What's With All the Construction?

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World sometime in the near future there is one thing that you will see a lot of that you might not be expecting. That thing is construction. Whether it’s walls up in the parks, buildings off in the distance, or giant, strange poles around Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there is a lot going on. Some of it has to do with the 50th Anniversary Celebration that will take place at Walt Disney World in 2021, but not everything is that far off. Here are a few of the projects that you might encounter. This isn’t all that is happening, these are just a few of the most obvious ones.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Even though Toy Story Land is open, there are still be two major construction projects in the park. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is scheduled to open late fall 2019. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (also referred to as Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad) has a 2019 opening date as well.

Epcot

There are two major places where construction is going on at Epcot. On the way to Mission: SPACE you’ll see a futuristic wall. That’s where the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster is going to be. You might notice more construction behind France. That will be a ride based on Ratatouille.

Disney Springs

There is always something new coming to Disney Springs. One of the projects that you might encounter is the NBA Experience. There are more additions on the way as well.

Hotels

Star Wars Hotel; photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

There is a lot of hotel construction taking place besides routine refurbishment and upgrades. A 15 story tower is being added to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. That’s supposed to open in 2019. A brand new Disney Vacation Club property is also being built. That will be Disney Riviera Resort. A Star Wars themed hotel that promises total immersion into a galaxy far, far away is on the way as well. No opening date or year has even been hinted at for that.

Disney Skyliner

Those strange, giant poles that you will see near Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and at some resorts are for Disney Skyliner. This is going to be a transportation system that will also feel like an attraction. Guests will travel to and from the two parks in gondolas that have pictures of Mickey or his friends on the outside. There is no word on when Disney Skyliner will be operational, but they are making incredible progress on it.