When we saw permits filed earlier this month for work on a Table Service Restaurant, bus stop, transportation dock, and more at the site of Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge, it was still assumed that construction had been halted throughout Walt Disney World Resort––and it has, for the most part––but according to a new report from the Orlando Business Journal, one local construction firm continues chipping away at the upcoming nature-themed Disney Vacation Resort property in progress.
Balfour Beatty Construction LLC continues work on the 900-room resort taking over the space of the former River Country throughout the closure. In a statement to the Orlando Business Journal, it outlined the safety measures it was taking in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis:
“Balfour Beatty is taking all necessary measures to ensure workers, clients, partner and the public are safe. As a essential business, we have a responsibility to keep our projects operating while we modify the way we deliver work to allow for the new and necessary health and safety measures that are now required as a result of this pandemic. The practicalities of how to implement social distancing in the field are complex and our workforce is committed to meeting these needs, knowing that each decision has an impact on not only the team’s ability to deliver and our production flow, but the health and wellbeing of everyone.”
Work has continued despite smaller crews and stringent new regulations from the CDC. According to analyst David Heger, it’s in Disney’s best interest to keep work going for certain projects, especially if they’ve already been funded. And surely, a shiny new resort will beckon to both casual guests and DVC members alike in the aftermath of the extended closures. Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge is expected to open in 2022.
Aerial look Mar 25 at site of Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge. At center beyond the crane is Pioneer Hall. At right, the new Tri-Circle-D Ranch horse stables. pic.twitter.com/5yzkL7CdrM
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) March 27, 2020
For an aerial look at construction on the lakeside lodge resort, click here. And for a look over at the construction site from the shores of Bay Lake, check out this video post here. If you’re curious as to other ongoing construction throughout the closures, check out this post on the up-and-coming remodeled McDonald’s by Disney’s All-Star Resorts.
Featured Image: @bioreconstruct on Twitter
I apologize up front because this question doesn’t concern this new resort. It does however, involve another new resort still being built – Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. Has construction come to a complete halt there due to CORONA-19 or are small groups (under 10) working there slowly plugging away? My son and I so want to make a reservation there and enjoy the trip. Any information you can offer up would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you.
Wow, this thing is even less exciting than the Riviera. I didn’t know that would be possible. Reflect on this: paying $$$$ to stay at a generic apartment complex.