Another construction project has popped up around Magic Kingdom, and this one is happening at a location guests may not have expected to see behind walls.
Construction walls have appeared between The Diamond Horseshoe and Liberty Tree Tavern, creating a new work zone near two longtime Disney World restaurants.
The timing is particularly interesting because The Diamond Horseshoe is already preparing for a dining change. Disney is replacing its current offering with a limited-time pop-up menu, but there had been little reason to expect significant physical work around the restaurant.
Now, something is clearly happening outside.
Construction Walls Appear Near The Diamond Horseshoe
The new walls surround a backstage doorway between Liberty Tree Tavern and The Diamond Horseshoe.
That entrance has traditionally been used by the Country Bears when they make their way into the park. With construction underway, the characters haven't disappeared. Instead, they're entering near Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe.
The project didn't arrive completely without warning.
Disney filed a permit last month for “General Construction” in the area, with Aim Strategic Group, LLC listed as the contractor. Disney, however, hasn't announced a major renovation for either restaurant.
That distinction is important.
There is currently no indication that The Diamond Horseshoe itself is undergoing a dramatic transformation. The walls could simply be connected to work around the backstage area.
Still, their arrival comes just as the restaurant prepares for a noticeable change.
A New Menu Is Coming
The Diamond Horseshoe will soon introduce a limited-time pop-up menu following the closure of Jessie's Roundup.
While the menu is being replaced, expectations have been that the restaurant itself will remain largely familiar.
That makes the construction walls somewhat surprising. Disney hasn't announced that the restaurant needs substantial alterations to accommodate the new offering, and there's nothing yet suggesting guests should expect a completely redesigned Diamond Horseshoe.
For now, the extent of the work remains unclear.
Frontierland Is Already Changing
The timing also makes the project stand out because this portion of Magic Kingdom is already experiencing enormous changes.
Disney is developing Piston Peak National Park, which will bring a Cars-inspired expansion to Magic Kingdom.
The project follows the permanent closures of the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat, dramatically changing the landscape surrounding Frontierland.
Compared to Piston Peak, the work outside The Diamond Horseshoe could prove relatively minor.
But for guests visiting Magic Kingdom right now, it's another reminder that this entire side of the park remains in transition.
The Diamond Horseshoe's menu is changing, walls have appeared outside, and Disney has a construction permit covering the area.
Whether the walls are directly related to the restaurant's new dining experience remains unclear. For now, guests shouldn't assume The Diamond Horseshoe itself is receiving a major overhaul.
But with so much already changing around Frontierland, even another small construction zone is enough to attract attention.
