food IS a theme park
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.”
Okay, so rides in Disney World get updated ALL the time. Just right now, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom is closed for a long update.
Star Tours in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
In EPCOT, Test Track is getting a completely new theme. Another ride that has received a few updates lately is Star Tours in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including the addition of new scenes with new characters. Well, it seems that Disney isn’t quite done with that ride in Hollywood Studios because a new permit suggests that ride is about to get something NEW.
Some BIG things are coming to Magic Kingdom. Frontierland is getting a Cars expansion. A new villains land is going behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which is currently getting a long refurbishment and potential upgrade. AND a Pirates of the Caribbean tavern is coming to Adventureland.
©Disney
Yes, you will soon be able to lounge in a space dedicated to making you feel like you’re a pirate that’s themed around this classic Disney attraction. Now, this new tavern will be replacing what was once the Pirates League, and now, the tavern is one step closer to opening: a new permit has been filed by Disney to replace the Pirates League sign with the new tavern sign!
Good news! Disney has officially filed another permit in Animal Kingdom — this time, for a new show opening at the Tree of Life.
Tree of Life
Grab your 3D glasses, and let’s see what’s up with Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
Get ready to feel some Sweet Emotion, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster fans. The iconic coaster is changing in a BIG way. Say goodbye to Aerosmith; Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the gang will be moving right along to Sunset Boulevard to take over the roller coaster! So, what’s with all the changes? Well, Disney announced that a new Monsters, Inc. themed land is coming to Hollywood Studios, and it’s taking the place of the Muppets Courtyard on Grand Avenue. This has led to some serious theme park rearranging, including changes at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
©Disney
So far, Disney has been pretty quiet about the changes planned for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but a new permit indicates the first official changes are on the way. Disney just filed a permit to repaint the guitar at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
The new land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom park has now cleared a major regulatory hurdle!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
In 2023, Disney announced that the DinoLand, U.S.A. area of Animal Kingdom would be transformed into a new land themed to the Tropical Americas. Some DinoLand, U.S.A. closures have already begun, and a groundbreaking ceremony for the new land — officially named Pueblo Esperanza — took place earlier this year. And now, Pueblo Esperanza has cleared an important regulatory hurdle in development!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
