we’ll be sure to bring you a look at it all!

Check Out a First Look at the NEW Show HERE!

Disney Resorts

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

After much anticipation, the monorail station has REOPENED at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, so guests can once again catch a ride on the highway in the sky over to Magic Kingdom!

There are still some signs of construction, but you’ll be able to spot plenty of new colorful additions that match the new panels on the exterior of the building.

And, just downstairs, the main entrance area has also reopened! So, guests no longer need to enter the lobby through a side entrance.

And, that about wraps up the makeover at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! We’ll keep you updated on any other changes we spot, so stay tuned.

Check Out What the New Monorail Station is Like HERE!

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Lastly, we spotted the first signs of the sleek new styling coming to Disney’s Contemporary Resort! At the beginning of the week, we noticed that the elevators to the monorail platform were out of service, but it wasn’t too long before they reopened with a NEW look inside!

Now even the elevators look “contemporary” with a matt silver design that looks like the resort itself with a monorail coming through!

Click HERE to See What the Rooms Will Look Like After the Renovation is Complete!

Well, that was a whole lot of construction progress for one week! 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!

Click HERE for ALL the Rides and Hotels That Will Be CLOSED in September in Disney World!

What recent project are you looking forward to seeing completed? Let us know in the comments!