A quiet construction project outside the Crystal Palace appears to be winding down at Magic Kingdom Park, as Walt Disney World Resort removes the plywood barriers that have surrounded the walkway leading to the Winnie the Pooh-themed dining location for the past two months.
An Unexplained Project Unfolds Over Time
Construction first appeared near the Crystal Palace back in late July, when walls went up around a stretch of walkway just outside the restaurant. Over the following two months, Disney steadily repaved the area and installed additional railings, gradually widening the pavement.
Consistent with how Walt Disney World Resort typically handles smaller-scale construction, the company never issued a public statement addressing the project. Disney generally avoids commenting on work that doesn't meaningfully disrupt the guest experience, and in line with that pattern, the Crystal Palace itself remained open and operating normally throughout the entire process.
The Latest Look at the Site
Nearly two months after construction began, signs suggest Walt Disney World Resort is close to wrapping up the project. WDWNT reported on September 28 that the plywood barriers had disappeared from the newly resurfaced section of pavement, though rolling planters continue blocking guest access for now.
Those planters currently sit in front of what appears to be a newly built curb and matching railings designed to blend with the surrounding landscaping. Walt Disney World Resort hasn't revealed what this space will ultimately be used for. Given that the area forms something of a dead end, it could eventually serve as extra stroller parking for Crystal Palace guests or simply as a waiting space for families awaiting their table.
Throughout the entire two-month process, the Crystal Palace has remained fully open, and Walt Disney World Resort has shown no signs of pausing reservations or closing the restaurant.
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