Disney is preparing to kick off the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebrations in just a few short months, so we’ve been seeing quite a bit of construction progress around the parks and resorts in preparation!
It’s time to explore all the construction going on!
Last week we updated you on 10 projects going on and this week we’ve got even more as construction is close to wrapping up on a fan-favorite attraction, continues on others, and more! So, let’s take a look at it all!
Magic Kingdom
Jungle Cruise
There’s a new gift shop open up along the river on Jungle Cruise! The head salesman, Trader Sam, had been removed from the ride a few months ago to make way for his new lost-and-found-turned-gift-shop and now it’s open for business!
Trader Sam’s Gift Shop
The new shack is filled with eclectic “souvenirs” including things like socks, instruments, remnants of boats, hats, and more.
Lots of stuff here
And, it looks like Trader Sam is taking a page out of Disney PhotoPass’s book and setting up a photo-op for guests on their way out!
Photo anyone?
For now, Trader Sam has not yet made a reappearance at his gift shop, but there are still some construction tarps in the area that suggest the scene may not be entirely completed just yet. Of course, this joins many other changes to characters and scenes along the attraction as Disney works to complete the Jungle Cruise updates by the end of the summer.
TRON: Lightcycle Run
We’ve been watching as Disney makes quite a bit of progress on the exterior of the new roller coaster coming to Tomorrowland, TRON: Lightcycle Run, and this week the construction site was looking a bit different — the GIANT crane that has been there for most of the year is now gone!
TRON construction
We had seen it coming down last week after more blue netting was added to one of the canopies outside and now it is MIA from the area. Of course, Disney still hasn’t shared an update on when the attraction will open, but it’s been exciting to see so much movement on the exterior portion of the ride.
Splash Mountain
Last week we noticed that a HUGE barricade had been added near the bridge to Splash Mountain’s queue and, while we’re still not sure exactly what it is for, we did notice some new updates to the bathrooms at the exit of the attraction. They still look rustic, but that’s a fresh coat of paint that it has on there!
Look at that fresh coat of paint!
And, you’ll even notice some more colors popping just around the corner!
Looking good!
Disney is planning to refurbish the ride and re-theme it with characters (and a plot) from Princess and the Frog, but it looks like we’re still going to have to wait to see when the construction will begin.
Disney Resorts
ESPN Club
Over at the Disney resorts, we stopped by Disney’s recently reopened BoardWalk Inn Resort and spotted a Cast Member painting over the area on the building that used to be home to the menu board for ESPN Club.
Repainting…
This restaurant has remained closed since the parks reopened last year and Disney has not shared an update on when (or if) the dining location will reopen. Of course, we’ll be keeping an eye out for information!
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
The last time we checked in on the construction progress over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the new roof had been added to the main entrance and work was continuing on the new monorail station. But, this week we took a look at the new entrance area and it looks like there’s still a bit to be done!
The entrance is coming along!
Both the monorail station and main entrance are set to remain closed when the resort reopens on July 19th and we could still see construction equipment, crews, and lots of dirt in the area.
Click HERE for More Details About the Reopening of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!
And, that’s a wrap on another week of construction progress around Disney World! We’re always keeping an eye out for the latest updates in the parks and resorts, so be sure to check back here at DFB for the latest!
Click HERE to See ALL the Rides and Hotels That Are CLOSED in July in Disney World
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The post PHOTOS: See the Progress on TRON, Jungle Cruise, and the Polynesian in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog.