Construction at Disney World isn’t slowing down—it’s accelerating. We’re in the middle of one of the resort’s most ambitious development cycles ever, with new lands, reimagined attractions, and major expansions happening simultaneously across all four parks and multiple resorts. If you’re planning a trip in the next few years, understanding what’s under construction now is essential to making the most of your time and money.
Here’s the real talk: some of these projects will barely touch your visit. Others? They might close your favorite restaurant or block sightlines. But on the flip side, incredible new experiences are on the horizon. This guide breaks down what’s happening, where, and when—so you can plan smarter.
Magic Kingdom: The Biggest Transformation in Years
Magic Kingdom is experiencing more significant construction than any other park right now, with two massive land expansions reshaping Frontierland and the area beyond Big Thunder Mountain.
Villains Land (Beyond Big Thunder Mountain)
What It Is: An entirely new, villain-themed land featuring two major attractions, dining, shopping, and immersive experiences celebrating Disney’s most iconic bad guys—think Maleficent, Ursula, Scar, Jafar, and more.
Current Status: Infrastructure work underway. Rivers of America drained and land clearing complete. Utility installation and foundational construction in progress.
What to Expect: Concept art hints at a coaster, but Disney hasn’t confirmed ride types. Count on this being as immersive and story-rich as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Impact on Your Visit Right Now: Minimal to moderate. The construction is mostly backstage and behind Big Thunder Mountain. You might notice equipment staging and occasional earth-moving work if you’re in Frontierland, but it’s not blocking major park areas yet.
| Project Phase | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure & Utilities | 2024–2028 | Foundation work, permits stretched through late 2029 |
| Site Prep | 2026–2027 | Grading, staging areas, material assembly |
| Vertical Construction | 2027–2029 | Show buildings, attraction structures |
| Soft Opening & Details | 2029–2030 | Final theming, landscaping, staffing |
| Expected Opening | 2030–2031 | No official date announced; based on permit analysis |
Quick Reference: Villains Land is not opening soon. This is a multi-year project, likely 4+ years out. Plan your must-dos at Magic Kingdom assuming this land doesn’t exist for your next 2–3 trips.
Piston Peak National Park (Frontierland)
What It Is: A Cars-themed expansion replacing Tom Sawyer Island, the Rivers of America, and the Liberty Square Riverboat. It’ll feature Cars attractions, dining, and shopping.
Current Status: Site prep and infrastructure work underway. These two projects share utility work scheduled through 2028.
What to Expect: Family-friendly Cars theming with a major coaster at its heart.
Impact on Your Visit Right Now: Significant. Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America are completely closed. The Liberty Square Riverboat is gone. You’ll see construction walls in Frontierland.
| Project Phase | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition & Site Clearing | 2025–2026 | Tom Sawyer Island, Rivers of America removed |
| Infrastructure | 2026–2028 | Shared with Villains Land utilities |
| Vertical Construction | 2027–2029 | Ride system, show buildings |
| Expected Opening | 2029 | Likely before Villains Land |
Comfort Check: If you love nostalgia and quiet spots, Tom Sawyer Island closure might sting. The park loses a significant chill-out zone. However, if crowds are your concern, construction walls are always worth it for shorter wait times elsewhere.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress (Tomorrowland)
What It Is: A comprehensive creative overhaul of this classic dark ride, closing August 2026 for extensive updates.
Current Status: Pre-closing inspections underway.
Expected Reopening: 2027
Impact on Your Visit: If you’re visiting August 2026 or later this year, assume it’s closed. This is a beloved classic, so plan accordingly if you’re a Carousel devotee.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Coming Online in 2026–2028
Hollywood Studios has the most exciting near-term construction news.
The Magic of Disney Animation (Opening September 14, 2026)
What It Is: A completely new attraction celebrating animation across Disney, Pixar, and 20th Century Studios, built in what was formerly the Walt Disney Presents building.
Current Status: Final construction phase. This is happening right now.
What to Expect: A major walk-through experience with character appearances, interactive elements, and immersive storytelling that rivals some dark rides.
Impact on Your Visit: If you’re visiting in September 2026 or later, this is brand new and will be packed. Plan accordingly and hit it early or grab Lightning Lane if available.
Budget Watch: This is included with park admission—no upcharge. A major win for your dollar.
Monstropolis (Monsters, Inc. Land)
What It Is: The first Monsters, Inc.-themed land anywhere, featuring a suspended-door coaster, Harryhausen’s restaurant, the Glob Theater, and shopping. It’ll tell the story of H.U.M.A.N. Day, when Monstropolis welcomes humans for the first time.
Current Status: Heavy construction. Support columns went vertical April 2026. Harryhausen’s is being built in the former Mama Melrose’s building.
What to Expect:
- Monsters, Inc. Doors Coaster: A suspended coaster (think swinging legs over the track) where you’ll chase doors through Monstropolis. Family-friendly thrills.
- Harryhausen’s: The sushi restaurant from the movie, reimagined as a sit-down dining location.
- Glob Theater: A new show space in the former MuppetVision 3D building.
- Retail & Additional Experiences: The full immersive treatment.
What’s Closed: Muppet*Vision 3D, PizzeRizzo, Mama Melrose’s, and the entire Grand Avenue/Muppets Courtyard area.
| Project Phase | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition | 2025–mid-2026 | Grand Avenue phased closures, MuppetVision removed |
| Coaster Vertical | April–2027 | Support columns, track assembly |
| Show Building & Theming | 2026–2028 | Harryhausen’s, Glob Theater interiors |
| Soft Opens & Testing | 2028 | Systems checks, staff training |
| Expected Opening | Summer 2028 | Likely mid-to-late 2028 |
Impact on Your Visit: The closure of Muppets Courtyard and Grand Avenue removes dining and attraction options. However, Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure remains open, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge access is unaffected.
EPCOT: Minimal Construction, Maximum Stability
Good news: EPCOT is the construction-light park right now. Small projects and maintenance are ongoing, but no major land closures or new lands under construction.
What to Expect: The most stable park experience through 2026–2027. Enjoy it.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Tropical Americas Rising
Tropical Americas (Replacing Dinoland U.S.A.)
What It Is: A new land combining Disney franchises—Encanto and Indiana Jones are confirmed—set in a fictional South American village called Pueblo Esperanza.
Current Status: Major vertical construction. The former DINOSAUR attraction is being transformed into a new Indiana Jones dark ride. Building structures are up, theming work ongoing.
What’s Closed: DinoLand U.S.A. permanently closed February 2026. This is a substantial closure affecting significant park real estate.
| Project Phase | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition | 2025–2026 | DinoLand U.S.A. removed, site cleared |
| Ride Building Construction | 2026–2027 | Indiana Jones & Encanto dark rides |
| Theming & Landscaping | 2027 | Pueblo Esperanza village, clock tower |
| Expected Opening | Late 2027 | Possibly phased (some attractions earlier) |
What to Expect:
- Indiana Jones Dark Ride: The former DINOSAUR building reimagined with Indy adventure themes.
- Encanto Dark Ride: A new experience celebrating the beloved film.
- Pueblo Esperanza Town Square: A village setting with dining and shopping.
Impact on Your Visit: DinoLand’s closure removes a family-friendly section of the park. Crowds will redistribute to other areas. However, Rafiki’s Planet Watch reopened in summer 2026 (Bluey’s Wild World), so younger guests have new options.
Comfort Check: If you relied on DinoLand for lower crowds or easier navigation with little ones, plan alternate strategies. However, Tropical Americas’ opening in late 2027 is closer than most other major projects, so there’s real relief coming soon.
Resort Refurbishments & Closures
Construction isn’t just about parks—hotels are undergoing updates too.
Yacht Club Resort
Yachtsman Steakhouse Refurbishment: Closed May 2026, expected to reopen August 2026. Expect elevated fine dining with refreshed interiors.
FriendShip Boat Dock Closure: August 17–21, 2026. Alternative transportation: direct bus to Hollywood Studios or walk to EPCOT.
Contemporary Resort
Bay Lake Tower & Convention Center: Infrastructure work ongoing through July 2026. Minor disruptions; most amenities remain open.
Port Porte Cochère Refurbishment: Closed through Fall 2026. Valet, luggage, and transportation services continue.
Other Resorts in Progress
- Kidani Village (Animal Kingdom Lodge): Guest room refurbishments through May 2026
- All-Star Sports Resort: Surfboard Bay Pool closure January–late April 2026
- Saratoga Springs Resort: Turf Club Bar & Grill refurbishment plus port cochere work through Fall 2026
- BoardWalk Inn & Villas: Luna Park Pool closure January–April 2027
What This Means for Your Next Trip: A Planning Framework
If You’re Visiting in Fall 2026 (September–November)
Pros:
- The Magic of Disney Animation is brand new and incredible
- Carousel of Progress closure shouldn’t affect crowds much (lower-traffic attraction)
- Hotel refurbishments mostly done
Cons:
- Muppets Courtyard/Grand Avenue still heavily under construction
- Frontierland construction walls ongoing
- Expect September crowds (post-school year start, before holidays)
Best Strategy: Prioritize Hollywood Studios for The Magic of Disney Animation with an early arrival or Lightning Lane. Expect longer waits than normal. Skip Muppets Courtyard restaurants and factor in extra time for Frontierland navigation.
If You’re Visiting in Winter 2026–2027 (December–February)
Pros:
- Tropical Americas is getting closer to completion
- Monstropolis vertical construction well underway (less impact on guests)
- Carousel of Progress still closed, reducing mid-park crowds
Cons:
- Peak holiday crowds (unavoidable)
- Magic Kingdom will be packed; construction walls add congestion in Frontierland
- Resort rooms at a premium
Best Strategy: Visit Animal Kingdom mid-week if possible (Tropical Americas construction is more backstage at this point). Expect long waits park-wide. Book dining early.
If You’re Visiting in Summer 2027
Pros:
- Tropical Americas is likely opening (or already open) in late 2027
- Carousel of Progress reopens in 2027
- Villains Land site prep mostly complete; minimal guest impact
Cons:
- Tropical Americas crowds will be intense upon opening
- Summer heat + construction = challenging conditions
- Monstropolis still under heavy construction
Best Strategy: Plan your trip for late July/early August to catch the tail end of peak summer before Tropical Americas opens to massive crowds. Alternatively, wait until September or later when new-land hype cools slightly.
If You’re Visiting 2028+
Better Days Ahead: Monstropolis opens summer 2028, Villains Land infrastructure largely done. New attraction capacity eases pressure across the resort. Fewer major closures expected.
Budget Watch: Construction Closures & What It Costs You
Dining Impact: The loss of Mama Melrose’s, PizzeRizzo, and MuppetVision 3D snacks (Hollywood Studios) and various resort restaurants will concentrate demand on remaining options. Expect higher prices for dining during peak times.
Genie+ & Lightning Lane: Closed attractions don’t appear in Lightning Lane offerings, but lines for remaining attractions lengthen. Budget 45–60 minutes more per park on average during major construction periods.
Park Tickets: Disney hasn’t reduced ticket prices for construction. Plan your budget the same way; just expect crowds and longer waits.
Value Play: Visit during construction periods (spring, early fall, early winter) when attendance naturally dips. Even with higher per-day wait times, the overall crowd levels are manageable.
The Silver Lining: What’s Worth the Wait
Here’s why we stay excited despite the walls:
- Tropical Americas (late 2027): Two entirely new dark rides, a new land setting, genuine Encanto and Indiana Jones immersion
- Monstropolis (2028): The first suspended coaster in a Disney park, Harryhausen’s dining experience, Glob Theater entertainment
- The Magic of Disney Animation (September 2026): Open now—a premium walk-through experience
- Villains Land (2030+): Two new attractions celebrating Disney villains with a scale and creativity we haven’t seen before
- Carousel of Progress (2027): Classic attraction refreshed for modern audiences
The construction is intense, but the payoff is massive. Disney is betting big on the next few years, and the investments show.
Quick Reference: Construction Timeline Summary
| Project | Status | Expected Opening | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Magic of Disney Animation | Complete | September 14, 2026 | None—new attraction |
| Carousel of Progress | Closed for overhaul | 2027 | Low (low-traffic attraction) |
| Tropical Americas | Vertical construction | Late 2027 | Moderate (DinoLand closed) |
| Monstropolis | Heavy construction | Summer 2028 | Moderate to High (Muppets Courtyard closed) |
| Piston Peak National Park | Site prep | 2029 | High (Frontierland area constraints) |
| Villains Land | Infrastructure | 2030–2031 | Low currently (backstage work) |
| Yachtsman Steakhouse | Refurbishing | August 2026 | Low (one restaurant) |
Bottom Line
Disney World is building aggressively through 2030. Construction will be part of your visit if you’re traveling in the next few years. But here’s the thing: Disney does this better than anyone else. Walls are themed, detours are manageable, and the payoff—incredible new lands and attractions—makes the inconvenience worth it.
Plan around the construction, yes. But don’t let it keep you away. The next chapter of Disney World is being built right now, and watching it happen is part of the magic.