It’s that time of the week where we check in on all the construction projects going on around Disney World!
There have been a lot of BIG projects going on around the parks and resorts as Disney prepares for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebrations that will be kicking off in just FOUR months (is time flying for anyone else?). And, this week, we got an update on a few of the big hitters in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and the resorts. So, let’s take a look!
Magic Kingdom
Jungle Cruise
Earlier this year, Disney announced that they would be refurbishing Jungle Cruise in both Disney World and Disneyland. And, while the ride in Disneyland has remained closed, here at Disney World, we’ve been able to watch the scenes change day by day as we get closer to the new “enhanced” storyline coming to life. And, this week we saw THREE major changes to the ride!
First up is the brand new scene featuring one of the ride’s classic characters, Trader Sam. The animatronic that always wanted to strike a deal for your head was removed from the ride back in April to make way for his new job on the river — the owner of Trader Sam’s gift shop! And, we could see the structure taking shape this week!
The interior of the “shop” still remains closed, but here’s a peek at what the new Lost and Found turned gift shop will look like!
Another scene on the ride that got a major update this week was this one with a group of animatronics portraying natives who are “throwing arrows” at the boats as they pass.
Early in the week, we noticed that all three animatronics had been removed…
…and by the end of the week the entire structure was gone and there was only a small construction wall left among the bushes.
And, that isn’t all! We also got to see a (kind of) BRAND NEW scene added to the ride! The iconic rhino pole scene is back and now the gang of new characters at Jungle Cruise are now running a tree to avoid the taunting rhino.
Disney has shared that the refurbishment will be completed this summer, so we will likely be seeing these new scenes and storylines come together soon!
EPCOT
Future World
We’ve been watching as all of the buildings in Future World at EPCOT have been going down, but this week we noticed that one of the structures had actually been topped off!
Here’s a closer look at more of the work being done in the area.
Disney has shared a few sneak peeks at the new Creations Shop that is set to open this summer in EPCOT, so this could very well be for that! Nonetheless, it has been a barren land here for a few weeks, so it was exciting to see something added here!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Theaters of the Stars
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Theater of the Stars (where Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage used to take place) has been closed for quite some time. And, it looks like Disney is taking the opportunity to give it some TLC! This week, we could see some construction work being done around the theater seating.
So, it might be a little while before we get to reunite with the classic characters and music, even as some entertainment has begun to return to Disney World.
Disney Resorts
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
There has also been a lot of hustle and bustle going on over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort as the hotel receives a major update and new Moana theming. And, this week we spotted some of the finishing touches being put on a GIANT new addition to the main building’s roof!
It does still look like there’s a little more work needed before the structure can go up on display, but we can’t wait to see those colorful panels at the main entrance to the resort! Here’s a peek at what it will look like when complete!
The hotel is set to reopen in late July to all guests and these changes are anticipated to be completed by then.
That’s a wrap on another week of construction updates in Disney World! We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more so check back with us next week for the latest!
Check out ALL the Rides and Hotels That Are CLOSED in June in Disney World
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