This is the weekly news, rumors and refurbishments update for Walt Disney World for the week of August 17, 2014.
Here are the six biggest updates from around the resort for the past seven days…
1. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover has reopened with new paint
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover at the Magic Kingdom has reopened to guests after a short refurbishment. The Astro Orbitor that sits atop the Peoplemover remains closed.
The refurbishment was mainly structural, but Rocket Tower Plaza is receiving some new colors.
The orange and reds are replacing the blue and teal colors. It seems that painting is still ongoing as some of the orange trim is still being painted on the outer rim. It is speculated that the colors will gradually populate more of Tomorrowland in the future. I think the colors looked nice in person and are better than the dark greys before them.
2. Peter Pan’s Flight queue is being refurbished
It looks as if the long awaited queue upgrade to Peter Pan’s Flight has finally begun. With walls lining the queue, a makeshift queue has been setup around Peter Pan’s meet-and-greet. Peter Pan will greet guests at the Adventureland Veranda for the time being.
3. Construction continues at the Magic Kingdom Central Plaza
With the entire project finishing in 2015, the expansion of the Magic Kingdom Central Plaza is in full swing. The concrete supports for the new bridges and Fastpass+ viewing locations are nearly finished.
New railings are being installed around the Central Plaza starting with the Adventureland bridge and Casey’s Corner. The new railings are brass and much nicer than the current green railings that have been used for decades.
When completed, the Central Plaza will double in size with a new outer ring, two new bridges, and a dedicated Fastpass+ viewing location.
4. Construction progresses at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Yes that’s right, I called it Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort because Disney has now decided to change the name on the website and nearly every sign. I’m surprised a media event wasn’t planned for the momentous occasion. Anyway, the bungalows that line the shore of the Polynesian are looking good. Don’t panic, the fireworks can still be seen over the bungalows and it’s a lovely view. I personally think it adds more theming to the resort, even if the water isn’t a turquoise blue.
The Volcano Pool is now closed for its lengthy refurbishment. Much of the area is walled off as construction crews begin the transformation. When completed in early 2015, the new pool will feature a smaller rock formation to showcase the view and an expanded deck area.
The new planter is now complete at the entrance, but work on the pavement continues.
5. Captain Cook’s reopened at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
After over four months, Captain Cook’s has reopened its doors with a fresh new look. The new design is very bright, with clean lines and retro posters.
The tables and chairs are rented until the permanent ones arrive.
Dole whip is no longer served at Captain Cooks. It will be served at the the Pineapple Lanai next door, to the left of the image below.
The only major change to the restaurant is the removal of the touch-screen kiosks guests use to order. Now it is a single Cast Member taking everybody’s order. I don’t know if that was the smartest decision. During my time visiting, a long line started to form and the resort is only running at 60 percent capacity.
6. Walls… walls everywhere at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney is prepping for the closure of Creature Comforts by expanding Outfitters. Creature Comforts will be the home of a new Starbucks location.
The Tree of Life is completely walled off in what seems like an extensive refurbishment of the park’s icon.
Work continues on the rumored path behind Africa that will connect to the path leading to Asia.
Here’s the wall from the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris
Here’s where the path will end and merge with the current path to Asia.
The new bypass should alleviate the extra traffic brought in by the new Harambe Theater. It is not known when the new path will be completed.
