Disney Files 9 NEW Permits for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Its NEW Hotel

Recently, Disney has announced new lands, attractions, and entertainment headed to the theme parks, new ships coming to the Disney Cruise Line, and so much more. But, what about those projects that Disney hasn’t exactly announced yet?

EPCOT

Keeping up with the latest construction permits Disney World files can be a great way to find out just what is going on around the parks and hotels, and we recently spotted some you might want to know about!

We’re always on the hunt for the latest construction permits filed by Disney to get an idea of what sort of changes might be coming to the parks, and here’s what we found this time around!

EPCOT

Refreshment Port located near the Canada Pavilion at EPCOT has been temporarily closed for refurbishment since January 12th. Disney hasn’t shared what sort of work is going on here, but a new permit was recently filed to install set elements at this location. This is typically what is listed on permits when Disney is working on the exterior of a building or attraction.

The Refreshment Port

We’re not sure how long this closure will continue, as Disney hasn’t revealed a reopening date, and no hours are listed on the Disney World calendar for the foreseeable future. We’ll be keeping an eye out, though!

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Magic Kingdom

Over at Magic Kingdom, Big Top Souvenirs recently closed for refurbishment. The entire circus tent portion of the building has been removed, and now Disney has filed another general construction permit for this merchandise location.

Big Top Souvenirs

According to the Disney World website, Big Top Souvenirs “is expected to reopen for Guests to enjoy later this year,” which sounds like it could be a relatively lengthy refurbishment. We’ll let you know when we hear of any opening dates!

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Port Orleans Resort — Riverside

Disney recently filed a permit for work on the main building at Port Orleans Resort — Riverside. The permit is for general construction, which isn’t too specific. The contractor listed on the permit is Bruns, Inc., which is a general contractor based out of Windermere, Florida, near Orlando.

Port Orleans Riverside

Construction has been going on at Port Orleans — Riverside for quite some time, with the completion date having recently been pushed back until August 2027. From early May 2025 through August 2027, Guest rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will undergo refurbishment throughout different parts of the Resort hotel. During this time, Guests may see or hear construction work in the area.

Check Out MORE Disney World Construction Updates Here

Lakeshore Lodge Resort

Finally, Disney recently filed quite a few permits for its newest hotel — Lakeshore Lodge. Six permits were filed in total, each of which has “install signage” listed in the description. This hopefully means we’re one step closer to the opening of this new resort!

Lakeshore Lodge will be a new Disney Vacation Club property that is located at what used to be Disney’s River Country water park near Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. The hotel is “inspired by the majesty of nature and its enduring influence on Disney artists.”