The Amazing Changes to the Disney Skyline
Not to be mistaken for the Skyliner coming to the Resort (although that’s an important piece of the puzzle), I refer to the skyline in its true sense of the word: an outline of land and buildings defined against the sky. If you’ve visited anytime in the past 18 months, you’d have laughed right along with me when I heard someone jokingly reference Walt Disney World as ‘Walt’s Construction World’ this week. The Disney Skyline is changing!
In prep for the Resort’s big 50th anniversary in 2021, the massive amounts of construction taking place on every roadway and at seemingly every Park and Resort is understandable…but that doesn’t make it any less of an eyesore for us visiting before the work is complete.
Photo Credit: Deskgram.com
It isn’t a hindrance, but the construction is a certain sign of change…and it’s coming sooner than we’re ready for! Where I’m from, skyscrapers are the norm, but I’m still not sure I’m ready for my home away from home to look like my real home (you’re following me right?). Do we think Walt Disney World’s changing skyline will bode well for the Resort and what’s coming? Will EVERY new structure really change the way the Resort looks today? Let’s dig in and find out!
The Resorts
The Resorts of Walt Disney World are always changing. Considering the guest usage and the constant, perfect state of each and every lobby and surrounding accommodations, it’s no wonder renovations seem to never end! The biggest changes coming to the Resorts are the addition of two new high rise hotels, at Coronado Springs and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin.
If you’re wondering just how obtrusive the new Vacation Club tower going up at Coronado Springs will be to the Resort’s current low-lying, ancient Mexican-style architecture, the answer is…VERY. Disney does the ring better than anyone, and there isn’t a doubt in our minds that the new tower will fit right in with the existing buildings, but its the height of the already-massive structure that has us guessing that, once completed, Coronado Springs will be a very different looking place in the not-so-distant future.
The Skyliner
When the big anniversary rolls around in 2 years, there will be SO many new experiences that, of course, require plenty of heavy duty construction vehicles to make a reality. Although you won’t need valid Park admission to ride, the Skyliner will serve as the newest way to transport guests from their Resort to Park gates.
The beams that will serve as the upright stabilization for the Skyliner have been installed, and for those who haven’t visited since then, you will absolutely be able to see it from the roadways, the Resorts, the parking lots, and most importantly, the Parks themselves. Connecting Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Art of Animation/Pop Century, Riviera Resort, and Caribbean Beach, the Skyliner’s scope is practically Resort-wide! So, will the Skyliner change the Disney skyline? Absolutely.
The Parks
From a Ratatouille attraction to a new Tron-inspired coaster all the way to a galaxy’s edge far, far away, there will be more than a few new attractions to get excited about come 2021! Since we’ve been able to see the construction from the road for over a year, we know that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will definitely lend a hand in the changing skyline of WDW, but what about the other attractions?
The Tron coaster will be ultra modern and super sleek, both fitting in with and upgrading the already futuristic vibe of Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. Will it change the way we see Magic Kingdom from both inside and outside of the Park, though? My guess is yes, but not drastically.
Hey, it’s a roller coaster, and it’s going to be tall, so I certainly expect to see it from outside of the Park, but to get a good sense of the this one, let’s look to the past. Remember when Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train opened? I do, and while the attraction’s height definitely added a new ‘level’ to Fantasyland, the structure didn’t change the overall vibe of the land. I think the same will go for Tron!
Onto Epcot! With World Showcase’s International entrance being a stopping point for the Skyliner, we know for sure that at least part of the way we see Epcot will change in 2021. The Skyliner is set to travel straight through the back of the France Pavilion, and combined with the brand new structure that will house the Ratatouille ride, the way we see World Showcase will undoubtedly be very different in two years. Plus, we aren’t sure what’s coming with the new nighttime spectacular that will replace Illuminations…will tall structures or big pieces of technology be utilized? Time will tell…
With all that said, will our beloved Walt Disney World Resort be unrecognizable on your next visit? Nah! If I had to guess, I would say that all of these impending enhancements do just that…enhance what we already know and love, and maybe even introduce us to a new favorite or two along the way!
Since the property is so well laid-out and Disney will never, ever allow a guest to see something they shouldn’t (like seeing the new Tron coaster from Adventureland), we’re really excited for all of the changes to come! But, we want to know what your thoughts are! Which new attraction are you most excited for? Do you think these new changes will positively impact guests’ experiences? Leave us a comment and let us know!
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Special thanks to Maria Salerno for writing this article: Hiya pal! I am a NYC-based writer thrilled to be a part of your Disney vacation planning! I’m a WDW Annual Passholder, so you can find me in the parks regularly throughout the year. In addition to being a Disney Parks loving girl, I’m also a Disney toy and merchandise collector, a runDisney enthusiast, and Disney music and movie aficionado. You can follow me on Instagram: @mariasalno and find me on YouTube: @NYCtoAP. Thanks for reading, hope to see ya real soon!
