In two weeks since our last Making More Magic construction project update, we’ve continued to make major progress. During this period, we achieved several milestones, including pouring large volumes of concrete, beginning construction of our return terminal structure, airlifting new towers by helicopter, and starting renovations at Firefly Village.
What Progress Did Anakeesta Make in the Last Two Weeks of January?
If you’d like to know more about the progress we’ve made on our Making More Magic expansion, check out the top four milestones we reached in the last two weeks of January:
1. Advanced Concrete Work for the Return Terminal
At the base of the mountain, we poured concrete for the return terminal area, a key early step in constructing the structure supporting the Crystal Express. Concrete work can feel like the behind-the-scenes part of a project, but it’s the foundation for everything that comes next.
Up top, we’re lining up the final pieces for additional pours as we continue preparing the drive terminal area for active construction.
2. Prepped the Drive Terminal Foundation at the Top of the Mountain
At the top of the mountain, we’ve been focused on foundation prep for the drive terminal. A crane is being used to place rebar in the foundation area, reinforcing the concrete that will support the lift equipment.
The scale of this foundation is significant, as the top terminal foundation is about three times larger than the foundation at the bottom of the mountain. It’s also a major concrete operation, including 31 concrete trucks for the top terminal foundation alone, with more than 250 cubic yards poured for the foundation and additional concrete planned for supporting wall work.
By the end of the project, we’ll pour more than 600 cubic yards of concrete at the top of the mountain between the wall and the new foundation, which is about 75 concrete trucks worth!
3. Completed Helicopter Day #1 Work for Lift Construction
On January 28, we had our first helicopter day, which is a big milestone for lift construction. This day included the removal of existing towers, the removal of the mid-station, and targeted concrete work for new tower locations.
Helicopters play an important role in this phase because they let us access steep, high-angle terrain without impacting the surface. Without helicopters, we’d need to build a temporary road just to support a short window of work. By using helicopters, we can avoid disrupting the surrounding land while ensuring our project is completed efficiently.
Our next helicopter day is scheduled for February 16, when we’ll shift to installing towers and performing component swaps as the build continues.
4. Began Early Exterior Updates in Firefly Village as Weather Allows
Alongside lift construction work, we’ve started external updates for Firefly Village buildings, including paint and stain work when conditions allow. Every building is getting a new, exciting look, and the goal is for Firefly Village to feel like a fairy tale come to life once guests return.
Stay Tuned for More Anakeesta Renovation Updates
Phase 1 is moving forward quickly, and each milestone brings us closer to the experience guests will enjoy this spring and beyond. We can’t wait to share more progress as the rest of our Making More Magic updates take shape.
To stay up to date on our expansion project and special announcements, please sign up for our newsletter. We’re also running a 15-month annual pass promotion that you can take advantage of for a limited time!
Leave a Reply