Award-Winning Project Creates Concrete Magic at EPCOT
When the entrance to Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park was redesigned as part of a multi-million-dollar improvement project, Baker Construction helped transform the client’s creative direction into concrete results.
The project, which wrapped up in late 2023, called for a high level of themed finishes on all hardscape and walls, along with new spaces to add shade and seating for visitors.
Baker was selected by Whiting Turner Contracting Company to complete more than 140,000 square feet of decorative hardscape, decorative cast in place (CIP) walls, set precast walls and benches, mat foundations, wall foundations, and other foundations on the site. The team also installed more than 20,000 square feet of decorative pavers. Approximately 7,800 cubic yards of concrete was used to complete this project.
Because the team was working adjacent to a busy theme park that welcomes thousands of visitors each day, all work had to be completed during nonoperational hours. Concrete pours were scheduled for early mornings, with all trucks off the site by 6 a.m. In addition, all deliveries had to be closely coordinated and scheduled with the park, which required full-time spotters and cleanup as needed.
The team also needed to place concrete outside of the construction site limits. This meant any demolition activities and concrete work had to be completed and cured by the time the park opened. Baker used a high early strength mix to complete these tasks in such a tight timeframe and coordinated work with park operations.
One aspect of the project included the construction of a stage wall. The Baker team used 3D scanning to develop and calculate the stage wall to facilitate installation. By creating accurate models of the stage and the surrounding structures, the team reduced the risk of misalignment to ensure a secure and accurate stage fit.
Safety, quality, and production were paramount on the project. Baker delivered on all fronts by closely tracking all aspects of safety, schedule, quality, and productivity. The team met frequently with all stakeholders to ensure expectations were defined, understood, and met. The Baker team also worked closely with Whiting Turner and Walt Disney World Imagineering to make sure the finished product brought the beautiful vision the Disney team had for the space to life.
The resulting craftmanship reflects the level of detail and precision associated with the Disney brand and Baker grit. It has also earned the project team a 2024 Excellence in Construction Eagle Award from ABC Central Florida.
Baker partnered with subcontractors Alliance Pavers, Titan Rebar, and Glory Sandblasting on the project.