It’s that time of the week where we check in on all the construction projects going on around Disney World!
There have been a lot of BIG projects going on around the parks and resorts as Disney prepares for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebrations that will be kicking off in just FOUR months (is time flying for anyone else?). And, this week, we got an update on a few of the big hitters in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and the resorts. So, let’s take a look!
Magic Kingdom
Jungle Cruise
Earlier this year, Disney announced that they would be refurbishing Jungle Cruise in both Disney World and Disneyland. And, while the ride in Disneyland has remained closed, here at Disney World, we’ve been able to watch the scenes change day by day as we get closer to the new “enhanced” storyline coming to life. And, this week we saw THREE major changes to the ride!
First up is the brand new scene featuring one of the ride’s classic characters, Trader Sam. The animatronic that always wanted to strike a deal for your head was removed from the ride back in April to make way for his new job on the river — the owner of Trader Sam’s gift shop! And, we could see the structure taking shape this week!
The interior of the “shop” still remains closed, but here’s a peek at what the new Lost and Found turned gift shop will look like!
Another scene on the ride that got a major update this week was this one with a group of animatronics portraying natives who are “throwing arrows” at the boats as they pass.
Early in the week, we noticed that all three animatronics had been removed…
…and by the end of the week the entire structure was gone and there was only a small construction wall left among the bushes.
And, that isn’t all! We also got to see a (kind of) BRAND NEW scene added to the ride! The iconic rhino pole scene is back and now the gang of new characters at Jungle Cruise are now running a tree to avoid the taunting rhino.
Disney has shared that the refurbishment will be completed this summer, so we will likely be seeing these new scenes and storylines come together soon!
EPCOT
Future World
We’ve been watching as all of the buildings in Future World at EPCOT have been going down, but this week we noticed that one of the structures had actually been topped off!
Here’s a closer look at more of the work being done in the area.
Disney has shared a few sneak peeks at the new Creations Shop that is set to open this summer in EPCOT, so this could very well be for that! Nonetheless, it has been a barren land here for a few weeks, so it was exciting to see something added here!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Theaters of the Stars
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Theater of the Stars (where Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage used to take place) has been closed for quite some time. And, it looks like Disney is taking the opportunity to give it some TLC! This week, we could see some construction work being done around the theater seating.
So, it might be a little while before we get to reunite with the classic characters and music, even as some entertainment has begun to return to Disney World.
Disney Resorts
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
There has also been a lot of hustle and bustle going on over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort as the hotel receives a major update and new Moana theming. And, this week we spotted some of the finishing touches being put on a GIANT new addition to the main building’s roof!
It does still look like there’s a little more work needed before the structure can go up on display, but we can’t wait to see those colorful panels at the main entrance to the resort! Here’s a peek at what it will look like when complete!
The hotel is set to reopen in late July to all guests and these changes are anticipated to be completed by then.
That’s a wrap on another week of construction updates in Disney World! We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more so check back with us next week for the latest!
Check out ALL the Rides and Hotels That Are CLOSED in June in Disney World
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Are you visiting Disney World soon? Let us know in the comments!













Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.

TRENDING NOW
The new attraction in Hollywood Studios just soft opened!
A virtual queue is coming back to Disney World, and it looks TOTALLY different!
The hours for these new Disney's Hollywood Studios attractions change EARLIER than we expected.
This is why we're booking our Disney World trip for 2027!
Over 40 NEW eats and drinks were just announced for Disney World!
Something changed on the My Disney Experience app.
Disney has FINALLY just released the menus for the 2026 EPCOT International Food and Wine...
From THE hotel pillows to comfy park shoes, a Loungefly organizer, our favorite poncho, and...
We love all of the colors and designs in it's a small world! And, now...
You can save 25% off your next Disney World hotel!
Disney Visa Cardmembers can save BIG on 2027 Disney World trips!
Sorry, not sorry, but we're never going to stop talking about Boma in Disney's Animal...
We're taking you along with us to Toledo at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort!
Disney added ANOTHER hotel construction project this week, but a different project took a pretty...
Get ready for some tricky Disneyland dining obstacles during your next visit.
There are a LOT of ride closures happening in Disneyland right now.
One of Disney's newest outdoor rides is being built to withstand the rain!
We've got happy news for fans of the Festival of the Arts in Disney World!
Nobody plans their Disney World trip around the SHOWER, but here’s why you should!
Nothing says rise and shine like these unhinged "breakfasts" we've had in Disney World!