food IS a theme park
Disney has been announcing new lands, attractions, and entertainment headed to the theme parks, and we can’t WAIT.
Magic Kingdom
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. Recently, Tom Sawyer Island permanently closed to make way for the NEW Piston Peak National Park — a Cars-themed land coming to Magic Kingdom. And now, a new permit has been filed for this transformation!
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.
Magic Kingdom
The closure of Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and the Rivers of America is imminent. And, ahead of these attractions’ final day on July 6th, Disney has officially filed a permit for demolition.
Big changes are coming to Magic Kingdom!
Magic Kingdom
The park is adding a new Cars land, the Villains are moving in, and Buzz Lightyear is getting a makeover! Now, a new permit has been filed confirming more upcoming changes!
A LOT is going on in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We just witnessed the arrival of two brand-new shows (The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After). We also just said goodbye to Muppets Courtyard as it was closed recently to make way for a new Monsters, INC. land.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Well, as you may know, the Muppets will be moving over to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster sometime in 2026, and we’ve just spotted a new permit that could hint at future work to get ready for the coaster’s closure and re-theming.
With everything going on in Magic Kingdom right now, it’s hard to keep up with progress.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Over in Frontierland, Disney is getting ready to permanently close Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island to start work on Piston Peak, a new Cars expansion. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently getting a massive refurbishment. In Tomorrowland, Astro Orbiter is getting put back together after a refurbishment. Meanwhile, another ride in Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close in August for a big refurbishment, and we now have a permit that hints at some of the work to be done at this attraction.
Well, the end of an era is happening in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Muppets Courtyard in Hollywood Studios
The first of the Muppets Courtyard closure is underway, starting with Mama Melrose’s, followed by Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo. By June 8th, the entire area will be permanently closed to make way for a new Monsters, INC. land. Well, Disney recently filed a permit for a store in the area that will soon be demolished. So, yep, it’s really happening, folks.
We’ve had the chance to explore Epic Universe quite a bit thanks to multiple previews, but that doesn’t mean we’re not still STOKED about the official grand opening!
Epic Universe
The park is officially opening on May 22nd, and we’re expecting some serious fanfare to celebrate the occasion. In fact, a new permit shows just that!
A LOT is happening at Magic Kingdom in Disney World. A LOT.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
First, let’s just say we’re excited about the new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight, coming to the park. We are BEYOND hyped for the new Villains land coming to the park. We’re not so happy about all the construction that’s going to start soon to make way for a new Cars-themed area in Frontierland (well, we are excited about the new rides, but not the construction walls). In the process, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closed and in the middle of a huge refurbishment, and a new permit might hint at when Disney World expects the ride to reopen.
Some BIG things are in store for Magic Kingdom in Disney World. Although we’re still waiting to get more word on the new Villains land Disney has announced for the park, we’re already starting to see progress on the big Cars expansion that’s coming to Frontierland.
Cars Area Concept Art ©Disney
Disney has already filed permits regarding stormwater management for the Cars expansion area, which will take over Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. Now, a new permit has been filed to set up trailer complex that will probably serve as offices for the project.
A Disney World ride is working its way to reopening!
Tomorrowland!
Magic Kingdom’s Astro Orbiter has been closed since January 2025, but new permits filed with the Orange County Comptroller might indicate the ride’s reopening. The new permit details work involving “labor, materials, and/or electrical for construction.”
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