It’s time to catch up on all the construction updates going on around Walt Disney World!

We are quickly approaching the beginning of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebrations, meaning that many refurbishments are getting close to finishing. Plus, we’ve even seen some new ones pop up! So, we’ve got a lot to cover — let’s get to it!

Magic Kingdom

Jungle Cruise

Work is still underway on Jungle Cruise in Magic Kingdom as the ride gets an updated storyline, new characters, scenes, and more! And, this week we spotted two little changes! The first was at the entrance to the attraction, where you’ll now find a brand NEW sign! Here’s what it looked like before…

…and here’s what it looks like now! It’s got a fresh coat of green paint and a helm instead of a mask.

The other update is on the ride when you pass by the Ginger Snap scene. Here’s what the scene used to be…

…and here’s what it is now! The gators are still there, but the totem poles are now missing.

These are just two of many updates that have already taken place on the Jungle Cruise attraction. And, we should be pretty close to seeing the final product as Disney has shared the refurbishment will be completed by the end of the summer!

Partner Statue

And, over on Main Street, U.S.A., the Partners Statue will be getting some TLC over the next few weeks! According to signage, Disney will be doing routine care on the statue and removing oxidation buildup from the patinated bronze which is described as “intensive.”

The entire process will take place in multiple phases in which the sculpture is stripped to its bare metal and then cleaned before “reapplying a patina, and coating the entire figure in protective polymer and wax.” We’ll keep an eye on the process and bring you the latest updates, so stay tuned!

Main Street Train Station

Closer to the entrance, we FINALLY saw progress on the Main Street Train Station! Now, the Walt Disney World Railroad has been closed for a VERY long time (because part of the construction on TRON: Lightcycle Run is blocking the tracks in Tomorrowland), and while we wait for its eventual reopening, we’ve been treated to a view of construction scrim.

But, not anymore (kind of)! Disney took down the top portion of the scrim to reveal the Main Street Train Station clock so there’s a little piece of the building that has returned!

We couldn’t spot any major changes to the structure or design and for now, the rest of the building remains incognito under the tarp.

TRON: Lightcycle Run

We also got another peek at the construction progress on TRON: Lightcycle Run in Tomorrowland! Now you can spot more beams, poles, and blue netting on the exterior.

Disney still hasn’t shared an update on when this new roller coaster may open in Disney World, but there are still quite a few construction vehicles, orange tape, and more that suggests there’s still a lot of work to be done.

Tony’s Town Square

There are also a few smaller projects taking place in Magic Kingdom!

This week we noticed that the sign for Tony’s Town Square Restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A. had been removed and replaced with a new one. Here’s what it looked like before…

…and here’s what you can find now! The design itself is the same, but now it is on a banner.

It’s unclear whether the banner is the new permanent signage for the restaurant or if the heftier sign will return after some touch-ups, but we’ll keep an eye out!

Be Our Guest Restaurant

And, Disney continues to update the exterior of the Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland! Previously, we had seen the exterior receive a new coat of paint and now the refurbishment is a bit more obvious with scaffolding lining the mountain structure.

These small projects are all happening in the park as Disney does some “sprucing up” leading to the 50th Anniversary celebrations that kick off on October 1st.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Kilimanjaro Safari

Over in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you won’t be able to spot Simba (well, lions) during your ride on Kilimanjaro Safari right now. The lion exhibit is currently undergoing refurbishment, so the animals are being kept behind the scenes for now.

So, be prepared for a bumpy and fast ride through the exhibit on your next ride.

Disney KiteTails

Last week we shared a first look at the construction beginning on the new daytime show coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and there was some more progress this week! Now you can spot another platform in the water near the Discovery River Amphitheater.

The new show will feature GIANT three-dimensional kites in the shapes of Disney characters like Simba, Zazu, Baloo, and King Louie over the water, so these platforms may be storage space for that but we’ll have to wait and see!

EPCOT

France Expansion

EPCOT has also been home to a lot of construction over the past few years and this week we got a look at the newest addition to the France Pavilion! The expansion area has partially opened, but the rest will be revealed on October 1st when both Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Le Creperie de Paris officially open.

You can check out the new area from the Disney Skyliner and it looks like the streets are almost ready for guests!

Disney has described the area as Pixar’s Paris and it features lots of design details that are used when Pixar is making an animated movie!

We can’t wait to be able to explore it ourselves!

Click HERE For Our First Look INSIDE the Ratatouille Area in EPCOT!

Future World

And, one project did wrap up in EPCOT! The water beds in Future World West had been drained when we passed by last week, but the water is flowing once again and the reverse waterfall is back in action!

The water bed was likely drained for routine cleaning (which is something Disney often does on all of their water areas), but we can’t help but wonder if construction on the upcoming Moana attraction could have been the cause.

Disney Resorts

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

The Disney Parks aren’t the only ones receiving some updates — we also spotted some work over at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort! This hotel is no stranger to routine maintenance and refurbishments (we saw A LOT of them earlier this year) and this week construction crews were working on the windows of a portion of the Finding Nemo section.

Disney hasn’t shared any updates on what work they’re completing at the hotel, but these sorts of projects don’t tend to last very long. Sometimes a window just needs some cleaning or patching up, ya know?

And, that’s it for this week’s construction progress in Disney World! Be sure to catch us back here for more updates and news that may impact your next vacation!

Check Out ALL the Rides and Hotels That Are CLOSED in July in Disney World HERE!

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When are you going to Disney World next? Let us know in the comments!

The post PHOTOS: 11 BIG Construction Updates From Disney World This Week first appeared on the disney food blog.