It’s time for our weekly Disney World construction update!

It’s no surprise that there’s lots of construction going on as Disney gears up for its 50th anniversary, and we’re sharing all of it with you!

Magic Kingdom

Rivers of America

After months of following the developments of a drained, then entirely empty, then refilled Rivers of America, the river is officially up and running. Both Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat reopened this week after a lengthy refurbishment. Earlier in the week, rafts began testing on the river.

We took a ride over to the newly reopened Tom Sawyer Island!

Guests are still wished, “welcum,” onto the island after disembarking their rafts.

We explored areas of the island, like inside the caves!

Some areas of the island remain closed, like the playground area. This is likely to make sure distancing measures are still maintained between guests.

We also got to see the Liberty Square Riverboat gliding around the island once again!!

Disney even shared a behind-the-scenes look at how they transported the Liberty Belle during the refurbishment!

See behind-the-scenes transportation of the Liberty Belle!

Bonjour Village Gifts

This week, Bonjour Village Gifts in Fantasyland has gone green!

A large hedge remains around the shop as work continues on its exterior.

Check out its new green look!

This is a change from its previous tan look, but the green still fits in with the rest of the decor pretty well!

Here’s what’s new at Magic Kingdom!

EPCOT

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Last week, we shared some photos showing blue paneling had been added to one side of the roof. This week, the entirety of the roof appears to be covered!

A closer look shows the paneling in greater detail, along with wooden panels surrounding the front of the building below the roof.

This angle shows the wooden paneling even better!

As we see more and more progress on the outside of this upcoming indoor coaster, we can’t help but grow even more excited for it to open!

See more photos of the most recent construction progress at this attraction HERE

PLAY! Pavilion

This new pavilion that will be part of EPCOT’s transformation has received some updates since we last checked on it! When open, the PLAY! Pavilion will feature fun and innovative experiences, but it’s certainly been a while since Disney’s shared anything about it.

Since we last checked on the pavilion, it seems that the roofing has been fully completed. Each little gold triangle is in place, as far as we can see.

We’re on the lookout for any new information about this new pavilion, and we’ll be sure to share updates as soon as they’re available!

Learn ALL about the PLAY! Pavilion here!

Future World

Just beyond the paint-by-number mural at EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts, you can see the immense demolition and construction that continues in Future World.

A zoomed-in look gives a closer glimpse at the gutted building, leaving nothing but the bare bones of the structure.

This continued progress indicates that EPCOT’s major transformation is pushing forward!

Learn about EPCOT’s transformation here

Italy Pavilion Gelato Kiosk

We’ll be living “la dolce vita” in the Italy Pavilion when this upcoming gelato kiosk opens! Although there’s still not much to see, we noticed a crew working on the building on our most recent trip to EPCOT.

You know we can’t wait to get our hands on this sweetness!

4 Little Disney World Projects You Forgot About

Disney Resorts

Polynesian Village Resort

We recently shared pictures of a demolished monorail station at the Polynesian Resort, and here’s a look at more construction going on near the monorail tracks.

Refurbishments are taking place all across the resort, including inside the guest rooms, as well as the outer grounds as seen here.

It was also recently announced that refurbishment would take place at Kiki Tikis Splash Play Area.

This area for kids at the pool was drained and closed, with some construction machinery on-site.

We’re still gearing up for a summer reopening at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, but we’ll share updates if any of that changes!

Check out our view of projections being tested on Cinderella Castle from the Polynesian!

General Construction

Walt Disney World Entrance Sign

Construction crews seem to be making great headway at the reimagined Walt Disney World Entrance Sign near Osceola Parkway. Earlier in the week, about half of the archway had been coated in the new royal blue paint.

As of Friday, the whole sign looked like it was nearing completion! We’re still waiting on the gold flags, and Walt Disney World slogan, but otherwise it’s looking good!

And that’s a wrap on this week’s construction updates! Check back with DFB next week for even more updates!

Here’s ALL the Disney news you MISSED this week!

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Have you visited any of the newly completed projects in Disney World? Tell us in the comments!

The post TWO Attractions Reopen, Major EPCOT Updates, and More Construction From Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog.