MK construction - looked bad

[WVParkfan]

We just returned from our 9th trip to Disney World, and had a wonderful time. Every park was fantastic, as was our resort.

One thing that I noticed was the amazing amount of construction going on at the Magic Kingdom. It didn't bother us, since we've been there so many times. But, it got me to thinking how disappointed I would have been if this had been our first (or only) visit to the MK.

Looking at Main Street, the tarps covering the buildings really don't allow you to see how beautiful the place is. I feel sorry for anyone who is going to the MK for their first time right now to get their picture taken on Main Street.

And don't get me started on Fantasyland. Very UN-magical with those walls up... especially around the Pooh ride. We avoided Fantasyland after awhile because it was depressing.

I hope they get everything done soon, and again I feel sorry for anyone who's first experience at the MK was during this construction. They certainly didn't get to experience the true magic and elegance that is the Magic Kingdom.

 

[labattblue]

I can understand the large number of tarps/walls in Fantasyland with the planned expansion which will be going on for 2-3 years, but does anyone know how long the Main St. tarps will be up? It seems like I have been reading about them for awhile now.

Thanks.

 

[Stitchnut]

That would be hard to see MK under construction/renovation, especially since it's my favorite park. But to look at it from another perspective, it's to make it even more magical in the future. Too bad they can't wave their pixie dust and finish everything at night...

 

[Robo]

Unless refurbishments close an attraction, their construction dates are not publicly announced.

So, for re-paints, fix-ups, and things like castle light and Osborne light installations and so forth, for the most part, they just appear and disappear, unannounced, at the convenience and speed of the work assignments.

 

[MHSweb79]

My DD's first view of the castle was when it was covered like a pink cupcake. She took it in stride- after all, she didn't know what she was missing.

Besides, we scarred her for life shortly after seeing the castle. It was called "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride." She got off and said, "I'm not riding anything that's DARK or THINGS JUMP OUT AT YOU." To this day, and she's in college now, she refuses to ride anything DARK or where THINGS JUMP OUT AT YOU.

 

[wendy1974]

My last trip was September/October 2009 and the tarps were up on main Street and in Liberty Square. I can't believe it's been almost a year and they're still up. I thought they supposedly worked/painted all night long after the park closed. You would think something like the facade of a building could be completed in a few weeks???

 

[indimom3]

My last trip was September/October 2009 and the tarps were up on main Street and in Liberty Square. I can't believe it's been almost a year and they're still up. I thought they supposedly worked/painted all night long after the park closed. You would think something like the facade of a building could be completed in a few weeks???

I would guess they are different buildings under construction now, or they are doing different/new improvements. When we were there in July, there were only a few buildings on Main Street affected. And I don't remember (but maybe didn't look closely enough) anything being covered in LS.
I agree with the OP, though, that Fantasyland area around Pooh was the worst. It's very un-Disneylike back there. And it's pretty jarring to ride Dumbo and get a look at the bulldozers over the fence! Interesting for those of us who have been there a lot, but probably less magical for any first timers.

 

[d1gitman]

My last trip was September/October 2009 and the tarps were up on main Street and in Liberty Square. I can't believe it's been almost a year and they're still up. I thought they supposedly worked/painted all night long after the park closed. You would think something like the facade of a building could be completed in a few weeks???

my guess, only a guess, is that more than painting is going on. probably a restoration, possibly where they strip it down to bare wood, fill and sand, prep and paint. Also, any carpentry repairs as needed.

my other guess, again - only a guess, is that maybe they are doing some additional enhancements...maybe something like an led lighting system, etc...that would add some pizzazz when in use but not detract from the daytime look.

 

[rgf207]

I can understand the large number of tarps/walls in Fantasyland with the planned expansion which will be going on for 2-3 years, but does anyone know how long the Main St. tarps will be up? It seems like I have been reading about them for awhile now.

Thanks.

The tarps have been up the whole year so far. When they finish one building they move on to the next. It has been going on for quite some time and I don't see an end in sight. If I were to guess, I would say the end would be sometime around the new fantasy land completion.

 

[labattblue]

The tarps have been up the whole year so far. When they finish one building they move on to the next. It has been going on for quite some time and I don't see an end in sight. If I were to guess, I would say the end would be sometime around the new fantasy land completion.

Thx.

 

[mom2rtk]

I was kind of thinking they might try to have them down for the Christmas parade taping. Was that naive of me?

It seems like there were a bunch of tarps up last September when we were there too!

 

[Micky's biggest fan!]

So are all the buildings covered? Or are they doing one/two at a time? Main Street is my FAVORITE place in all of WDW. I have not been since 2007 & we will be there in 49 days!! I really hope not all of Main Street is TARPED

 

[whitney37354]

I was prepared for Main St. buildings to be covered in June, and it really didn't look too bad. Since DD & DH had never been before, they didn't notice anything different. The walls were up behind Dumbo, but I don't recall seeing the bulldozers. I think they had just started construction then.

 

[asudol]

Ok, everyone's making me nervous now... taking the kids for their first trip to WDW and my first visit in years.

Does anyone have pics to share that show just how bad it is (or better, current pics that show this is an overreaction and it's not that bad...)

 

[rgf207]

Ok, everyone's making me nervous now... taking the kids for their first trip to WDW and my first visit in years.

Does anyone have pics to share that show just how bad it is (or better, current pics that show this is an overreaction and it's not that bad...)

I don't have any pictures but there will be a few buildings on Main St. with a facade as well as others throughout the park. You will notice a lot of constuction and walls in the Fantasy Land area.

 

[troynkasey]

The construction walls are very noticeable, but the tarps on the buildings aren't that bad. They're designed to look like the buildings when they're uncovered. It makes it not as bad. I agree the walls are not desireable, but it's better than seeing big piles of dirt or things trashed. Don't worry. It's not something that will ruin your vacation. Especially if it's your first time or first time in a long time. It'll be sensory overload and you'll get over it real quick...

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

The tarps have been up the whole year so far. When they finish one building they move on to the next. It has been going on for quite some time and I don't see an end in sight. If I were to guess, I would say the end would be sometime around the new fantasy land completion.

We did notice tarps on Main street shops in both Feb and May but it was different shops/parts of the street being worked on. For example in Feb Casey's was not being worked on in May it was. In Feb the sidwalk area near the jewelers was being worked on, that was gone during May. They don't seem to be going in any order, just worked on parts of Main Street all year.

 

[bas71873]

This thread is kinda making me glad we are only going to MK for the MNSSHP so for most of the time, it will be dark. The rest of our trip will be spent at other parks. I think I'll just close my eyes and let DD and DH escort me down Main Street so I don't see any of the refurbing . BUT, I'm already excited for our birthday(s) blow out trip in the summer of 2013 when MK will have new things to do and see

 

[pigletto]

In all fairness.. If they weren't working on an expansion, or refurbishing Main Street then we would eventually see the "Disney needs to update" "Main Street is looking so rundown" threads.

 

[Coach81]

My DD's first view of the castle was when it was covered like a pink cupcake. She took it in stride- after all, she didn't know what she was missing.

Besides, we scarred her for life shortly after seeing the castle. It was called "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride." She got off and said, "I'm not riding anything that's DARK or THINGS JUMP OUT AT YOU." To this day, and she's in college now, she refuses to ride anything DARK or where THINGS JUMP OUT AT YOU.