Disney News

Category: Construction

  • CONFIRMED: Disney Opening New Resort on Abandoned River Country Site

    CONFIRMED: Disney Opening New Resort on Abandoned River Country Site

    As we previously reported Disney has been laying the ground work for a new resort near Bay Lake. Thursday, the company confirmed in a statement that they are indeed building a new hotel where the former River Country water park was once located.

    A new nature-inspired, mixed-use Disney resort will welcome families in 2022 along the picturesque shoreline of Bay Lake. Located between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, this resort project joins three others underway at Walt Disney World Resort, bringing a total of more than 1,700 new hotel rooms and proposed Disney Vacation Club villas online over the next four years.

    The deluxe resort, which will be themed to complement its natural surroundings, will include more than 900 hotel rooms and proposed Disney Vacation Club villas spread across a variety of unique accommodation types.

    “Walt Disney World is in the midst of our most significant expansion in the last two decades and the combined 1,700 new hotel rooms and proposed Disney Vacation Club villas we are building at four different resorts will create thousands of new construction and permanent jobs and will drive economic opportunity and incremental revenue for Central Florida,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “We continue to add new attractions, new lands — and these beautiful accommodations will be right in the heart of all that magic.”

    The soon-to-be named resort is slated to be Disney’s 16th Disney Vacation Club property and it will continue to build on the value and flexibility of a Disney Vacation Club membership.

    “This resort experience will be a celebration of Walt Disney’s lifelong love and respect for nature, with some fun and even surprising accommodation types that families will find irresistible,” said Terri Schultz, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “It will give our members and guests yet another opportunity to stay in close proximity to all the newest attractions and experiences in our theme parks, and with the flexibility, value and world-class service families expect from Disney.”

    The new resort projects join a flurry of expansion at Walt Disney World Resort, including the highly successful Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the recent debut of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In early 2019, Walt Disney World will unveil a collection of shows, parties, Disney character interactions and more that will allow guests to cherish time with family and friends. And later in the year, guests will be able to travel to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where they can live out their own adventures in a galaxy far, far away. Guests will realize now more than ever is the perfect time to experience all of the fun and magic of a Walt Disney World vacation.

  • New Parking Structure Coming To Disneyland Adds Pedestrian Bridge

    New Parking Structure Coming To Disneyland Adds Pedestrian Bridge

    As part of a multi-year expansion of the Disneyland Resort, a new 6,500-space parking structure is currently under construction. Today Disney announced, the project is starting to take shape and it will now also feature a new pedestrian bridge over Magic Way.

    The parking structure is being built on the current Pinocchio surface parking lot next to Mickey & Friends. This new bridge will connect visitors from the parking structure—over Magic Way— to the rest of the resort, allowing guests the option to stroll through the Downtown Disney District to the theme parks’ Main Entrance.

    In addition, the new bridge eliminates the foot traffic crossing the street at Disneyland Drive and Magic Way, providing not only convenience, but also greater pedestrian safety and better traffic circulation.

    Disney announced last year that a multi-year expansion of the Disneyland Resort, will include upgrading, improving and adding new parking and transportation enhancements that have been long envisioned for the resort.

    Disneyland Parking

    Set to be completed next year, these parking and transportation enhancements—along with other existing parking options throughout the resort area—are designed to dramatically improve parking and traffic flow.

    The new parking structure is expected to significantly speed up guest arrival by providing a 60 percent increase in the number of access lanes and by adding parking capacity on the west side of the resort. In addition, the tram boarding area will be reconfigured to enhance the transportation experience for guests parking at both the new structure and Mickey & Friends.

  • Construction on Marvel-Themed Area Begins at Disneyland Resort

    Construction on Marvel-Themed Area Begins at Disneyland Resort

    Disneyland Resort has officially begun construction the Marvel-themed area expansion coming to Disney California Adventure Park!

    The new area will be located in the area that was formerly home to A Bug’s Land which closed September 4.

    The Marvel-inspired area will neighbor the popular Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction, the first Marvel-themed Disney ride to reach the west coast since the company purchased Marvel in 2009. As you can see in the photos below, construction is being handled by the perfect company!

    The new Marvel-themed area at Disney California Adventure is officially under construction now! from r/marvelstudios

    The public is now blocked off from the area by a Stark Industries gate, Stark Industries is a multinational industrial company owned by Tony Stark a.k.a  Iron Man!

    Though it’s been rumored for quite some time, Disney made the official announcement of a Marvel-themed land earlier this year.

    The new Super Hero-themed land will begin recruiting guests in 2020, with even more new experiences to follow. The Guardians of the Galaxy will be joined by Spider-Man and the Avengers in what will become a completely immersive Super Hero universe, furthering the evolution of Disney California Adventure park.

    Little details have been offered on how Marvel characters will be incorporated into the new land or it’s name, referring to it simply as a “Super Hero-themed land” because of contractual obligations with Universal Studios that prevents Disney from using the word “Marvel” in its name.

    Other new Marvel experiences based on character like Iron Man and Ant-Man and the Wasp are also being developed for Disney’s international parks and will be debuting at Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland

    Disneyland Resort’s Marvel-inspired land debuts at Disney California Adventure Park in 2020.

  • Tron Coaster Construction Update Adds New Billboard at Magic Kingdom

    Tron Coaster Construction Update Adds New Billboard at Magic Kingdom

    Last summer, at the D23 convention, plans were unveiled for a new Tron coaster-style attraction to be added at Magic Kingdom Park. Construction is already underway in Tomorrowland and now we have a first look at a new Tron-themed billboard at Magic Kingdom Park that’s now visible from Storybook Circus.

    The new attraction will occupy an entirely new area next to the land’s Space Mountain, and now, as Disney prepares to welcome Tron into the park, a few modifications will be made to nearby attractions as construction kicks into gear.

    First, the Walt Disney World Railroad will temporarily take up residence at the Main Street Station starting in December 2018, pausing its grand-circle tours of Magic Kingdom Park. During this time, guests will be able to get an up-close look at the railroad and take advantage of one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.

    The Tomorrowland Speedway will close for a portion of 2019, as the attraction’s track is adjusted. It will reopen as the same attraction guests know and love in the summer of 2019.

    Magic Kingdom’s Tron attraction, which is set to debut in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021, is based on TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland. This coaster-style attraction allows riders to board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for a thrilling race through the digital frontier. TRON Lightcycle Power Run debuted on Shanghai Disneyland’s opening day and quickly became the highest-rated attraction at the park.

  • Galaxy’s Edge Construction Update As Seen From Toy Story Land

    Galaxy’s Edge Construction Update As Seen From Toy Story Land

    Toy Story Land Just had its grand opening on June 30th, but a new presence in the force is on the horizon. Construction on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been underway since April 2016 and the progress is astonishing. Especially from the perspective of a toy.

    As Buzz Lightyear towers over Andy’s playground you can see what the construction looks like from his point of view as he seemingly welcomes their new neighbors.

    Take a look at the photos below for some close up shots of exactly how the new land is shaping up.

    Galaxys_Edge_Construction

    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    These rocky spires in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge will actually be petrified tree trunks making it look as if trees equivalent to Earth’s 300+ ft Redwoods once towered over the space.

    When you enter Toy Story Land look to your left for a view of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.

    Galaxys_Edge_Construction
    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    Here is a view of the detailed painted rock work in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge from Toy Story Land on July 4.

    Galaxys_Edge_Construction
    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in late fall 2019 at Walt Disney World Resort, when guests will land in the middle of the action as they live their own Star Wars stories. Stay tuned for more construction updates as the new land continues to develop.

  • PHOTOS: Epcot’s Ratatouille Attraction Construction Update

    PHOTOS: Epcot’s Ratatouille Attraction Construction Update

    Construction on the Ratatouille attraction at Epcot has been underway since last September and now we’re getting a look at some of the latest aerial construction photos.

    These aerial pictures give a fantastic view of the progress being made on the transformation of the France Pavilion in The World Showcase.

    The framing for the exterior walls is nearly complete as you can see in the photos below.

    From a distance you can see the corner of the Ratatouille ride peeking out along France’s skyline.

    Ratatouille ride construction
    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    The exterior walls can be seen across World Showcase Lagoon and in the photo below you get an idea of just how large the structure will be in comparison to the surrounding area.

    Ratatouille ride construction
    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    The ride is scheduled to open sometime before October 1st, 2021 in time for Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. In addition to the Ratatouille ride, the expansion of the France Pavilion will include new shopping, dining, and more.

  • Man Killed In Disney World Industrial Accident Was Run Over By Cart

    Man Killed In Disney World Industrial Accident Was Run Over By Cart

    More details have been released about the Walt Disney World cast member who was killed Monday morning in an industrial accident. According to Orange County officials, the man was a vehicle technician who somehow became trapped under the cart he was working on.

    The man, identified by deputies as Juan Alberto Ojeda, 33, was pronounced dead at the scene of an industrial area near the Pop Century Resort and Waldorf Astoria golf course. Ojeda leaves behind a wife and son.

    Witnesses said they were about 20 yards away and saw Ojeda was working on the battery for a Toro motorized utility vehicle then they heard a screeching sound and saw the vehicle drive up onto a curb and into a fence, according to a report.

    One witness said that it appeared that Ojeda’s arm was caught on the steering wheel at one point during the incident. The cart climbed about six feet up the fence before it came back down on the ground and landed on top of Ojeda, deputies said.

    Two witnesses rushed over to help Ojeda, who was trapped under the motorized vehicle. Deputies said Ojeda asked them to back the cart up off of him, but they worried they would cause further injury to him. Ojeda was unconscious moments later, witnesses said. Deputies are still investigating.

    In a statement, Walt Disney World President George A. Kalogridis called Ojeda’s death a tragedy. “All of us at Walt Disney World Resort are deeply saddened today by the loss of one of our cast members. Our thoughts and concerns are with his family, friends, and fellow co-workers. This is a tragic accident, and we are providing resources and care for those impacted and are working closely with the proper authorities to understand how this happened,” Kalogridis said.

  • Disney Employee Killed in Accident Near Pop Century Resort Gondola Construction

    Disney Employee Killed in Accident Near Pop Century Resort Gondola Construction

    An employee at Walt Disney World died in an apparent industrial accident today near Pop Century Resort.

    The accident happened in an industrial area near the Pop Century Resort and Waldorf Astoria golf course. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call around 9:15 a.m. to respond to a guard gate next to the Pop Century Resort at Disney, officials said.

    The man who was in his late 30s was found unconscious, deputies said. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Reedy Creek Fire Department.

    “All of us at Walt Disney World Resort are deeply saddened today by the loss of one of our Cast Members. Our thoughts and concerns are with his family, friends, and fellow co-workers. This is a tragic accident, and we are providing resources and care for those impacted and working closely with the proper authorities to understand how this happened,” George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort said in a release.

    Officials have not identified the employee and no other information was immediately available. What we do know is that crews have been working in the area on a Skyliner gondola transit system meant to link the theme park Epcot to a slew of Disney resorts, including Pop Century.

  • New Permits Reveal Star Wars Hotel Scope and Connection to Hollywood Studios

    New Permits Reveal Star Wars Hotel Scope and Connection to Hollywood Studios

    Disney recently filed permits with the South Florida Water Management District that reveal new details about the size and scope of the Star Wars Hotel as well as how guests will be entering Hollywood Studios directly from the resort.

    Walt Disney World confirmed back in may that the hotel will be located just east of World Drive, on the south side of Hollywood Studios, but now with these construction plans we get real sense of exactly how the hotel will fit in to the surrounding area.

    Star Wars Resort Permits

    Disney has said that hotel will be “seamlessly connected” to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. According to the recently filed permits, guests staying at Walt Disney World’s Star Wars hotel will drive from Hollywood Studios’ parking lot over a drainage canal to get to the main hotel entrance.

    Star Wars Resort Permits

    Guests staying at the resort will use a special pathway to enter the theme park that will take them between the two attractions in the new land.

    This first-of-its-kind resort will combine luxury with complete immersion into an authentic Star Wars story. Guests’ journey through space will start when everyone departs together for a multiday Stars Wars adventure by boarding a starship alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during a voyage through the galaxy.

    “It’s unlike anything that exists today.” Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek said. “From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits.”

    Disney has not released details on the new resort will open, but we do know the Star Wars-themed land at Hollywood Studios will open in late fall 2019.

  • UPDATE: New Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster Construction Aerial Photos

    UPDATE: New Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster Construction Aerial Photos

    Construction on the Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster at Epcot is well under way and we can see some real progress now. With these amazing aerial photos of the project we get a scope of just how out of this galaxy the new attraction is going to be.

    The highly anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy”-themed roller coaster attraction will be one of the biggest indoor coasters ever built.

    Back in April, 960 trucks’ worth of concrete was poured to create the foundation of what will soon take shape as Epcot’s mammoth attraction. Take a look below at an amazing close-up of the Guardians of the Galaxy show building frame so far as seen from World Showcase.

    Guardians of the Galaxy
    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    The “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired coaster is part of Disney’s ongoing work to transform Epcot into a place that’s more family, more relevant, more timeless and more Disney. Below you can see the show building frame so far currently spans about 1/4 of the foundation.

    Guardians of the Galaxy
    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    Inspired by the films, the “Guardians of the Galaxy”-themed attraction will expand on the original vision of Epcot’s Future World, with an epic storyline being developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in close collaboration with the original filmmakers.

    The attraction will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.