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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:

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Magic Kingdom Photo Update – September 2014

Astro Orbitor is being reassembled atop the PeopleMover

Astro Orbitor is being reassembled atop the PeopleMover

It’s off-season again at the Magic Kingdom and that means construction walls are already popping up all over the park. We have a look at a few of the changes going on around the park that are visible from on-stage. I don’t have a lot of pictures of the Halloween decor because I’ll be heading to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tonight, but there are some ‘Fall’ decorations you might appreciate.

This time of year at the parks is one of my favorites. The weather starts to chill and the crowds begin to thin. That means us locals finally get a chance to go on those new and major attractions we’ve been avoiding all summer due to long lines. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Anna & Elsa meet and greet anyone?

Yankee Traders will reopen as a Haunted Mansion themed shop after a brief refurbishment

Yankee Traders will reopen as a Haunted Mansion themed shop after a brief refurbishment

For now, all the heavy construction action is going on over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs. But I would not be entirely suprised to hear that the Magic Kingdom will get something new when it comes to the Star Wars attractions that will be added to the parks.

Finally, although I don’t have any photos of it, the crane is back to install the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights for Christmas season. You’ll just have to find a unique angle to take that castle photo from. Also, if you haven’t already seen it, don’t miss our September update from the Magic Kingdom Plaza / Hub construction project.

More photos below the jump:
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Magic Kingdom Central Plaza Construction Update – May 2014

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

Disney Springs Construction Update – April 2014 – Part II

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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

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Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Wrapping Up The Final Details of New Fantasyland

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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:

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Around The Galaxy: Star Wars News Update

Things are still pretty tight lipped when it comes to the new movies but there have been a couple of news bits. First off, Disney Studios chairman, Alan Horn revealed that shooting has already begun on Episode VII. The production is reportedly in Morocco, where… Read More »Around The Galaxy: Star Wars News Update

Marvel Universe News Update

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is bringing the guest stars out of the woodwork. Adrian Pasdar (Heroes) has been cast as Glenn Talbot, an old Hulk villain and Patton Oswalt (King of Queens, Ratatouille and a guest spot on Parks and Rec with a speech so… Read More »Marvel Universe News Update

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Roller Coaster Construction Update from Disney World

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The last attraction to open in the Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland expansion is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. It’s a completely new kind of roller coaster with cars that swing back and forth. This allows for tighter corners and a slight increase in the thrill, while still keeping it kid friendly.

If it seems like the project has been taking forever, you’re partly right. Vertical construction of the coaster only began in March of 2012. It is currently expected to open sometime in early summer of 2014, which puts it at a little over two years from dirt to ride opening. Don’t make any plans based on that rumor as it may be pushed back. That’s about the speed for a major new attraction at Disney these days.

Those who have been paying close attention to the blog know I had an emergency surgery to correct a heart defect, so I’ve been limited in what I can do in the parks, but I was able to get out and get some new video and photos from the scene earlier this week.

There is significant progress from my November 6th update. The mountain is starting to look like a mountain, with actual real trees and some artificial ones dotting the show building. Queue and show elements are beginning to be installed and actual testing of cars on the track is occurring. Not on the day I was there unfortunately, but I did capture some video of the mountain to share with you:

Many more pictures of the construction site below the jump:

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