EPCOT isn’t the only Disney World park that’s undergoing some major changes!
It’s springtime in Disney World!
Construction abounds in Disney World, with new rides, restaurants, and experiences in development at any given time. And sometimes, even older rides have to close for maintenance, so it’s important to stay up to date on all the current construction and changes taking place throughout Disney property. Let’s take a look!
Magic Kingdom
Last week, we were fortunate enough to catch a video of the push/pull test being done on the ride vehicles for this highly anticipated attraction.
Unfortunately, we haven’t spotted any further testing of the ride vehicles, but hopefully, this means we’re getting closer to the opening of the ride! Here’s a closer look at the ride vehicle on the tracks.
TRON Coaster Testing
Disney has yet to share a potential opening date for this attraction, but you can be sure we’ll bring you updates as they come in.
EPCOT
We may not have an update on the actual attraction that’s set to open in summer 2022, but we did get an update on the gift shop that will accompany the new EPCOT thrill ride. Treasures of Xandar will feature gifts and baubles that are out of this world!
©Zach Riddley via Instagram (@thezachriddley)
And, guess what’s officially on the My Disney Experience app map?! Yep, you can now officially see Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind on the EPCOT digital map.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
We’re on the edge of our seats waiting until we can finally ride this attraction — coming summer 2022!
There’s an update everywhere you look over at the new Connections Cafe and Eatery — it was recently announced that Connections Cafe will be the future home of the EPCOT Starbucks location.
Connections Cafe and Eatery ©Disney
In addition, we now know that Connections Eatery will feature multiple open kitchens so guests can get a look at how their meals are prepared! And, the World Celebration East walkway in front of the entrance to Connections Cafe is now open as well, giving us a peek at this sign too.
We can’t wait to check it out!
You might remember that Starbucks was housed in this area before the EPCOT Transformation began, so it looks like the coffee chain will be coming back to a familiar spot.
Crews are working hard to clear the ground and begin work on what will eventually become Moana: Journey of Water. This week, we saw what looked like some sort of building or walled area taking shape.
Walls are going up!
And in a different area, we can see what looks like a section being hollowed out as well.
What is going on down there?
We still don’t have an opening timeline for this World Nature attraction, but we’ll keep an eye out for more updates!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Mania Gift Shop
Over in Toy Story Land, we’re seeing some progress on what used to be the Toy Story Mania Gift Shop this week with some painting of the walls.
All painted!
We’re pretty sure this will be the future home of Jessie’s Trading Post, but Disney has yet to confirm anything just yet!
The new table service restaurant coming to Hollywood Studios hasn’t seen much in terms of construction progress lately (at least from what we can see on the outside!) but we were able to spot a crane on a recent stroll through the park.
It’s waaaay back there!
This new restaurant is slated to open later this year, so be sure to stay tuned for updates.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Expedition Everest remains closed for routine maintenance over in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This Yeti-filled thrill ride has been closed since January 4th, 2022.
Still closed.
But don’t worry, the popular attraction is scheduled to open up next month!
Dinoland, U.S.A.
We got a good look at the empty space that used to be Primeval Whirl on a recent trip to Animal Kingdom!
Rest in peace, old friend.
Disney hasn’t shared plans for what might be going in its place, so for now we’ll have to wonder. But, we’ll be keeping an eye out for more news.
Disney Resorts
Last time we stopped by this OG Disney World Resort, the brand new lobby appeared to be under construction again — but now, things are back to normal, albeit a little bit different, with new round check-in desks!
It’s so fancy!
We’re not sure what this change was about, but you do you, Disney!
The Big Pine Key building at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is still closed to make way for the new DVC Villas that will be taking the place of standard hotel rooms.
DVC Villas construction at the Grand Floridian
For now, it looks like crews are still busy clearing out the rooms, but we will keep an eye on the progress here as it develops.
If your little one is looking to get some steps in over at the Righteous Reef Playground, they’ll have to go elsewhere as it is still closed for refurbishment at this popular value resort.
Righteous Reef Playground is closed
The good news is that there is still plenty to do and see at this resort, although the Cozy Cone Pool is still closed until mid-April 2022.
Cozy Cone pool is closed right now.
That’s a LOT of changes taking place in Disney World right now, and you can bet we’ll be looking out for any additional progress. For more construction updates and park news, be sure to stay tuned to DFB!
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