When refurbishment plans were announced for the only remaining McDonald’s on Walt Disney World property, many wondered why the duration of the refurbishment was so extensive, especially given that the restaurant had been refurbished “just” ten years ago. Well, you can only imagine our surprise when we drove past the location today and realized it’s getting completely demolished:
Just off the entrance to Disney’s All-Star Resorts on Osceola Parkway, you can see that fences lined with scrim surround the perimeter of the restaurant.
Over by the parking lot, the fences are wide open to allow for demolition equipment to pass through.
From these gates, you can see the scale of demolition going on.
All of the windows have been blown out, and you can see the framework and exposed insulation. Ironically, the doors are still intact, with a sign that says “Come on in.” (Do note that this is a restricted construction area and you should 100% not come on in.)
Over on the left, you can see the warped metal remains of the exterior arches and outdoor patio.
Permits filed for the project detail architectural work, new roofing, and building improvements… and from the looks of it, there are going to be vast improvements from the ground up.
Many may recall this McDonald’s by its former wacky exterior featuring larger-than-life figures, however, this new refurbishment promises to bring a “redesigned, more elevated experience” upon reopening. You can take a tour of the McDonald’s as it existed from 2009 to 2019 in the video below, or opt for a photo tour by clicking here.
The restaurant officially closed on October 30th for refurbishment and is set to reopen in March 2020.