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

[Goofnut1980]

Has anyone wondered why they are doing these phases so weird?

First it was the back half, then the hub center, then the north hub sides, now some of the castle... Is there an issue with finding a crew of 50 to do this all in a few weeks, over a few decades?

 

[ParksAndPixels]

Has anyone wondered why they are doing these phases so weird?

First it was the back half, then the hub center, then the north hub sides, now some of the castle... Is there an issue with finding a crew of 50 to do this all in a few weeks, over a few decades?

Problem is the hub has to stay open and passable. They worked on the most congested traffic areas first to get them open before height of summer crowds. Yes it takes longer but having walls everywhere in the hub and sending all foot traffic down a very narrow corridor was not a realistic option.

 

[Bolt]

Has anyone wondered why they are doing these phases so weird?

First it was the back half, then the hub center, then the north hub sides, now some of the castle... Is there an issue with finding a crew of 50 to do this all in a few weeks, over a few decades?

One element is the park closes at midnight almost every night this summer with the park clearing at 2am. Trucks can only work from 2am-730am getting on and off Main Street.

 

[peter11435]

Has anyone wondered why they are doing these phases so weird?

First it was the back half, then the hub center, then the north hub sides, now some of the castle... Is there an issue with finding a crew of 50 to do this all in a few weeks, over a few decades?

During the night there are more than 50 working on this project. It has to be done in phases because it is in the center of the busiest theme park in the world.

 

[Brian]

More pictures from last night and today:

The crews start working as soon the park even closed. (Midnight close, photo around 12:05am). Photo didn't come out well, but there appears to be very large breaker boxes in that structure.

Note how there's no speakers in this lamp pole.

To settle the "which turret is taller?" debate, the inner ones are taller.

That's all for now. I have to say I'm incredibly impressed with how this project is turning out. Seeing it in person makes a world of a difference. The above picture is one of my favorite new views.

 

[Brian]

Also, can anyone figure out why the lights in the upper windows of the castle no longer go on at night?

 

[JoeCamel]

Also, can anyone figure out why the lights in the upper windows of the castle no longer go on at night?

Depends on if anyone is home. The occupants like to attend parties late.

 

[rnese]

It'd be really nice if they would get rid of those arches from the stage. Anyone know if there is a chance of that happening?

Yes, but they will be replaced by...(Dun, Dun, Dun) THE...BIG...BLUE...H___!

 

[ParksAndPixels]

Yes, but they will be replaced by...(Dun, Dun, Dun) THE...BIG...BLUE...H___!

 

[matt9112]

View attachment 102756

 

[jt04]

They are re-building the ramps that lead up to the castle.

I am wishful thinking that they are opening up an entrance to the caverns or haunted catacombs under the castle for guests to explore.

As long as they are careful and no dragons escape. I am sure OSHA has proceedures that they have to adhere to to prevent that.

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

^^ I sure wish they'd so that. It is an terrific feature at DLP.

 

[erclvrb18]

the space under the castle is occupied by cast.

 

[erclvrb18]

but i do completely get you

 

[note2001]

the space under the castle is occupied by cast.

Complete appropriate for the cast to occupy the space under the castle they power the park with magic

 

[bakntime]

When they announced this was going to happen, I was somewhat concerned about the damage that might be done to the hub's landscaping. It's always been one of my favorite things about the Magic Kingdom, but I knew that it was pretty much a necessary change.

Every new element that is revealed is making me feel so much better about it. While they did have to remove some of the greenery, it looks like they're going to maintain a lot of what made it great (plenty of trees, foliage, and flowerbeds), along with adding some beautiful new elements like the fountains. The bridges look great (you still have the waterway), and the new, lighter tan color of the sidewalk is so much better compared to the iconic MK red, which I used to love but now I prefer the new color.

For a project that could have otherwise deterred from the hub's atmosphere by making it a big paved/concrete sidewalk, they've done an amazing job of making sure that didn't happen.

 

[matt9112]

Complete appropriate for the cast to occupy the space under the castle they power the park with magic

somebody has to spin the wheel to save the island.

 

[WDWLover#1]

When they announced this was going to happen, I was somewhat concerned about the damage that might be done to the hub's landscaping. It's always been one of my favorite things about the Magic Kingdom, but I knew that it was pretty much a necessary change.

Every new element that is revealed is making me feel so much better about it. While they did have to remove some of the greenery, it looks like they're going to maintain a lot of what made it great (plenty of trees, foliage, and flowerbeds), along with adding some beautiful new elements like the fountains. The bridges look great (you still have the waterway), and the new, lighter tan color of the sidewalk is so much better compared to the iconic MK red, which I used to love but now I prefer the new color.

For a project that could have otherwise deterred from the hub's atmosphere by making it a big paved/concrete sidewalk, they've done an amazing job of making sure that didn't happen.

I find it funny that people were concerned about the butchering of the landscape, considering that the landscape was already ruined when the trees left. The hub expansion had added flowers and trees and fountains. Definitely an improvement.

 

[ToTBellHop]

Complete appropriate for the cast to occupy the space under the castle they power the park with magic

I thought it was sweat, tears, and broken promises and spirits.

 

[Sage of Time]

Also, can anyone figure out why the lights in the upper windows of the castle no longer go on at night?

There's a light broken and no one has noticed, yet.

Yes. Seriously. I've seen this happen a few times. It's annoying.