As many of you may know, Disney World is basically just a giant hard hat area at the moment.

Due to the INSANE amount of construction going on for attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, TRON Lightcycle Run, and new dining locations like Space 220 and Beatrix, many of our followers have started asking us if it’s even worth it to go to Disney World right now. Like — “I’m proposing! Should we even go?” and “It’s my boyfriend’s first time in Disney World and I want it to be perfect. Does it even make sense to go now?”

We’ve had TONS of people reaching out on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook voicing their concerns, especially after our DFB video that explored many of the changes happening. You can check that video out here!

So, we’re here to help!! We thought we’d ease your minds a bit by exploring the construction to see how and if it will affect your trip.

Magic Kingdom

TRON Lightcycle Run Construction

A new attraction is making its way to Magic Kingdom — TRON Lightcycle Run. This new ride, which is set to open in 2021, has some VERY visible construction, which can be seen while on the PeopleMover or when walking by the Barnstormer. While this attraction is coming up near Space Mountain, all of the Tomorrowland attractions are currently operating as normal.

The only thing that will currently impact your vacation thanks to this construction is that the Walt Disney World Railroad train is not currently running. This is because some of the construction is taking place near the tracks/on the tracks.

Click here to read all about TRON Lightcycle Run!

BUT, since the train is currently not running, guests have the rare opportunity to snap a photo with the train at the front of the Magic Kingdom.

TRON CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS:

• Walt Disney World Railroad not currently running and an opening date has yet to be announced.
• Construction visible from locations in Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland.

Magic Kingdom Entrance Construction

The Walk Around the World bricks are currently being removed from the entrance of Magic Kingdom, which has left a lot of construction in the area.

Read about the Walk Around the World brick removal here!

If you’re visiting soon, you will likely be able to take a closer look from the monorail at the work being done. And while it is a sad thing to see the bricks go, it shouldn’t really affect your visit more than being an eyesore as you enter the Magic Kingdom.

We will say that the construction can take away from the magic of entering the Magic Kingdom a bit, simply because construction isn’t that pretty to look at! Buuuut, it shouldn’t affect your overall vacation.

WALK AROUND THE BRICK REMOVAL EFFECTS:

• Construction visible from monorail and Magic Kingdom entrance.
• Less space near Magic Kingdom Will Call booth and in the general entrance area.

Main Street, U.S.A. Construction

We recently spotted some new construction pop up next to Casey’s Corner on Main Street, U.S.A.. A sign on the construction wall is directing guests to the First Aid, Baby Care Center and Restrooms nearby and all are still open.

MAIN STREET, U.S.A. CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS:

• Construction visible from the hub.
• Less space next to Casey’s Corner’s restroom.

Cinderella Castle Refurbishment

Disney just announced its intentions to give Cinderella Castle a “royal makeover”. Although work hasn’t started yet, the project will begin in the coming weeks, and continue through summer.

Cinderella Castle will be getting a new paint job in time for Disney World’s 50th-anniversary and they’re also adding a sparkly gold overlay like they did with Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland!

Find out more details regarding Cinderella Castle’s refurb here!

CINDERELLA CASTLE REFURB EFFECTS:

• Unknown at this time, but construction will most likely be visible from various locations, especially from the hub and Main Street, U.S.A.
• Castle shows “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” and “Happily Ever After” will STILL be performed.

Epcot

Epcot is currently undergoing a HUGE transformation which has resulted in a lot of construction throughout the park, and I know you guys are SUPER worried about this one when it comes to your vacation. So, let’s check out some of the projects and explore how or if it will change your Disney vacation experience.

Read about the Epcot transformation here!

Epcot’s Entrance, Future World, and Fountain of Nations Construction

Epcot’s entrance is undergoing a major overhaul. It doesn’t look and feel quite like the classic Epcot we all know and love in its current state, so brace yourself for a dramatic impact. The Leave-a-Legacy monoliths have been removed from both sides of the entryway and are being relocated to just outside of the park.

Although the work is being mostly hidden by a sea of construction walls, a ride atop the monorail tracks reveals how extensive the project truly is.

Now that Club Cool, Fountain View Starbucks, Mouse Gear, The Character Spot, The Electric Umbrella, and Pin Traders have all closed or have been relocated, construction has finally spread to the other side of Spaceship Earth. The former Fountain of Nations area behind Spaceship Earth is completely walled off to guests.

Both breezeways which formerly led to Future World East and Future World West are now blocked.

Guests are being rerouted to two separate pathways in front of Spaceship Earth that are color-coded. The path on the left is marked in reds, pinks, and purples and leads to attractions such as Mission: SPACE, Test Track, temporary Mouse Gear, playground, The Epcot Experience, and eventually the World Showcase.

The path on the right side leads to The Land, Sea, and Imagination pavilions as well as access to the World Showcase highlighted with blue and green signage.

Click here to find out how to navigate Epcot now with all this construction!

Although we know changes will be coming soon to Spaceship Earth as well, the attraction remains open and unchanged — for now.

Spaceship Earth is closing soon — and we finally have some answers to our questions! Find out more here!

EPCOT’S ENTRANCE, FUTURE WORLD AND FOUNTAIN OF NATIONS CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS: 

• Entrance to Epcot is lacking a certain appeal at the present.
• The entire area is blocked off by go-away-green walls.
• Navigating Future World might be more challenging.
• Fountain of Nations is closed.
• Spaceship Earth may be closing at some point.

Epcot Transformation

While Club Cool will return in some capacity along with a new permanent Starbucks location, the same can’t be said for The Electric Umbrella. Although Disney hasn’t shared with us its plans for space where the restaurant once resided, we’re hopeful it will be another dining location. We’re also hoping Mouse Gear retains its classic moniker, as it also undergoes a lengthy refurbishment. In the meantime, a temporary Mouse Gear is currently open.

Meanwhile, the Character Spot (Epcot’s former centrally-located place to meet your favorite Disney characters) has moved to new locations throughout the park while Baymax from Big Hero 6 and Sadness from Inside Out are no longer meeting with guests.

Because of this move, FastPasses are not being offered for Character greetings at this time. We’ll let you know if and when you can score FastPasses for them again!

See where all the characters are currently greeting in Epcot now!

EPCOT TRANSFORMATION CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS:

• Club Cool is currently closed, so guests are unable to sample soda from around the world for free, but you can buy many of the drinks it featured at the Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Bar at Disney Springs.
• You now have to enter further into the park to get to Starbucks.
• OG Mouse Gear is not open, but a temporary Mouse Gear is available.
• Electric Umbrella is closed, but Eats at the Epcot Experience is now open.
• Characters are now spread throughout the park and are no longer conveniently located under one roof (with only one line to meet several of them at a time).
• FastPasses are currently unavailable for Character greetings in Epcot.
• Sayonara Baymax and Sadness.

France Pavilion Construction

The France Pavilion is currently undergoing a large amount of construction thanks to a few new experiences that we’re REALLY EXCITED about.

That’s right, while the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along has finally debuted and Impressions de France has returned, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and La Creperie de Paris are all coming to France very soon. These new experiences are transforming this Pavilion in big ways, but what about construction?

Well, as of right now, construction is not effecting the pavilion’s operations. But, you will be able to see a large amount of construction from the International Gateway Entrance and the Disney Skyliner.

So, while this is another eyesore around the parks, it shouldn’t really change the course of your Disney vacay!

Learn more about the Epcot transformation here!

FRANCE PAVILION CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS: 

• Visible construction from Epcot’s International Gateway and the Disney Skyliner.
• Impressions de France is back, but only showing at night since it’s sharing a theater with the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse Construction

We promise not ALL of Epcot is under construction, guys…but another location that is currently closed to make way for a new experience is Liberty Inn. This location in the America Pavilion at Epcot officially closed its doors a few months back so that Disney could create the new Regal Eagle Smokehouse dining experience.

See the Regal Eagle Smokehouse menu HERE to see what barbeque eats you’ll be sampling when it opens!

Sadly, this currently means that there is one less place to dine when visiting the America Pavilion. Buuuut luckily you’re in the World Showcase, which means you’re surrounded by awesome food. If you find yourself on the hunt for food when in America, we suggest heading to its neighboring pavilions to find Katsura Grill or Tangerine Cafe. If you’re in the mood for burgs and hot dogs you can head toward the front for Electric Umbrella (until it, too, closes) or over to Germany’s Sommerfest for a bratwurst.

Even though the temporary loss of a dining location is a bummer, we have the new Regal Eagle Smokehouse experience to look forward to! This new dining location will feature BBQ and craft beers on tap! We’re hoping it has an atmosphere like BaseLine Tap House in Hollywood Studios!

You can read more about Regal Eagle Smokehouse here!

REGAL EAGLE CONSTRUCTION UPDATES: 

• There is currently not a table-service location in Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion.
• Visible construction.

Space 220 Construction

Space 220 is another dining location coming to Epcot soon. This location has left quite a bit of visible construction in Future World, but it should not affect your vacation from an attraction-closure perspective.

Here’s EVERYTHING you need to know about the new Space 220 restaurant coming soon to Epcot!

This new experience slated to open this winter will give guests the chance to board an elevator that will simulate a real-time rocketing orbit as they travel to a space station that hovers above the Earth. The new restaurant is called Space 220 because guests will feel like they’re 220 miles above Earth! Sounds pretty stellar, don’t ya think? ;-D

Check out all of the Space 220 details here!

SPACE 220 CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS:  

• Visible construction in Future World.
• Lots and LOTS of anticipation as we wait for more details on the menu and opening date of Space 220.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Construction

Another attraction that is making its way to Epcot is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This is another spot that has left Future World under a bit of construction, but yet again it shouldn’t affect your trip much more than being an eyesore.

It did, however, replace Ellen’s Energy Adventure a while back, so sadly that attraction is no longer available to ride. But, you can always head to Test Track, Mission Space, or The Seas with Nemo and Friends if you’re on the hunt for a nearby attraction!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is set to open in 2021 and will be the first ride to feature a “reverse launch into space.”  Disney has already given us a glimpse at the ride vehicle, and we’re really jazzed to see what this addition will bring to Epcot! We’re ready to pop on our old Walkman and get groovin’ with the Guardians!

Read more about the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind here!

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: COSMIC REWIND CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS: 

• More visible construction in Future World.
• Since this attraction is taking the place of Ellen’s Energy Adventure, there is currently one less attraction in Future World.

If you’re looking to learn more about the new experiences coming to Epcot, then you’re in luck as Disney has recently opened the Epcot Experience. This location gives guests the opportunity to explore the future of Epcot in an all-new way.

Take a look inside the new Epcot Experience here!

Hollywood Studios Construction

The most major Hollywood Studios construction is the Chinese Theatre. This location, which used to house the Great Movie Ride is currently closed as Disney makes way for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, which is set to open on March 4th, 2020.

Most of this construction is taking place inside, but it does mean that Studios is down a ride…and has been for a while.

The new attraction, which is opening at both Disney World and Disneyland, will take guests into the zany world of a Mickey cartoon. According to Disney, the Runaway Railway will have “the look, feel, sound, comedy, and cadence of Mickey shorts cartoons, and guests will be placed right in the middle.”

Read more about Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway here!

MICKEY AND MINNIE’S RUNAWAY RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS: 

• Unable to go inside the Chinese Theatre.

Animal Kingdom Construction

Animal Kingdom is a good park to visit if you’re looking to escape the construction. While there are a few small bits of construction happening around the park, none of it is too obvious or major!

Resorts

A large amount of construction is also taking place around the Disney World hotels. Luckily, the new Disney’s Riviera Resort is now open and the much-beloved Beaches and Cream has re-opened after it’s lengthy remodel in its original location at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club. But let’s see what’s happening at the rest of the resorts!

(Potential) Grand Floridian Path to Magic Kingdom Construction

Disney is currently making a potential walkway that will connect Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Grand Floridian. This will give guests staying or dining at the resort easier access to and from the Magic Kingdom!

Disney hasn’t confirmed this is what’s going down on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, and while this could be nice feature, the project does require quite a bit of surgery. This shouldn’t affect your stay, but you will definitely be able to see the construction from the monorail during the day.

Read more about the new path to Magic Kingdom here!

PATH TO MAGIC KINGDOM CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS: 

• Visible construction from the monorail and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

Disney Springs

Construction is also taking place at Disney Springs with the introduction of three new dining locations as well as the expansion of a popular quick-service spot.

Beatrix Construction

Disney recently announced that a new dining location known as Beatrix would be coming to Disney Springs. This new spot will feature healthy food along with a grab-and-go market, a coffee shop, and a “neighborhood restaurant.”

This new location is taking over the previous Bongos restaurant. Luckily, there are PLENTY of other dining locations to choose from when eating at Disney Springs. A few we recommend checking are Jaleo and Morimoto Asia.

The construction is very apparent and may even be noisy throughout the day. But, it shouldn’t change your day of shopping and eating when visiting the Springs…unless you were super excited about eating at Bongos.

Read all about Beatrix here!

BEATRIX CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS: 

• Bongos is permanently closed.
• Visible construction at Disney Springs.

Ample Hills Creamery Construction

Another location that is coming to Disney Springs is Ample Hills Creamery. Disney announced a while back that they would be adding a second Ample Hills location to Walt Disney World Resort, but they have not shared many details otherwise.

Construction has already begun, showing us that the new location will be taking over Amazing Pictures. The construction is all located inside, so it should not affect your Disney Springs visit!

Read all about Ample Hills Creamery here!

AMPLE HILLS CREAMERY CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS: 

• Amazing Pictures is permanently closed.

City Works Eatery & Pour House Construction

The final new restaurant that is coming soon to Disney Springs is the City Works Eatery & Pour House! The chain will be serving up tasty American fare and pouring an impressive selection of craft beers! We can’t wait to sample them!

Check out the City Work’s menu here!

CITY WORKS EATERY & POUR HOUSE CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS:

• Visible construction by the NBA Experience.

Chicken Guy! Construction

While Guy Fieri’s fast-casual restaurant Chicken Guy! hasn’t been open for very long, it’s success has made it outgrow its current location! The restaurant has filed for a building permit and started expanding into Planet Hollywood’s gift shop!

Read more about the Chicken Guy! construction here!

CHICKEN GUY! CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS:

• The restaurant is still open during construction, so no worries there.
• Planet Hollywood merch has been relocated to inside the restaurant.

So, as you can see that there is hardly ANYTHING that should currently majorly affect or change your Disney World vacation. I know all of this change can be terrifying if you’re visiting the parks for the first time or if you know that you won’t be back for a while. But, as of right now, the parks, the restaurants, and the major attractions are pretty much operating normally.

You will STILL get that stunning photo in front of the castle, you’ll still be able to hop on Soarin’ or Space Mountain, and you’ll still be able to eat some delish food at Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest Restaurant, and Chef Mickey’s.

For the next few years, you will see A LOT of change. We know important things are set to close like Spaceship Earth — but even MORE will be opening, like TRON, Space 220, Regal Eagle, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the Mary Poppins attraction, and so much more.

So, while we’re experiencing a few growing pains right now, you should still be able to have an incredible Walt Disney World vacation!

Are you still planning to visit Walt Disney World amid all of the construction? Let us know in the comments below!