Disney News

Tag: construction

  • Demolition of Primeval Whirl Begins at Animal Kingdom

    Demolition of Primeval Whirl Begins at Animal Kingdom

    Disney Parks has started demolition on Primeval Whirl at Animal Kingdom this week.

    Disney placed construction walls around the ride earlier this month, signaling that the ride’s end was near.

    The attraction, located at Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand, was one of the centerpieces of the park. Visitors noticed that several of the large archways that framed the chain lift of the ride were pulled off the starting hill. Bioreconstruct of Twitter recently posted several pictures of the destruction as you can see below:

    Primeval Whirl was a spinning roller coaster purchased from Reverchon Industries. The ride was part of Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama, which is itself part of DinoLand U.S.A. It was a roller coaster in the “Mild But Wild Thrills” category. It had cars that spun in circles while traveling on tracks, permitting the ride experience to vary greatly each time it is ridden. 

    Disney has yet to comment on what would replace the ride. 

  • Concept Model of Tokyo DisneySea’s New Land Revealed

    Concept Model of Tokyo DisneySea’s New Land Revealed

    Disney Resort debuted three videos showing parts of the exciting concept model of Fantasy Springs, a new themed port, which will open at Tokyo DisneySea Park in 2023. This will be the eighth themed port in Tokyo DisneySea, and it’s the largest ever since the opening of the park!

    Fantasy Springs will include a Disney luxury/deluxe hotel and three separate areas, each dedicated to a different Walt Disney Animation Studios film: “Frozen,” “Tangled,” and “Peter Pan.” Attractions, restaurants, and immersive spaces will lead guests into the world of each story. 

    Take a look at these videos of each new area:

    The concept model you see in the videos is one-fiftieth of the actual size of the port. During the development process, Walt Disney Imagineering uses concept art, drawings, and models to plan out the arrangement and size of buildings and area development. The model is painted and shot from different angles to provide more concrete views of Fantasy Springs.

    For the past two decades, Tokyo DisneySea has continued to evolve and offer guests even more magical experiences to enjoy. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting new expansion project in Tokyo DisneySea!

  • Florida Demolishing Crossroads Shopping Center to Build a New Road to Disney World

    Florida Demolishing Crossroads Shopping Center to Build a New Road to Disney World

    Florida has acquired the Crossroads Shopping Center in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and plan to bulldoze the area to build a new road to Walt Disney World.

    The state has reached a $198 million agreement to acquire a popular shopping complex at Disney World’s front door, making it the largest eminent domain settlement in Florida’s history, according to the lead attorney representing the property owner.

    The Florida Department of Transportation’s plan is to build a new interchange for the “Interstate 4 Beyond the Ultimate” expansion project at what is now the Crossroads of Lake Buena Vista near the often congested Exit 68, according to The Orlando Sentinel.

    Attorneys for Florida Department of Transportation and Crossroad’s owner U.S. Cities Fund signed the final judgment in late 2020 that outlined payments of about $39 million for the 25 tenants — the largest going to Gooding’s Supermarkets for $15.7 million, according to Orange Circuit court documents.

  • PHOTOS: Disney World’s Star Wars Hotel Construction Still Making Progress

    PHOTOS: Disney World’s Star Wars Hotel Construction Still Making Progress

    The new Star Wars resort coming to Disney World is set to open in 2021. Construction for the massive project is of galactic proportions and these are the updates you are looking for.

    Twitter user Bioreconstruct shared some amazing aerial photos of the new resort that shows that the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Hotel is still progressing throughout the pandemic.

    “Aerial look at the Porte Cochère of Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser (hotel). One of the recent changes is the walkway at [the] arrow,” Bioreconstruct tweeted Sunday, as you can see in the post below:

    You can see in the photo that has a small yellow arrow denoting the referenced walkway. “None of the show [buildings] will be visible to guests. An instant forest and the high walls will be in the sightline,” they noted.

    In another post Bioreconstruct shows “construction activity.” They wrote that lunch break tents are set up at the 201 South S Studio Drive site in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

    “Cabins are in the section at left. Decks of the ship are in the show building at center,” they wrote in another tweet that shows the entire construction site. “Guests will check in and be transported up the ship for 2 days of adventure inside the Star Wars timeline.”

    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.

  • Disney’s Polynesian Resort to Receive ‘Moana’ Inspired Re-Theming

    Disney’s Polynesian Resort to Receive ‘Moana’ Inspired Re-Theming

    The reopening of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has been pushed backed to the summer 2021 and the resort will received a make-over inspired by the recent Disney hit Moana.

    The extended closure is not only due to the coronavirus pandemic as the company will use the time to complete an extensive refurbishment to the resort in order to complete the re-theming.

    A Disney World spokeswoman on Monday said changes to the rooms will include a move to a Pacific Ocean-inspired color palette as well as details, patterns and textures from Disney’s “Moana,” an animated film that takes place partly on the Polynesian island of Motunui. Take a look at the release from Disney below:

    As we continue to reopen additional Disney Resort hotels to Guests, we are modifying the reopening date for As we continue to reopen additional Disney Resort hotels to Guests, we are modifying the reopening date for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort which will reopen next summer. This schedule adjustment also allows us to complete some refurbishment work at the Resort hotel, including enhancements to the Great Ceremonial House and Guest rooms. We expect work to begin in early October and look forward to sharing more about these changes in the future. The Villas and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will remain open during this refurbishment.

    The hotel, along with others on Disney property, has been closed since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. Disney Vacation Club units at the Polynesian, including the on-water bungalows and villas, will remain open.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • Baymax Ride and Other New Experiences Coming to Tokyo Disneyland

    Baymax Ride and Other New Experiences Coming to Tokyo Disneyland

    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 a Beauty and the Beast attraction!

    Disney recently announced exciting new experiences coming to Tokyo Disneyland spring of 2020. And now they are sharing that “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. Brand-new additions in Tomorrowland and Toontown will open on the same day.

    Guests can immerse themselves in the tale as old as time upon entering Belle’s village, which features Maurice’s Cottage, Gaston’s fountain, restaurants and shops. Towering high above the forest is Beauty and the Beast Castle which houses Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, an attraction where guests join a musical adventure in vehicles that dance in rhythm to the music from the animated film. Deeper into the forest sits Fantasyland Forest Theatre, the first full-scale indoor theater at Tokyo Disneyland.

    Over in Tomorrowland on The Happy Ride with Baymax, guests can join their own personal healthcare companion for an exciting ride that swings them round and round. Popcorn enthusiasts will love The Big Pop, an outer space-themed popcorn shop also coming to Tomorrowland.

    And for the first time ever at Tokyo Disney Resort, guests will be able to meet Minnie Mouse in person at Minnie’s Style Studio in Toontown.

  • 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!