Why is construction still happening at Universal, but not Disney?

[peter11435]

The thing is, even if the parks do not open up right away. The ease of restrictions should allow construction to start back up without guests present. Hoping anyways. The only way to finish that half painted castle is to maybe cover it with blowups and make it a cake??

Restrictions are not what stopped construction. Construction could have been ongoing if they desired.

 

[Jrb1979]

The thing is, even if the parks do not open up right away. The ease of restrictions should allow construction to start back up without guests present. Hoping anyways. The only way to finish that half painted castle is to maybe cover it with blowups and make it a cake??

There never has been restrictions on construction. Disney just stopped most due to money.

 

[bartholomr4]

There never has been restrictions on construction. Disney just stopped most due to money.

According to the Journal of Light Construction, the only construction in Florida deemed as critical is housing (because of the shortage of affordable housing) and road and infrastructure construction. Construction at Disney on the DCP housing and the removal of the bridge at Hollywood Studios fell under this exception.

Disney probably could have continued on other "in process" projects, but it is hyper sensitive to following these government decrees, and it probably doesn't look good if you are laying-off all of the cast members, you continue to pay construction workers. Stopping the work does conserve cash, but Disney doesn't account for new construction (capital expense) the same way it accounts for maintenance (current expenses), so you may see the capital projects start-up before maintenance (painting the castle).

 

[Jrb1979]

According to the Journal of Light Construction, the only construction in Florida deemed as critical is housing (because of the shortage of affordable housing) and road and infrastructure construction. Construction at Disney on the DCP housing and the removal of the bridge at Hollywood Studios fell under this exception.

Disney probably could have continued on other "in process" projects, but it is hyper sensitive to following these government decrees, and it probably doesn't look good if you are laying-off all of the cast members, you continue to pay construction workers. Stopping the work does conserve cash, but Disney doesn't account for new construction (capital expense) the same way it accounts for maintenance (current expenses), so you may see the capital projects start-up before maintenance (painting the castle).

Universal is still doing construction on the Jurassic Park coaster. Up until the other day Epic Universe construction was still going.

 

[danlb_2000]

Here are the pending attractions that are certainly delayed. Did I miss something?

Universal
Secret Life of Pets ride
Bourne Stuntacular
Jurassic rollercoaster

Disney
Ratatouille/France expansion.
Harmonious.
Tron
Cosmic Rewind rollercoaster
Marvel land/Spiderman ride.
Epcot

I would assume Bourne is pretty done since they had started CM previews.

 

[JoeCamel]

I would assume Bourne is pretty done since they had started CM previews.

I think they will have to do a bunch of rehearsal again before they can soft it. Expect more TM previews then soft then grand. It will be an expensive show and they may not be able to operate at full capacity in the near future so that makes it more expensive to run. Might not open with the rest, save it for later summer as a draw.

 

[Bob Harlem]

Universal is still doing construction on the Jurassic Park coaster. Up until the other day Epic Universe construction was still going.

Epic Universe construction is still going on too, general site work (Especially on the Sand like back of house) and starting up the Kirkman road extension are next up. The delay is just shifting general timelines, particularly because of the county work.

 

[JoeCamel]

Epic Universe construction is still going on too, general site work (Especially on the Sand like back of house) and starting up the Kirkman road extension are next up. The delay is just shifting general timelines, particularly because of the county work.

That is what I heard as well. They were going to have the park done before the road infrastructure to feed the park would be so this worked to their advantage.

 

[the.dreamfinder]

New Velocicoaster aerials from Bioreconstruct.

 

[Bob Harlem]

Construction updates from both resorts:

Universal today:

Jurassic, and taking advantage of cleared park in multiple other areas for improvements:


The new park, Epic Universe, still has work going on, work is continuing but at a slower pace.


Work going on at Volcano Bay (racers)


Refurb Work is also going on in the Studios side.

Disney today:
Nothing

Work has stopped at Tron






Castle partially complete, no work since they stopped.

 

[Bob Harlem]

Disney finally explains why:

Disney to heavily reduce Capital Expenditures in the parks throughout 2020 during COVID-19 crisis

Refurbishments and new construction will be paused to save nearly $1 billion during 2020.

www.wdwmagic.com

 

[Disney Analyst]

Disney finally explains why:

Disney to heavily reduce Capital Expenditures in the parks throughout 2020 during COVID-19 crisis

Refurbishments and new construction will be paused to save nearly $1 billion during 2020.

www.wdwmagic.com

I mean, based on the numbers... it was smart financial sense, especially with the strategy they seem to be pushing to whether this storm financially.

 

[bartholomr4]

I mean, based on the numbers... it was smart financial sense, especially with the strategy they seem to be pushing to whether this storm financially.

I think this is on a CAPEX budget of $4.8 Billion. A 20% hair cut.

 

[celluloid]

I just want to point out that Cedar Fair, Universal and even Six Flags have stuck to paying many of their employees that other big parks furloughed. I know different strategies for different business situations, but it also speaks to things.

 

[plutofan15]

Disney finally explains why:

Disney to heavily reduce Capital Expenditures in the parks throughout 2020 during COVID-19 crisis

Refurbishments and new construction will be paused to save nearly $1 billion during 2020.

www.wdwmagic.com

This is not new info. As I mentioned weeks ago, Disney is, and will continue to, pay for those things that are necessary to keep the company functioning. New construction is not a necessary expense at this time.

 

[Rteetz]

Epic Universe theme park construction in Orlando won’t resume until the economy bounces back, Comcast official says

Construction of the new Epic Universe theme park in Orlando won’t resume until the nation’s economy begins to revive, a key leader of Universal Orlando’s parent company said Wedne…

www.orlandosentinel.com

 

[Seanual757]

FYI Reedy Creek inspectors have been called back to work full time as of 5/18 this could be a sign construction could be ready to start again and it could or could not mean they will be using the inspectors to start inspecting rides to get them going again.

 

[peter11435]

FYI Reedy Creek inspectors have been called back to work full time as of 5/18 this could be a sign construction could be ready to start again and it could or could not mean they will be using the inspectors to start inspecting rides to get them going again.

I’m fairly certain reedy creek does not inspect the rides themselves. Just the buildings/life safety systems such as alarms and fire suppression.

 

[Seanual757]

I’m fairly certain reedy creek does not inspect the rides themselves. Just the buildings/life safety systems such as alarms and fire suppression.

They can if called upon and I was told that because the rides have not been running good change they will be asked to assist.

 

[lazyboy97o]

They can if called upon and I was told that because the rides have not been running good change they will be asked to assist.

How would someone who inspects rebar placement or fire alarm systems be in any way qualified to inspect a ride system? In Florida, the large theme park operators handle their own inspections and safety procedures while smaller parks are overseen by the Department of Agriculture. Disney is also not the only company who owns construction projects within the District.