MK construction ruining the atmosphere?

[The V Gang]

Our trip is exactly 7 was weeks away but instead of the usual pre trip excitement I'm feeling nervous. FP+, higher crowds, refurbs, castle crane and now the draining of the castle moats and bigtime construction on a new hub at MK (our favorite park) are making me panic.

For any recent or current visitors to MK - is all of the construction, cranes, scrims, walls and empty concrete rivers killing the magical atmosphere in the most magical place on earth?

 

[The V Gang]

Anyone?

 

[ancestry]

I've been there during construction times over the past 18 months and while not ideal - it is what it is. Improvements have to be done. We still had a blast.

 

[JanaDee]

I haven't been there while major work was going on in such a central location as the Hub. It will be a mess, no doubt.

 

[ArwenMarie]

That Hub work sounds like it will be ugly for a long time so you're not alone.

Maybe focus on the beauty of the other parks for this trip? AK, to me, is the most gorgeous park. I could just wander around in there all day, love it. Same for World Showcase.

 

[KilroyWasHere]

Our trip is exactly 7 was weeks away but instead of the usual pre trip excitement I'm feeling nervous. FP+, higher crowds, refurbs, castle crane and now the draining of the castle moats and bigtime construction on a new hub at MK (our favorite park) are making me panic.

For any recent or current visitors to MK - is all of the construction, cranes, scrims, walls and empty concrete rivers killing the magical atmosphere in the most magical place on earth?

We are headed down in early May and I wondered the same thing. After some thought, I realized I don't hang out in the Hub so I am not worried. I also don't thing the heavy work will be going on at this time. Everything will be fine.....unless you like to spend a lot of time in that area looking around.

 

[Reizo]

Just left there yesterday actually. Now I will say that as you're heading to the MK and seeing all the construction along the Polynesian, the bus extension, seeing the crane that's still there behind the castle.. and walking towards the hub seeing the green walls and a few times did my DW made notice of the water that was drained... We still had a great time!

I think we noticed the changes more because we were looking for them but it didn't necessarily "ruin" the magic. But it is noticeable. But to each their own as everyone's opinion is different as I imagine once real construction begins it probably will begin to look a little bit rougher.

However, yesterday turned out to be a great time in the MK for us, with low lines and everyone seemed to be in good spirits.

 

[shyjade]

I actually thought it was kind of cool to see major work going on (late at night during EMH) on the mine train ride. We even took pictures because you don't normally see things like jackhammers blasting away while walking through Fantasyland!

Yes, all of those things can take away part of the magic...I was there last October during the MB/FP+ tasting phase, and I've been while the castle was being worked on with a big 'ole crane next to it for all the pictures. But it is what it is...Disney is still tons of fun and to be honest, there have been so many little changes that take away from the magic these days (IMO) that I've just accepted this is a newer, more generic, less perfect Disney World.

 

[3Gsandme]

Well, obviously I didn't love the crane and when I noticed the drained moat I was kind of "ewww" (but then "awww" because a Mama duck was swimming in the remaining water with her babies and I like baby animals lol). I guess it's inevitable. Work has to happen. I like new and improved. Unlike seasonal parks like my local Cedar Point, there is no down season for work to happen in a manner to not disrupt guests.

 

[POOHsie]

OK, I get the anxiety thoughts. I remember when the town tore up our street for weeks while they ran new sewer lines. Everyone was upset. But the old sewer lines were inadequate, and with new homes popping up, it was an improvement that needed to be done. How does Disney improve their parks, when their parks are open 365 days/yr?

Some people are worried about FP+. I have concerns. To me, it's strange and new, and I guess I'm having a normal human reaction to that. We'll see when we get there. Fantasyland work has been going on for 2 years, and most visitors in the Fantasyland area seemed to be upbeat and curious about progress on the other side of the temporary wall, because they knew it represented enhancement of park facilities. Unfortunate for OP that his family will probably miss the opening of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train by a few weeks.

Now there's Hub construction. It may be difficult or confusing to get around with construction walls going up, but I've seen a plan what they're trying to do, adding wider pathways and more people space--less water space. Anyone whose ever watched Wishes can vouch for how over-crowded the Hub is at that time. Adding more space for people should be an improvement everyone will like.

OP, if you feel this time is not right for your visit, because of the construction and the unknowns about FP+, I would seriously consider postponing your trip, perhaps moving it to next Spring.

 

[The V Gang]

I think you may be right poohsie. This trip is costing $9500 without meals and souvenirs. Like most famalies, vacation time is a rare commodity for us. While we enjoy the beauty of all the parks MK is a favorite with our kids and therefore the park we would visit most often. We went last year around the same time and although the mine train walls and scrims by liberty square weren't pretty they were easily avoidable as the rest of the park was gorgeous. The hub is the heart of MK. While we don't spend a ton of time there it is the first thing u see walking up main street and unfortunately extends out.

Spending so much money and time vacationing in a construction zone is not something I can justify (for our family). I understand that things need to get done but something this big does effect many guests much more than a closed ride here or there.

Our airline tickets r booked already. Is it too late to move our plans to universal?

 

[Jess30]

How long is the hub construction expected to take?

 

[ZoZo]

I just got back from a one-week WDW trip. Except for being aware of the crane on the castle, I barely noticed the construction. It wasn't hindering the guest experience at all, in my opinion. Sure, people won't get that perfect photo of the castle without the crane, but to me, that's not anything to be upset about.

And it was actually very cool to see the track for the Seven Dwarves Mine Train. It's pretty close to completion!

 

[POOHsie]

...
Our airline tickets r booked already. Is it too late to move our plans to universal?

I can't answer your question. If you're considering switching your hotel to one in the Universal area, that might be dicey at this point. Some research will have to be done by your family. If you want to stay with your Disney plans, but swap out your MK visits for Universal visits, many people visit the competing parks in one trip. I don't have info on getting to Universal, but asking that question on our Transportation Board will get you the info you need.

 

[disneyfantotheend]

I think you may be right poohsie. This trip is costing $9500 without meals and souvenirs. Like most famalies, vacation time is a rare commodity for us. While we enjoy the beauty of all the parks MK is a favorite with our kids and therefore the park we would visit most often. We went last year around the same time and although the mine train walls and scrims by liberty square weren't pretty they were easily avoidable as the rest of the park was gorgeous. The hub is the heart of MK. While we don't spend a ton of time there it is the first thing u see walking up main street and unfortunately extends out.

Spending so much money and time vacationing in a construction zone is not something I can justify (for our family). I understand that things need to get done but something this big does effect many guests much more than a closed ride here or there.

Our airline tickets r booked already. Is it too late to move our plans to universal?

Don't quote me, but I think there cancellation to get everything back without penalty is 45 days prior.

 

[Chimaera]

The crane is supposed to be gone around the end of March, right? I think I remember reading that. Doesn't help with the drained mote or hub construction but it's something....

 

[FireDancer]

Not at all. I've been to every park during construction and just ignore it and have a good time. You can't fix things or build new things without construction. It wouldn't even enter my mind to not go because of construction or, baby Jesus help me, a crane that might be in a picture.

I also don't care when the do things to the castle to make it look different which often gets people to throw a hissy fit. It is nice to see it looking different then normal from time to time.

 

[JanaDee]

How long is the hub construction expected to take?

The finish date is "sometime in 2015".

 

[JanaDee]

I just got back from a one-week WDW trip. Except for being aware of the crane on the castle, I barely noticed the construction. It wasn't hindering the guest experience at all, in my opinion. Sure, people won't get that perfect photo of the castle without the crane, but to me, that's not anything to be upset about. And it was actually very cool to see the track for the Seven Dwarves Mine Train. It's pretty close to completion!

It isn't now, but once they start ripping up green space and pouring concrete, it sure will impact guests.

 

[surferdave]

Since the crane is up every year they should at least theme it. Maybe it would make a good dragon.