Overview
- Reporters and guests found metal scaffolding fully surrounding the S.S. Down the Hatch on Monday, enclosing the boat on the water side, the dock side and both ends.
- Disney drained Echo Lake last week to give workers access above and below the waterline, a preparatory step that enables more extensive structural or cosmetic work.
- Despite the full construction envelope, the Dockside Diner inside the boat and nearby quick-service locations remain open and continue to serve guests with seating available around the lake.
- Fences around the site carry Disney signage asking guests to "pardon our appearance," and Walt Disney World Resort has not issued an official statement or given a timeline for the work.
- The boat work follows other recent fixes at Echo Lake, such as repair to Gertie the Dinosaur, and signals a park-led effort to refresh visible waterfront assets that could improve long-term upkeep and guest experience.