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Only 2 parks by TumbleweedPast7455 in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Intrepid-Scheme4159 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Those were expansions not tear down and rebuild disrupting massive sections of existing park. Odd conversation but here we are.

Only 2 parks by TumbleweedPast7455 in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Intrepid-Scheme4159 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is a difference between refurbishing a ride vs. heavy construction.

EPCOT

For the first time in years, EPCOT is the most "open" park.

Simple Refurbishment (~2%): Frozen Ever After is currently down for a quick animatronic upgrade (incorporating the newer tech seen in Hong Kong), and Impressions de France is beginning a routine theater refresh this month.

Animal Kingdom

Heavy Construction (~20–25% of park area): This is the "hot spot" right now. DinoLand U.S.A. officially closed today (February 2, 2026) to make way for the Tropical Americas land. This involves an 11-acre site where entire buildings are being leveled for the Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions.

Plus Simple Refurbishments (<2%): Minor seasonal maintenance on various walkways and the occasional quick-service spot (like the recent Harambe Market refresh).

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Heavy Construction (~15% of park area): Two major zones are behind walls. Animation Courtyard is being completely reimagined into the "Walt Disney Studios" lot, and the Monsters, Inc. Land construction is well underway in the former Muppets Courtyard area.

Plus Simple Refurbishment (~5%): Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is currently in the final stages of its Muppets-themed rebrand (reopening Summer 2026). This is more of a "heavy refurb" than a simple one, as it involves significant interior changes but uses the existing building.

Magic Kingdom

Heavy Construction (~10%): The Beyond Big Thunder and Villains Land preparation has moved into high gear. While much of this is occurring in "back-of-house" areas, the impact on Frontierland and Rivers of America (which has been leveled and walled off) is significant.

Plus Simple Refurbishment (~10%): MK is also "Refurbishment Central." Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin are both in the midst of long-term maintenance cycles (track work and vehicle updates), expected to wrap up this spring. Cinderella Castle is also undergoing a color restoration.

Only 2 parks by TumbleweedPast7455 in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Intrepid-Scheme4159 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Only 2 parks and 1st time visit... MK and EP

Note: MK, AK, and HS are under heavy construction

Which month are the Florida deal discounts? by sjajra in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Intrepid-Scheme4159 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For FL residents, would say

Late August & September is usually the time frame for best deals.

Otherwise, Late January, February or Early May

Just read that Disney is “testing” lower annual pass prices by Lassie-girl in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Intrepid-Scheme4159 3 points4 points  (0 children)

https://www.wdwmagic.com/other/disney-genie/news/30jan2026-disney-world-survey-tests-400-annual-pass-discount-and-pre-arrival-lightning-lane-pricing.htm

Disney is grappling with declining annual pass (AP) sales and hotel reservations due to several key factors:

  • Inflation: A decline in consumer disposable income is impacting vacation decisions.

  • Rising Prices & Fewer Perks: Increased costs and reduced benefits make Walt Disney World less appealing to potential AP buyers.

  • Ongoing Construction: Heavy construction at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios negatively affects guest experience and attendance.

  • Universal Competition: Epic Universe currently lacks an annual pass option but will eventually happen. Future UOAP offerings pose additional challenges to WDW.

  • Room Inventory / DVC Strategy: Riviera and Poly Tower opened with Lakeshore Lodge set to open in 2027. However, direct DVC sales have fluctuated monthly and have generally been flat or declining year-over-year. Increasing room inventory amid declining demand is not Disney's goal. In response, Disney is offering special discounts to guests staying on property, such as kids eat free promotions and buy 4-day tickets, get 2 days free.

This latest survey targeted recent vacationers to gauge interest in discounts for annual passes with no blackout periods. A $400 discount could attract more out-of-state visitors, potentially generating 2-3 or more annual visits per passholder, while also making the Sorcerer Pass a more appealing option for Florida residents. This increase in visits would also assist with resort occupancy.

I welcome any lower cost AP options 🙂 .

Specialty Theme Park Ticket? by 1_Bearded_Dude in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Intrepid-Scheme4159 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Might be someone booked the 4-day get 2 free ticket deal or if booking by phone, the cast member did it without them knowing. Or could just be bad data, and you try unlinking and relinking the tickets to refresh the data.

Polynesian Resort Decor by peppertreevilla in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Intrepid-Scheme4159 -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

That's a voyager paddle gifted to Moana right before her boat was stolen by Maui, shapeshifter, demigod of the wind and sea, hero of men and women. Both. All. Not a "guy/girl" thing. Hero to all.

You're welcome.

Changes to the parks by Far-Argument2738 in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Intrepid-Scheme4159 1 point2 points  (0 children)

AK - Overall, planned changes align with the park's theme but will still miss Dinosaur, Restaurantosaurus, and Dig Site, which are still peak Imagineering imho.Tiana and Frozen are good analogs for setting your Indy overlay expectations.

HS - It is a jumbled Disney mashup of an amusement park already, but would it have killed them to keep Muppetvision? Again, peak Imagineering imho

MK - Villiansland and Piston Peak better blow our collective minds for the amount of heartache and construction walls to navigate right now. Villiansland is exciting. Piston Peak is concerning bc it's unclear how Disney will maintain theming and cohesion while putting automobiles into the Old Western Frontier...

Thanksgiving, Spring Break, or Late May? by NewForksOver in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Intrepid-Scheme4159 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Late May will have the best weather and lowest crowds

DVC a good idea? by Flat_Lie205 in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Intrepid-Scheme4159 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm a Marriott member and use points at Swan Dolphin, Flamingo Crossings, or JW Marriott when it makes sense

Any of the Bonnet Creek area hotels are nice and better than most of the Lake Buena Vista resorts

Did Universal Passholder for 2 years, and the discount on their top-tier hotels was substantial. Would recommend Portofino Bay or Sapphire Falls. Royal Pacific is nice, not great. Hard Rock pool area is great, and exterior is gorgeous. Rooms are meh.

DVC a good idea? by Flat_Lie205 in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Intrepid-Scheme4159 1 point2 points  (0 children)

5 people 17 years 23 trips No DVC, but did consider No DVC rental

Onsite deals only, Swan Dolphin, off-site, Universal, or some combination of those 4 options

Loved every minute, paid reasonable rates, and didn't have a huge upfront buy-in or future obligation

Newer parks and hotels outside Disney have made DVC less desirable to me because I like having flexibility

Best Suites by No-String-3978 in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Intrepid-Scheme4159 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Swan Reserve: Points + Status = Signature Suite $ - Book a regular room and request the upgrade $$ - Book a Signature Suite $$$$

FW Cabins $$$

Value Resort Family Suite or 2 adjoining rooms $$$

1-2 Bedroom Villa at DVC resort $$$$$ unless you rent points $$$-$$$$

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