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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Update – Construction Walls Everywhere

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I ducked into Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a late October check on the progress the park is making to adding some much needed night time entertainment. As part of the project the area around the Tree of Life on Discovery Island is getting upgrades and a larger performance zone, and so is the river between Asia and DinoLand that will eventually be home to the Rivers of Light water show.

If you can’t view the video, I have an image gallery at the end of this post:

As you can see all the construction makes Disney’s Animal Kingdom a Kingdom of Walls. We were there on a weekend and there was a lot of activity on Discovery Island, around the Tree of Life, but as far as I could tell, no work on the tree itself yet. In fact, they’ve actually let the area around the tree go a little bit. And you could see where horticulture really needed to get in and clean things up.Read More »Disney’s Animal Kingdom Update – Construction Walls Everywhere

Downtown Disney Construction Update – Big Disney Springs Rumors Inside

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I’m realizing that when I wrote my Disney’s Hollywood Studios rumored future posts, I left off Disney Springs from the list of projects under development. And then, of course, Disney comes out and confirms two new properties from Disney Springs making me look bad.

As it turns out I was just at Downtown Disney checking in on the construction progress. There’s some significant improvements in a few areas, and even two new shops that have opened. I took a bunch of video and pictures before it got too dark, so I have a second October update to share today:

More photos and some speculation on what shops and restaurants might be coming to Disney Springs below the jump:

Read More »Downtown Disney Construction Update – Big Disney Springs Rumors Inside

Downtown Disney Transforming into Disney Springs – October 2014 Construction Update

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Here’s our latest look at the progress on converting Downtown Disney into Disney Springs. Lots of work going on near the Marketplace, the area of Pleasure Island that will become “The Landing,” and even on the Westside. The Parking garage looks good and the special pedestrian bridges are starting to take shape too. The only hitch for the parking garage is whether Disney can get final approval from the state to build the I-4 off-ramp that leads directly into the garage.

A few new ‘stores’ have been set up near Fulton’s Crabhouse. Looks like a way for a few concepts to get introduced to Downtown Disney crowds without a full store. If these work, they’ll probably move to one of the new shopping districts in The Landing or Disney Springs.

I have not idea why the volcano is undergoing construction again, considering it just opened earlier this year. But the rest of the construction has really started to move toward the final phases.

Below the jump, I’ve added a photo gallery with some highlights and a few details that didn’t make it into the video:

Read More »Downtown Disney Transforming into Disney Springs – October 2014 Construction Update

Downtown Disney becoming Disney Springs – Construction Update – September 2014

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Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney is in the middle of transforming into a larger complex to be called Disney Springs. The first area to open will be called “The Landing” and that’s where the majority of construction is taking place right now. However there are lots of other projects in and around the site.

The first of two parking garages is getting closer to being finished with some decoration going up on one side and access ramps appearing and the first signs of the off ramp from the I-4 Freeway also appearing. There’s also a lot of construction on the roads leading into and out of the area too.

Here’s the latest video with a look around the shopping and dining area construction

For those who can’t watch video, there is a huge gallery of photos below the jump:

Read More »Downtown Disney becoming Disney Springs – Construction Update – September 2014

Magic Kingdom Plaza / Hub Improvement – September 2014 Construction Update

As was announced in February, the Magic Kingdom’s central Plaza (aka the hub) is undergoing a major improvement project. It will increase walk-ability and flow from a guest perspective and give Disney a few areas that they can use for dedicated parade or fireworks viewing.… Read More »Magic Kingdom Plaza / Hub Improvement – September 2014 Construction Update

Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney canceled for 2014

If there’s one event at Downtown Disney I look forward to every year, it’s the very popular and long running Festival of the Masters. Unfortunately, due to construction of Disney Springs, Disney has decided to cancel the event for 2014. This November 7-9th would have… Read More »Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney canceled for 2014

Downtown Disney to Disney Springs construction update – August 2014

Earlier today we had a video with a Walt Disney Imagineer talking about the backstory that will unite Disney Springs once the transformation is complete. The first area, The Landing, will open in 2015.

Our latest construction update looks at progress at The Landing as well as other projects, big and small around the shopping and dining district that will soon be formerly known a Downtown Disney. Take special note of the new ferry boat dock. All three docks are back in operation now. Only the Marketplace location is now closer to Saratoga Springs than Rainforest Cafe. There’s also been quite a bit of progress on the first parking lot they’re constructing. Finishing that will be a welcome relief to the problems with finding a spot on those busy days.

Watch our short video for the gist of the changes

or head below the jump for a full multi-photo gallery of images from across the construction site.

Read More »Downtown Disney to Disney Springs construction update – August 2014

Downtown Disney Marketplace Co-Op Walking Tour

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Last weekend I went on a brief walking tour of the new Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney Orlando. This location will serve as a testing ground for new store concepts for Disney. If it is popular, a concept could eventually get its own store elsewhere in the resort.

The tiki corner. This is my favorite section of the store by far

The tiki corner. This is my favorite section of the store by far

Here are the six original concepts:

Beautifully Disney – A beauty destination for women featuring make-up, fragrance and beauty accessories;
Cherry Tree Lane – Accessories for the sophisticated woman with a passion for scarves, shoes, bags and jewelry;
D-Tech on Demand – A place to personalize and customize your own electronic accessories;
The Trophy Room – Vintage-inspired, lifestyle sports apparel and collectibles;
Disney Centerpiece – Home products offering a splash of Disney in room furnishings, textiles and everyday ware;
Zoey and Pickles – A girls’ destination with the latest trends.

Now join me on a walking tour:

I’d love for them to do the same thing with food, come to think of it.

Read More »Downtown Disney Marketplace Co-Op Walking Tour