Photos of The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Construction

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

For those who have been watching the newest addition to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort as construction continues to push forward, we have some new detail and photos. The new tower is scheduled to open summer 2021 as a 349-room hotel to complement the iconic Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin’s two original hotels. The new tower will be called “The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve”. Check out the latest aerial photos of the construction!

@bioreconstruct took to Twitter to share the following photo along with the note: “Aerial look at the West side of Swan Reserve. Note the pool construction in the raised plaza.”

@bioreconstruct shared another photo on Twitter share the following photo along with the note: “Tall photos of texture and paint on much of Swan Reserve’s West exterior.”

@bioreconstruct shared a third photo along with the note: “Aerial look at the Marriott hotels in EPCOT Resorts. Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan, and Swan Reserve under construction. “

New Aerial Photos of Tron Coaster Construction at Magic Kingdom

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World’s new Tron coaster, Tron Lightcylce Power Run, has been a fun one to follow along with as construction moves forward. Thanks to aerial photos taken by @bioreconstruct shared on Twitter, we can take a look at seven photos of Tron’s progress.

Aerial look at Space Mountain and Tron. A section of the canopy is up.

Disney’s initial deadline was to have the coaster ready to ride in 2021 – in time to celebrate Disney’s 50th Anniversary. With the pandemic hitting, construction halted back in March but the construction resumed shortly after. Disney has not announced if there will be a delay to the opening.

Photo Update of Tron Coaster Construction at Magic Kingdom

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World’s new Tron coaster, Tron Lightcylce Power Run, has been a fun one to follow along with as construction moves forward. Check out the most recent photos of the progress being made at Magic Kingdom!

First up, check out these two aerial photos from @bioreconstruct on Twitter:

@bioreconstruct shares: “Aerial photo (Aug 15) of Space Mountain and outdoor portion of Tron. At arrow, a large concrete support was cast months ago, and it seems like a walkway is being formed connecting to Storybook Circus. Aerial photo (Aug 15) of Space Mountain and outdoor portion of Tron. At arrow, a large concrete support was cast months ago, and it seems like a walkway is being formed connecting to Storybook Circus.”

We then set out to snap a few photos of the construction as seen from various areas in the park as of August 24:

Disney’s initial deadline was to have the coaster ready to ride in 2021 – in time to celebrate Disney’s 50th Anniversary. With the pandemic hitting, construction halted back in March but the construction resumed shortly after. Disney has not announced if there will be a delay to the opening. What we do know is it’s fun to watch the progress of the coaster as it unfolds!

Want a sneak peek of what this attraction will look like? Here’s a ride through of the attraction in Shanghai Disneyland. Hold on tight!

Construction Continues on Virgin Trains USA Brightline High-Speed Railway From Miami to Orlando

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

Virgin Trains USA Brightline High-Speed Railway will soon provide a means of transportation from Miami to Orlando in 3 hours. It typically takes about 4 hours to drive between the two cities. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, construction on the railway has continued, with certain adjustments and precautions implemented.

The line will include a Walt Disney World Resort station in Orlando.

A new Trains Magazine 2020 spread features an in-depth look at the Brightline High-Speed Railway.

brightline high speed railway

Florida is home to swamplands and a wide range of sensitive ecosystems, which must be taken into consideration throughout construction. Stephen Cartwright, Virgin Trains USA Field Engineer, explains the additional work required to build train tracks through this terrain.

brightline high speed railway

Once complete, the train will travel from Miami to Orlando International Airport. The tracks at MCO have already been laid.

brightline high speed railway

To achieve the trip in under 3 hours, the Cocoa-Orlando line is proposed to operate at high speeds of up to 125 mph. From Miami to West Palm Beach, trains will reach speeds of up to 79 mph. From West Palm to Cocoa, it’s a maximum speed of 110 mph.

Construction On “Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge” Continues Despite COVID-19 Concerns

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

When we saw permits filed earlier this month for work on a Table Service Restaurant, bus stop, transportation dock, and more at the site of Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge, it was still assumed that construction had been halted throughout Walt Disney World Resort––and it has, for the most part––but according to a new report from the Orlando Business Journal, one local construction firm continues chipping away at the upcoming nature-themed Disney Vacation Resort property in progress.

Balfour Beatty Construction LLC continues work on the 900-room resort taking over the space of the former River Country throughout the closure. In a statement to the Orlando Business Journal, it outlined the safety measures it was taking in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis:

“Balfour Beatty is taking all necessary measures to ensure workers, clients, partner and the public are safe. As a essential business, we have a responsibility to keep our projects operating while we modify the way we deliver work to allow for the new and necessary health and safety measures that are now required as a result of this pandemic. The practicalities of how to implement social distancing in the field are complex and our workforce is committed to meeting these needs, knowing that each decision has an impact on not only the team’s ability to deliver and our production flow, but the health and wellbeing of everyone.”

Work has continued despite smaller crews and stringent new regulations from the CDC. According to analyst David Heger, it’s in Disney’s best interest to keep work going for certain projects, especially if they’ve already been funded. And surely, a shiny new resort will beckon to both casual guests and DVC members alike in the aftermath of the extended closures. Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge is expected to open in 2022.