Main Street U.S.A. hub redevelopment at the Magic Kingdom

[Sped2424]

I thought that was mentioned. (forgot where) Is there a pic that was posted?

I saw it yesterday, didn't take a pic sadly but the foundation is there.

 

[Sage of Time]

I've got photos going back decades and there are significantly fewer trees everywhere in the MK than there used to be (in all stages of growth). Recall trees take up a few hundred square feet each which can be used for merch carts/parade viewing

I'd like to see the photos. Beyond the hub, I really don't know where else tree removal has taken place.

 

[GoofGoof]

I'd like to see the photos. Beyond the hub, I really don't know where else tree removal has taken place.

Do the trees on LM and Mine Train that caught fire count?

 

[Sage of Time]

Do the trees on LM and Mine Train that caught fire count?

Fake flaming trees are except.

 

[Crazydisneyfanluke]

I say we see it open by June.

July*

 

[Sage of Time]

July*

Is that really what they're aiming for? Lord.

 

[ford91exploder]

Is that really what they're aiming for? Lord.

Permit runs until this November, So July would be 'Good Thing' (tm)

 

[note2001]

Permit runs until this November, So July would be 'Good Thing' (tm)

Keeping in mind that June/July/August are known for their afternoon downpours, I'd think they'd want to have all the dirt moving & path development done well before then.

The November expiration date for the permit makes me hope that there may be one show element we haven't seen in their plans that will be completed and revealed by the holidays. Obviously not structural or it would be on the plans.

 

[Sage of Time]

Keeping in mind that June/July/August are known for their afternoon downpours, I'd think they'd want to have all the dirt moving & path development done well before then.

The November expiration date for the permit makes me hope that there may be one show element we haven't seen in their plans that will be completed and revealed by the holidays. Obviously not structural or it would be on the plans.

I would assume lights could be added in later... ....but a fully lit up and glittery hub to accompany the dream lights would be AMAZING. I hope they share this line of thought.

 

[Little Green Men]

I got a few pics of the hub today.

Here's the backstage area:

 

[EdC]

I believe the current location is the only place where bridges / moat work is required. Given the current pace, it'll take another 2-3 months to finish the current construction areas and then will transition to the next section closer to the castle. So the construction may be straddling the entrances to Adventureland and Tomorrowland. I'd imagine the pace for those should be about the time from a week ago till whenever the current section is complete; as the earth movement will be minimal and consist of new short walls, railings, lights and the associated greenery on top.

Looks like we're a little over half way to the 2 month time frame I predicted for the current construction. Wonder how close/far off I'll be?

 

[Sage of Time]

I think it's telling that they saved the trees in the north part of the hub.

 

[KDM31091]

They did at least save a handful of trees. It's not completely barren looking going by that photo. It IS quite a bit more barren than that it to be, but I think Disney is just responding to what they think people want. They think people want more space to view fireworks. However, the entire focus on the Magic Kingdom is NOT just fireworks. You can't demolish half of the trees and scenery in the park all because of fireworks that occur during perhaps one hour of operation time per day. I understand it's important but I think they are tipping too far towards ripping everything out for fireworks.

I miss the greenery that existed before 2005 (the first time the hub was "revamped"). It has just gotten worse and worse. It will eventually be completely treeless, there's no doubt. This is just one step closer to that. It's sad. It's not as pretty to look at without the trees, it looks like a big parking lot. And all this in the name of fireworks. What a shame They should at least put low shrubs or something in place of some of the trees they have ripped out. Those don't affect your viewing space above.

 

[Little Green Men]

The trees in the hub have some lights on them. The twinkly lights are also on the trees in the back.

 

[Sage of Time]

Those tiny little things are basically shrubs. I'm talking real growth stuff. Shade. Texture. Complicate the skyline a bit.

 

[ToTBellHop]

Those tiny little things are basically shrubs. I'm talking real growth stuff. Shade. Texture. Complicate the skyline a bit.

Not if it blocks the fireworks. Silver lining--at least we have the twinkling lights back. Twinkling lights in the hub are quintessential MK to me.

 

[Sage of Time]

Not if it blocks the fireworks. Silver lining--at least we have the twinkling lights back. Twinkling lights in the hub are quintessential MK to me.

Disneyland has none of these 'blocking fireworks' hang ups and they have a far better show and more trees and a smaller castle. I don't get it.

But YES, bring on the twinkling hub trees. Those are so lovely.

 

[COProgressFan]

I'd like to see the photos. Beyond the hub, I really don't know where else tree removal has taken place.

Don't really have time to dig up photos, but just off the top of my head:

1. Fantasyland had several planters removed before the expansion, a major one being in the area between the carousel and the new castle walls. While the expansion is nice and fairly lush, it seems to come at the expense of the rest of Fantasyland.

2. Some trees on Main Street have been removed completely, while others have been removed and replaced with smaller ones. I get that the trees need to be replaced over time, as they can affect the scale of the MS buildings, etc., but they are much smaller now. Trees provide a realism and depth to the MS buildings, and when you can just stare at them full on, it becomes a bit cartoony.

3. Trees in Town Square. The removal of the large trees here confuses me. First removed maybe 6 or 8 years ago (?) they were replaced with small magnolia-type trees (forgive me, I'm no arborist), then a few years back replaced again with different small trees. Considering these trees do not block any views, and were in planters that still currently exist (no gains in walkable areas for guests), I'm not sure what the motivation was here. Other than sadism for guests in sweltering Florida heat. And the benches are nearly all gone too, for good measure.

4. Other trees in Town Square, in front of Tony's/Expo Hall and City Hall. These were likely removed for crowd flow purposes.

5. Outside the park, the planter with small trees removed maybe 10 years ago for additional turnstyles, as well as trees removed outside the monorail station, (some of which fell during hurricanes) and never replaced.

Again, just off the top of my head.

 

[Kman101]

They also seem to have a hatred for water features, although at least they are adding some fountains in the new hub project. They turned off many of them and into planters.

 

[Sage of Time]

Don't really have time to dig up photos, but just off the top of my head:

1. Fantasyland had several planters removed before the expansion, a major one being in the area between the carousel and the new castle walls. While the expansion is nice and fairly lush, it seems to come at the expense of the rest of Fantasyland.

2. Some trees on Main Street have been removed completely, while others have been removed and replaced with smaller ones. I get that the trees need to be replaced over time, as they can affect the scale of the MS buildings, etc., but they are much smaller now. Trees provide a realism and depth to the MS buildings, and when you can just stare at them full on, it becomes a bit cartoony.

3. Trees in Town Square. The removal of the large trees here confuses me. First removed maybe 6 or 8 years ago (?) they were replaced with small magnolia-type trees (forgive me, I'm no arborist), then a few years back replaced again with different small trees. Considering these trees do not block any views, and were in planters that still currently exist (no gains in walkable areas for guests), I'm not sure what the motivation was here. Other than sadism for guests in sweltering Florida heat. And the benches are nearly all gone too, for good measure.

4. Other trees in Town Square, in front of Tony's/Expo Hall and City Hall. These were likely removed for crowd flow purposes.

5. Outside the park, the planter with small trees removed maybe 10 years ago for additional turnstyles, as well as trees removed outside the monorail station, (some of which fell during hurricanes) and never replaced.

Again, just off the top of my head.

I'll give you the Main Street and hub ones, as those drive me nuts, too, but I think the Fantasyland ones were moved around for New Fantasyland and the mess that it created.

I will say that there are some new planters over by Village Haus, so that's nice.

My main point, though, about Liberty Square, Adventureland, and Frontierland, though, still being lush and green, and really inviting, goes unchallenged. I'd love to see some evidence that trees were killed off over there.

And honestly, if they were, it doesn't show!