Downtown Disney is in the middle of a transformation that will see it change its name to Disney Springs and add additional dining and shopping options. The first major new area to open will be “The Landing” in 2015, but there is construction going on… Read More »Downtown Disney to Disney Springs July 2014 Construction Update
The central plaza, or hub, at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World is undergoing a significant update. The updated core of the park will have more of a garden like setting, with ample walking space to navigate around parades and shows, more outdoor dining… Read More »Magic Kingdom Central Plaza Construction Update – May 2014
Walt Disney Imagineering is famous for their project documentation. The archives are full of great concept art, construction photos, and documentation from most of the major builds over the last 50+ years. But my favorite of these has to be the time-lapse video.
This short time-lapse video shows the construction of most of New Fantasyland, including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Definitely worth expanding it to full-screen to view:
Interesting how construction on the coaster itself didn’t actually start until about half-way through the video.
Below the jump, I have an interview with Bruce Vaughn, executive vice president at Walt Disney Imagineering, and Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, as they talk about how Seven Dwarfs Mine Train fits into New Fantasyland and how excited the Imagineers are to finally have it open to the public on May 28th.
Read More »Time-Lapse Video of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Construction
Among the many things announced by Walt Disney World yesterday, was the first new area of Downtown Disney to open as part of its transformation into Disney Springs. “The Landing” will be set by the water front and feature nationally known restauranteurs. None have been officially announced, but it’s expected to include concepts from the Patina group (Via Napoli) and Steven Schussler (T-Rex, Yak & Yeti, and Rainforest Cafe). The Landing will occupy part of the area formerly known as Pleasure Island (basically behind where Raglan Road is now).
Disney also released a bunch more information about the transformation of Disney Springs (which will be the official name for the area commencing with the opening of The Landing. For summer 2014, outdoor entertainment will bring Downtown Disney to life, with nine different acts scheduled nightly – more than 30 live performances daily, a free highlight of the Downtown Disney experience. Special events like Car Masters Weekend (June 14-15) puts the spotlight on classic and exotic cars for Father’s Day weekend, and includes character experiences featuring favorite Disney*Pixar “Cars” characters.
New this summer for Downtown Disney:
Two new Starbucks locations – a storefront at Downtown Disney West Side and a kiosk near World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace. Look for the familiar green roof at the West Side flagship Starbucks, part of the company’s commitment to be environmentally conscious. The design includes a covered patio overlooking the waterfront and a fireplace, as well as the new Clover Bar, featuring special reserve coffees brewed to order. A high-tech screen behind the Clover Bar will show images from coffee regions around the globe, and a new Human Connection Wall will include large touch-screen monitors that allow guests to use their finger to draw images.
Read More »Disney Springs “The Landing” – New Shopping and Dining District Opening in 2015
Yesterday in part one of this update we looked at some fresh concept art and changes on the Westside of Downtown Disney as it transforms into Disney Springs. Today we’ll take glimpse at the area that will become the “Waterfront District” and the Marketplace Marina area.
Up first is a little video highlighting a few of the changes going on near the water front and marina areas.
Below the jump we have more updates in our photo gallery
Read More »Disney Springs Construction Update – April 2014 – Part II
Since our previous update, Disney has let water back into the moat all around the hub. On Main Street you can see that both the information booth and the retail booth are now closed. They’ve also closed the second popcorn vending location and moved them toward the periphery of the hub. Finally a Mickey and Minnie cutout has been added to the wall over by Crystal Palace.
The central plaza, or hub, at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World is undergoing an update. The finished version will have more of a park like setting, with ample walking space to navigate around parades and shows, more outdoor dining seating, plus special viewing areas for fireworks and more.
A gallery of photos is below the jump:
Read More »Magic Kingdom Central Plaza Construction Bonus Update
We’re getting down to the nitty-gritty on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. This week contractors were kept very busy working on the long list of little details that needed finishing around the attraction. From new welding on the track, to a wider emergency staircase, to a whole bunch more trees, Snow White’s Mountain has really changed character in just the last few weeks.
Meanwhile, testing has begun with actual people riding the roller coaster. The May 2nd grand opening will bring the newest family-style coaster and the final element of New Fantasyland. On board the attraction, guests will be treated to an exciting, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine” as the lovable world of Sleepy, Doc, Grumpy, Bashful, Sneezy, Happy and Dopey comes to life.
One feature will be first-of-its-kind ride vehicles mounted in cradle-like pivots that allow the vehicles to swing back and forth during the ride. Adding to the fun, the journey will be accompanied by beloved music from the Disney film classic. On their adventure, riders pass by animated figures of Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs and playful forest critters.
More details in our photo gallery below the jump:
Read More »Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Wrapping Up The Final Details of New Fantasyland
As announced in February, the Central Plaza, or Hub, at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World is undergoing a major update. The finished version will have more of a park like setting, with ample walking space to navigate around parades and shows, more outdoor dining seating, plus special viewing areas for fireworks and more.
I took a walkabout of the hub area earlier this week and captured a little video to show the progress. Right now they’re concentrating on the section of the hub that is closest to Main Street, where the additional fireworks viewing areas will be. However, lots of little projects are underway around the hub. The video ends with a look at the Rose Garden as it blooms for one last season in its current form.
Can’t watch the video? I have selected photos below the jump in a gallery:
Read More »Magic Kingdom Central Plaza Improvement Project Update