Walt Disney World is in the midst of a period of evolution, with new attractions, refreshed experiences, and even full lands coming to the resort over the next decade. However, to reach that presumably bright future, the resort has a present full of construction.

In my 30+ years visiting the Walt Disney World Resort, I’m not sure I remember a period with quite as much concurrent construction as what’s happening right now. Three of the resort’s theme parks have massive construction projects going on — including a huge site in the dead-center of the Magic Kingdom — while several of Disney’s hotels are also in the midst of construction and refurbishment projects of their own.

Magic Kingdom

Piston Peak

The most controversial current construction site at Disney World sits in the space once occupied by the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. The opening day attractions closed in July of 2025, with construction beginning almost immediately on Piston Peak. This new, Cars-themed expansion is themed to appear like a national park, and will feature two attractions and natural rock work aesthetics.

Villains Land

Piston Peak isn’t the only land currently being built at the Magic Kingdom. The area “beyond” Big Thunder Mountain is going to be home to the long-rumored Villains Land, a full expansion based on Disney’s antagonists. Land clearing is well underway in the area.

Refurbishments

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

In addition, there are two major refurbishments happening at the park. First off, there’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The iconic ride has been closed since January 2025 for a massive refurbishment project. According to Disney, the attraction is scheduled to reopen in 2026 with “new magic” including a fully refurbished track and a new sequence inspired by the Rainbow Caverns of Disneyland’s Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland.

On the other side of the park, Tomorrowland’s Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin closed on August 4th for a refurbishment that’s also expected to last until 2026. The overhauled attraction will feature new ride vehicles, new blasters, and a new scene featuring the park’s original robot character named Buddy who will ensure “departing Space Rangers are fully prepared for their mission (by) enthusiastically providing encouragement, final system checks on their Star Cruisers, and a chance to hone their blaster aim.”

Hollywood Studios

Hopping over to Hollywood Studios, there are two major construction projects happening right now, with a third set to begin next year.

Monsters, Inc. Land

In 2025, Muppet*Vision 3D – and the rest of the former Muppet Courtyard – closed to make way for construction of a massive new Monsters, Inc. land that will create Monstropolis. The new land will be headlined by Disney’s first suspended coaster, based on the film’s iconic door sequence. Work on the land began immediately, and things are moving quickly in the area.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

The Muppets won’t be gone for long, however, as the characters will be taking over the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster from Aerosmith sometime in 2026. We’re sorry, “Bad Boys of Boston” fans, but this change will feel like a breath of fresh air for a ride that has seemed very 90s dated for a while now.

Magic of Disney Animation

Finally, in a bit of a full-circle moment, Star Wars Launch Bay in the Animation Courtyard has closed to make way for a NEW take on the Magic of Disney Animation, harkening back to the park’s early days. The new version will feature theming based on the Emmy-winning Once Upon a Studio short that celebrated Disney’s 100th Anniversary. This will include “moving” portraits, as well as character meet & greets. Sketch classes, where guests will be able to draw their own favorite Disney characters, similar to the original Animation Academy. The Drawn to Wonderland playground, which will feature an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area, all designed in the style of Disney Legend Mary Blair.

Animal Kingdom

Tropical Americas

Meanwhile, in Animal Kingdom, construction is charging along on Tropical Americas, which is replacing DinoLand U.S.A. The new expansion will feature attractions based on Indiana Jones and Encanto. The last vestiges of DinoLand, including DINOSAUR, will be closing on February 2nd, 2026.

Harambe Market

The eatery in the park’s Africa section closed for refurbishment on October 20 and is expected to reopen in early 2026 with a changed menu and refreshed atmosphere.

Hotels

In addition to the projects across the theme parks, several Disney hotels are undergoing refurbishment projects as well. While each remains open, guest rooms and public areas are being refreshed, which could lead to guests hearing and seeing evidence of construction. 

The hotels currently in the midst of refurbishments include:

• Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Contemporary Resort
• Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Polynesian Village
• Pop Century Resort
• Port Orleans Resort
• Yacht Club Resort

There’s construction spread across the map at Walt Disney World right now, as the resort continues to evolve into its second half-century. Stay tuned to DFB for further updates.

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Which of these Disney World construction projects are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below.