Construction Updates, Contemporary & Epcot

[daguru]

There is some heavy construction going on throughout WDW right now, here are some updates on some of that construction, from this past weekend:

Click images for larger versions



First up, updates on the construction of the new DVC tower at the Contemporary resort... demo is complete, looks like foundation construction has begun...












OVer in Norway, The Maelstrom has gone down...



Just a quick detour, never noticed the live music at Norway before...

 

[daguru]

Over at Japan, the main restaurant (Teppanyaki) and lounge (Matsu-no-ma Lounge) have closed and will never return... recent news articles discuss a new restaurant, that will focus on the fact that it is situation near the lake and no more lounge area, just one big restaurant.... Apparent, the work also requires some construction to be done from below, so large portions of the toy store section of Mitsukoshi are blocked off...

Because Teppanyaki and the Lounge are closed, they have opened a few of the F&W kiosks were brought out... one with food and the other with deserts and alcoholic drinks...

 

[bayoutinkbelle]

Thanks for the update!

 

[JWG]

Nice pics, appreciate the update.

On the CR - I've never seen foundation work go so slow. That 6 story auger doesn't look like its moved in a month.

In general, has anyone seen this much construction on completed parks in the past 35 years of WDW? World Showcase overhauls, resort construction (with rumors of POP getting completed), Haunted Mansion, SSE, etc. It seems like more construction than not.

That's great for future visits and great they're putting resources back into the park. I guess it makes sense in World Showcase with the 25 year agreements running out, but still...

 

[daguru]

Yeah, I think most of it is because of the 25 year leases.... since it seems that most of the restaurants coming under new ownership, they want a change of scenery...

 

[benji]

Good photos thanks for the update! Can't wait to find out whats going on behind the Maelstrom walls.:wave:

 

[rbrower]

Thanks for the update!

 

[lcsrig]

Thanks for the update and pictures. Kind of disappointed that the restaurants in Japan are closing. I liked them!

 

[brkgnews]

Thanks for the update

 

[NWDMD]

Noooooooooo!!!! Teppanyaki is closing for good!??!?!

 

[daguru]

Yup, I remember reading any article from a local news site (local 6 or Orlando sentinel) that discussed a lot of the restaurant updates/changes... including the one in Japan...

Apparently they are going to combine the space of the restaurant and the lounge into one larger space... then it will be redone to take advantage of the lake views and reopen as a new restaurant... there were more details, but I can't find the article... sorry, maybe someone else can find it and link to it...