Disney News

Category: Construction

  • Disney World Unveils Cinderella Castle’s Makeover Ahead of Park Reopening Date

    Disney World Unveils Cinderella Castle’s Makeover Ahead of Park Reopening Date

    As we previously reported, Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom in Disney World is currently in the process of receiving a royal makeover and now the work is nearly complete and Disney is sharing a first look at the new regal enhancements.

    The treasured icon at the heart of Walt Disney World Resort is being made over with bold, shimmering and regal enhancements befitting The Most Magical Place on Earth.

    Walt Disney Imagineering helped select the new royal color scheme to give Cinderella Castle its glistening new look. Take a look at the pictures below to see the magical enhancements up close:

    Special elements, such as a sapphire dusting on the blue rooftops and gold trim, were added to make the iconic spires sparkle in the sun. You might see painters applying the final coats of paint and adding the finishing touches to if you’re planning to visit Magic Kingdom Park over the next several weeks.

    Disney will reopen Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom to the public on July 11, and Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15

  • Zootopia Land Construction Shaping ‘Up’ with First Steel Column Installation

    Zootopia Land Construction Shaping ‘Up’ with First Steel Column Installation

    Shanghai Disneyland’s new Zootopia-themed land has started to shape “up” as the construction goes vertical with the installation of the the first steel column on today.

    Main construction started back in December and piling work was completed earlier this year to strengthen the foundations of the buildings that will line the streets of the new land.

    To celebrate the installation of the steel column, it was signed by leaders and representatives from the resort, the administrative commission of Shanghai International Resort, Shanghai Shendi Group and Walt Disney Imagineering, which is responsible for the design and development of the new themed land. DKM_Blog took to Twitter to share the news as you can see below:

    The eighth themed land will be an immersive mammal metropolis that brings a variety of fan-favorite Zootopia citizens to life. 

    This exciting expansion will allow guests to experience signature key offerings like new “Zootopia”-themed merchandise, entertainment and creatively curated cuisine. The land will also feature a new major attraction – one that’s sure to create unforgettable guests memories with its innovative technology and immersive storytelling.

    “Today’s Zootopia construction milestone brings us another step closer to the beloved Zootopia story and characters coming to life in Shanghai,” said Joe Schott, Shanghai Disney Resort president and general manager.

    “We are always looking for new ways to delight and entertain our guests here in Shanghai with unique Disney storytelling and magical experiences. The steel column installed today is an integral part of our new land which is sure to offer incredible adventures to our guests for years to come. We have every confidence in our continued success and are looking forward to creating even more excitement and bringing many more unique Disney stories to our guests.”

  • Construction Resumes on Two Major Disneyland Resort Projects During Park Closure

    Construction Resumes on Two Major Disneyland Resort Projects During Park Closure

    As some parts of the country slowly start returning to business, Disney is resuming construction on two major Disneyland Resort projects during the parks closure.

    “Disney construction crews have returned to resume limited “essential work” on Avengers Campus and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway while the Anaheim theme parks remain closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the OC Register.

    Following the coronavirus closures of the Anaheim theme parks in mid-March, construction has been halted at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

    In line with direction from government and health officials, essential work will be performed periodically by limited crews to protect Avengers Campus, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and other projects at the Disneyland resort, according to Disney officials.

    The skeleton crews will be weather protecting the Avengers Campus project at Disney California Adventure and receiving steel deliveries for the Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway dark ride at Disneyland. The work crews at the Anaheim parks will include some Disneyland employees, Walt Disney Imagineering staffers and third-party contractors.

    The limited construction marks the first signs of progress at the Disneyland resort as Disney prepares for the eventual reopening of its Anaheim theme parks.

    Disney’s two Anaheim theme parks, three hotels and outdoor shopping mall remain closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Spaceship Earth at Epcot to get Updated as Reimagining Begins May 26

    Spaceship Earth at Epcot to get Updated as Reimagining Begins May 26

    Spaceship Earth is more than just the physical icon of EPCOT – it’s a symbol of how the park continues to evolve. The attraction is a crucial piece of the historic transformation already underway at EPCOT, and beginning May 26, Walt Disney Imagineering is getting ready to start implementing a new vision for Spaceship Earth. 

    The next iteration of Spaceship Earth will focus on the story of humanity, following the long journey from prehistoric humans to today brought to life with magic and depth that only Disney can deliver. Many of the moments you know and love will be updated in amazing ways, blended with brand-new scenes to tell a story about our human experience.

    Tuesday, Disney shared a few additional details of what you can expect when this icon returns. You’ll visit Egypt, which is part of the current version of the attraction, but it will be an Egypt like you’ve never seen before, transformed through the power of light.

    Throughout the attraction, you’ll hear new narration and see how light plays a central role in our shared human journey, coming to life in dynamic ways in a celebration of the magic that’s possible when we all come together. 

    Walt Disney once said EPCOT “would always be in a state of becoming,” and Spaceship Earth has lived up to that vision for generations. This will be the attraction’s fourth – and most ambitious – update since the park’s grand opening on Oct. 1, 1982. 

  • BREAKING: Cinderella Castle at Disney World to Receive Golden Makeover

    BREAKING: Cinderella Castle at Disney World to Receive Golden Makeover

    Disney World’s park’s iconic, awe-inspiring centerpiece—Cinderella Castle—is about to get even more magical. Disney shared today that Cinderella’s castle in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World will be getting a golden make-over!

    Cinderella first transformed into a princess 70 years ago this week when the animated classic was released—and ever since, her courage and kindness have been inspiring guests and cast members alike. Now Cinderella’s story has inspired a bold, shimmering and royal makeover of her namesake castle at the heart of Walt Disney World Resort.

    Take a look at this concept image of what the newly-enhanced Cinderella Castle will look like when work is completed:

    You may notice this exciting work taking place as these stunning enhancements begin in the coming weeks, continuing through summer. But you’ll still get to catch all of the castle favorites like “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” and “Happily Ever After.”

  • FIRST LOOK: Photos of New Baymax Ride Released by Disney

    FIRST LOOK: Photos of New Baymax Ride Released by Disney

    The largest redevelopment ever at Tokyo Disneyland promises to enchant guests with an array of brand-new experiences, all exclusive to Tokyo Disney Resort including a new Baymax ride and now Disney has released the first photo of the ride vehicle.

    The new ride is the first Disney theme park attraction in the world to be based on the 2014 animated hit “Big Hero 6.”

    The Happy Ride with Baymax will be located in Tomorrowland where guests can join their own personal healthcare companion for an exciting ride that swings them round and round.

    First off you’ll notice the personal healthcare companion leading the attraction and when the ride starts, 22 care robots pull the guests in unpredictable directions while up-tempo music plays. The combination of movements and music will surely make guest smile and raise their happiness level.

    The new Baymax ride along with “New Fantasyland,” a new area featuring the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast attraction and the indoor Fantasyland Forest Theatre, will open to guests on April 15, 2020.

  • Zootopia Land has Officially Begun Construction

    Zootopia Land has Officially Begun Construction

    Shanghai Disney Resort has announced that construction is now underway at Shanghai Disneyland’s immersive Zootopia expansion which will be the park’s eighth themed land.

    When Zootopia opens, guests will experience a new major attraction that seamlessly blends Disney’s storytelling and state-of-the-art technologies, as well as new entertainment, merchandise and food and beverage offerings that provide them with more to experience at Shanghai Disneyland than ever before.

    “This is an immensely exciting time for Shanghai Disney Resort and Zootopia fans alike,” said Joe Schott, president and general manager, Shanghai Disney Resort.

    The first-ever Zootopia-themed land will immerse guests in the world of the Academy Award-winning film, “where anyone can be anything.” The film was a global success that broke box office records in China to become the country’s No. 1 all-time highest grossing animated feature film. The film’s characters and stories have resonated strongly with Chinese guests, which has led to the success of Zootopia-themed merchandise, digital interactive games and more throughout the Chinese market.

    The film’s beloved characters Judy and Nick currently greet guests in Disney parks around the world and they will be joined by other favorites from the film in Shanghai Disneyland when the new land opens.

  • Snow White’s Scary Adventures to Get New Ending During Major Refurbishment at Disneyland

    Snow White’s Scary Adventures to Get New Ending During Major Refurbishment at Disneyland

    In 2020, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, an opening day attraction, will celebrate 65 years at Disneyland and Disney has announced that the attraction will be undergoing a major refurbishment and getting a new ending.

    This classic Fantasyland attraction, Disneyland park’s only ride-through princess attraction, will be updated with new magic inside and out in 2020. Walt Disney Imagineering is reimagining how the classic tale of Snow White lives happily ever after, and guests will be invited to follow along with her story.

    In addition to experiencing familiar elements of the attraction you know and love, you’ll discover enhanced story details and all-new scenes. For example, a new vignette will show Snow White in a beautiful forest setting waking up from her deep sleep as you can see in the concept art below:

    Also, the attraction will conclude when Snow White is reunited with her animal friends and a shimmering castle is seen in the distance. The ride currently ends with a bolt of lightning sending the wicked witch tumbling to her death from a mountaintop with a terrifying scream.

    Imagineers are implementing state-of-the-art audio and visual technology throughout the attraction, including new music, LED black lighting, laser projections and a new animation system. The exterior of the attraction will be completely refreshed with new, fairy tale-inspired details to complement the nearby charming Sleeping Beauty Castle.

    This isn’t the first time the attraction has undergone a significant refurbishment. In 1983, as a whole new version of Fantasyland was unveiled, Snow White’s Adventures reopened with new technology and a brand-new facade, along with the new name.

  • New Tomorrowland Sign Debuts at Magic Kingdom in Disney World

    New Tomorrowland Sign Debuts at Magic Kingdom in Disney World

    The Tomorrowland entrance sign was removed a couple of months ago and now its back with an reimagined updated design.

    The new Tomorrowland sign rests atop a circle held up by two sleek minimalist arches and now serves as the new marquee to the futuristic land.

    Tomorrowland opened along with the park on October 1, 1971, and the sign was last updated in during the 1994 New Tomorrowland refurbisment.

    The change to the sign is another example of the touch-ups the land has had. Among the other enhancements in recent months: A new sign for Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, fresh paint on the Stitch’s Great Escape side and elsewhere, a spiffing up of Tomorrowland Speedway and improvements to the outdoor eating sections of Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café.

  • New Concept Art and Details Released for Disney’s Riviera Resort Opening in December

    New Concept Art and Details Released for Disney’s Riviera Resort Opening in December

    As we previously reported, Disney’s Riviera Resort is coming to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida as the 15th Disney Vacation Club property and today Disney has released some beautiful new concept art and some exciting new details.

    For centuries, the European Riviera has inspired visitors to relax, rejuvenate and play along the Mediterranean. At Disney’s Riviera Resort, projected to open December 2019, the history and charm that enchanted Walt and Lillian Disney, and so many others, will be yours to experience.

    In each meticulous detail and around every turn, you’ll see how Imagineers are creating a resort that celebrates the elegance of a modern European retreat blended with a touch of old-world glamour and a uniquely Disney twist. Here’s a closer look at the careful planning and thoughtful features that make Disney’s Riviera Resort so special. Take a look at some more of the new concept art below:

    The overall design of Disney’s Riviera Resort is inspired by the elegant, early 20th century hotels situated along Europe’s Mediterranean coast. Like the region itself, Disney’s Riviera Resort will convey classic European designs mixed with modern expressions.

    Its articulated stone base and smooth stucco façades will be accented with decorative metalwork and colorful awnings. French mansard roofs and Italian style arches and loggias will intermingle with other architectural styles found along the coastal region.

    The center building, or tower, with expressive roofs and ornamental details, will be at the heart of the resort. Adjacent wings are designed as if added progressively to accommodate more travelers. The resort itself is a layered story, inspired by the buildings and architecture in Europe that grew and evolved over time.

    Each wing of the resort will grow in height, from eight to 10 stories, allowing for sweeping views of the resort to be seen from the rooftop restaurant, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera. If this sounds tantalizing, I should mention that bookings are now open for Topolino’s Terrace, with reservations available beginning on December 16.

    Porticos, towers and terraces, as well as a unique, coastal-inspired color palette, will give each resort wing an exterior style all its own – a visual representation of the changes in design styles that influenced regional resorts throughout the century.

    The window styles will vary across the façade of the resort, with variations in size, shape and mullion designs. Continuing the inspired architectural details, the iconic window awnings of the region will be married with shutters of varying colors and arrangements. A variety of decorative railings throughout the resort will feature a subtle Disney twist, with motifs of Mickey Mouse and his leading lady, Minnie.

    By incorporating these detailed differences into the design, Imagineers captured the progressive feeling of European architecture, imparting a sense of history and story that developed over time.

    Under construction and projected to open December 2019, Disney’s Riviera Resort at Walt Disney World Resort will be inspired by Europe and imagined by Disney. From the resort, you will be able to stay just a gondola ride away from all the excitement and experiences via the new Disney Skyliner system when it opens this fall.

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!