Hub Construction?

[WDWOswald]

Just wondering if anyone knows if the hub construction at magic kingdom is completely finished? It looks to be that way from some photos I've seen.

 

[loutoo]

This is being done in sections. Several areas are completely done,but others are yet to be started

 

[mesaboy2]

Most estimates having the Hub itself finishing late this year. You are not seeing photos of the entire project.

 

[bwmetts]

As of Wednesday, the construction has started on the sections closest to the castle. The walls did not seem to be as obstructive at this time as they were for the earlier hub construction. (which now completed
really opens the hub end of Main Street!!)

 

[Dan Murphy]

Some recent photos, though not the most recent, as the Partner's statue has recently been unboxed.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/trav...-hub-magic-kingdom-pictures-photogallery.html

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

Any idea when that crane will be gone?

 

[MermaidMommy]

Any idea when that crane will be gone?

The crane is gone. Tuesday was its last day.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Some additional, from about 2:30 to 3:50.

http://attractionsmagazine.com/phot...changes-new-garden-plaza-details-mar-10-2015/

 

[WDWOswald]

Thanks everyone! I don't mind if there is some minor work going on but seeing walt unboxed and all the walls down on the east and west side of the hub is a major improvement.

 

[nooneshome]

Any pics of the hat removal? Are the walls down?

 

[Robo]

Any pics of the hat removal? Are the walls down?

The hat's been gone for a couple of weeks.

 

[parkluvr]

We were at the studios this past Monday and hat was down, but the walls were still up.

 

[MermaidMommy]

We were at the studios this past Monday and hat was down, but the walls were still up.

We were there on Wednesday, and it was the same. The hat is completely gone, but the walls are still up.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hat gone, walls up.

March 14th, 3rd photo down...

http://wdwnt.com/blog/2015/03/editorial-why-removing-the-sorcerers-hat-from-hollywood-studios-is-a-good-thing/

 

[Dan Murphy]

Another current Hub update, 3/14/15...

http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorize...l-switch-mermaid-reopens-magic-kingdom-31415/

 

[Dan Murphy]

Any pics of the hat removal? Are the walls down?

March 18th from Josh....

 

[DisneyGuy758]

I'm a bit removed from some of this. What are they doing with the hub construction? Just changing the look?

 

[Robo]

I'm a bit removed from some of this. What are they doing with the hub construction? Just changing the look?

Major rebuild to add additional sidewalks to route guests going to other areas away from those
who are standing awaiting and watching the parades, castle shows, and fireworks.
(Some of which are still under construction.)
Added space for those who do want to wait and watch those shows,
including adding two new major enclosed spaces for fireworks FP+ viewing.
(Which are completed and in use.)

Below is a "work-in-progress" of my overview of the new Hub.
Some of the "outer" sidewalks shown have not been built yet.
Some of the unfinished areas have since been finished.
Again, a work-in-progress, all the way around.
The original photo is by Scott Keating, posted on WDWMagic.

And, below is a (very rough and lacking detail) artist rendering and animation comparing the before and after plans.

Artist rendering by wdwmagic

 

[DisneyGuy758]

Wow. Thank you @Robo. That is quite the change. I do like the proposed new look, it will help with guest flow.

 

[DisneyBabies]

I know it's not a very popular opinion, but I like the expansion of the hub.

I know the trees have been taken away, but did I hear something about water features and of course some small flowers and plants? Maybe some new statues included in some areas?

With the old hub, most of that area was fenced off and there was a very limited amount of space to sit and watch the parades and fireworks. Not to mention how hard it was to walk around all of those people to find a place to sit yourself.

From what I understand, this expansion is opening up all of those formerly closed off areas and even creating more areas that will be of use.

We used to watch WISHES! from the boat dock by the rose garden and we really loved that spot. And we were able to sit in the FP+ area on our last trip which was really a nice spot, though the trees blocked a bit of the view.

But I am really looking forward to using the new FP+ areas when we go in September to see how it measures up against our previous spots.

And thanks @Robo ! Love the maps. They really simplify things for me.