Construction has been going on at the Hub in the Magic Kingdom for quite a while now, after Disney World announced its plans for enhancements in February 2014.
(Not sure what the Hub is? It is the center circle in front of Cinderella Castle, where Walt and Mickey stand. Walkways to other parts of the Park leave this central location like spokes on a wagon wheel.)
This is the current design of the Hub:
Image Credit: Attractions Magazine
The new design will include more room for watching fireworks, additional walkways, new gardens, and increased seating for the restaurants at the end of Main Street USA (Casey’s Corner and The Plaza). It also means a smaller moat for the castle and no more rose garden.
Computer Rendering of the New Design
Image Credit: Attractions Magazine
While I was at Disney World last month, I got some pictures of the construction process. Disney does a great job of hiding the mess of construction, but from the dining area at Tomorrowland Terrace, I was able to see behind the green walls and into the work zone.
This little glimpse is from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.
As I mentioned before, Disney does a good job of hiding the construction work. These areas are covered by latticed, green walls, which are decorated with cute signs, lots of inspirational quotes from Walt Disney himself, and even a few photo opportunities.
Construction near The Crystal Palace
A glimpse at the Castle from The Crystal Palace
One of the many quotes from Walt
Construction very near to The Plaza seating, which, unfortunately, hid the view of the Castle from these seats
Pumbaa andTimon line this wall between The Hub and Adventureland
Don’t laugh at my cheesy picture by this cute Photo Op location along the construction wall
“They are REALLY ruining MY park!!! The hub was the crown jewels of Walt Disney World’s architecture and landscaping and they are gutting it for profit… just for money!!! It’s as if they’ve resurrected me and thrust a dagger in my heart!!! And those ridiculous towers are completely ruining the forced perspective of MY castle!!! Oh how they are ruining my lifetime of labor!!! Why don’t they just take down my statue and change the name of the place now to something like “Bob Iger World. Oh how I would fire the entire company management right this very minute and unceremoniously kick their tails out the door, if only I still could.”
Calm down, Walt. It’s not worth getting all worked up over when you’re trying to rest in peace. 🙂 You’re all about progress and your parks being like living, changing things, remember?