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The Timeline

Welcome to the Timeline! This interactive page will give you a glimpse at all the upcoming projects and refurbishments currently underway at the Walt Disney World Resort. These are projects we cover more in-depth in various news reports and construction updates, so be sure to visit the Blog and check out the Channel for all the latest project activity!

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New Missions on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run

May 22nd, 2026

Hollywood Studios; Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Brand new missions are coming soon to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, featuring the Mandalorian! Set to debut right alongside the feature film of "The Mandalorian and Grogu", the new missions will feature thrilling action-packed adventures that's sure to add some much needed variety to the attraction.

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Soarin' Across America

May 26th, 2026

EPCOT; World Nature

In honor of celebrating America's historic 250th birthday, a brand new version of Soarin' will debut inside The Land Pavilion at EPCOT! Featuring sweeping views of America's most iconic natural landscapes and bustling cityscapes, this new journey through the skies is the perfect way to celebrate the iconic geography of the country we call home - from sea to shining sea.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster: Starring The Muppets

May 26th, 2026

Hollywood Studios; Sunset Boulevard

As Monsters Inc. takes over Grand Avenue, the Muppets will be moving over to Sunset Boulevard and taking over Rock 'n' Roller Coaster! The rethemed coaster will be starring Doctor Teeth and his band, Electric Mayhem, as they prepare for a rockin' musical escapade around Hollywood.

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Walt Disney Studios Concept Art
The Walt Disney Studios and the Magic of Disney Animation

Late Summer 2026

Hollywood Studios; Animation Courtyard

This Summer, Animation Courtyard will be transformed into a new area dubbed as "The Walt Disney Studios." Featuring a brand-new interactive experience called "The Magic of Disney Animation," the area will take inspiration from the real Walt Disney Studios lot located in Burbank, California. Kids and families alike will be able to meet and draw their favorite Disney characters with Olaf, explore an indoor playground themed to Alice in Wonderland, explore an enchanted art gallery, and so much more. Additionally, a brand new version of the kid-friendly Disney Jr. show will also debut in the adjacent soundstage.

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The Magic Kingdom's 55th Anniversary

October 1st, 2026

Magic Kingdom Park

The Magic Kingdom officially turns a whopping 55 years-old on October 1st! While not as big of a milestone as it's 50th anniversary celebration back in 2021, Disney still has a few new things in store to help commemorate the occasion. Read more below!

Cinderella Castle Original Color Palette Restoration

Fall 2026

Magic Kingdom Park

In honor of the Magic Kingdom's 55th Anniversary, the original color scheme will be restored to the icon of the park itself - Cinderella Castle! With work currently underway, Disney is reverting back to grays, creams, and rich blues, restoring the castle back to its pre-2020 royal color palette.

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Future Projects

Projects at the Walt Disney World Resort scheduled for 2027 and beyond.

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Disney's Lakeshore Lodge

Summer 2027

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Projected to open next summer in 2027, a brand new Deluxe Disney Resort is being constructed right along the shores of Bay Lake. Situated right next to Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds, the new hotel will fuse a modern aesthetic with the unique majesty of nature to create a whole new Disney Resort experience.

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The Tropical Americas at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Summer 2027

Animal Kingdom; Dinoland U.S.A

Dinoland U.S.A will soon be completely transformed into a new land themed around South and Central America. Featuring brand new attractions with Disney IP's from the region - including Encanto and Indiana Jones - guests will begin their adventure by stepping into the small town of Pueblo Esperanza, which translates to "Village of Hope." In addition to the two major E-Ticket attractions in the land, visitors will also have the opportunity to take a ride on a festive carousel and taste delicious regional cuisine in a large Hacienda. Get excited for a bold new chapter at Disney's Animal Kingdom, as this 11-acre land will be the park's biggest expansion since Pandora: The World of Avatar in 2017.

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Tropical Americas Hacienda
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Walt Disney Update Coming to the Carousel of Progress

2027

Magic Kingdom; Tomorrowland

The Carousel of Progress will soon get some massive and long-overdue upgrades, as a brand new, A-1000 Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney will soon kick-off the beginning of the attraction! Additionally, the remaining scenes will receive some updates too, ensuring that John, Sara, Rover, and the rest of the family can continue to live a great big beautiful tomorrow. An official timeline for this attraction upgrade still has yet to be announced.

Monsters Inc. Land
Monstropolis at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Under Construction

Hollywood Studios; Grand Avenue

New doors are opening soon for Disney and Pixar's Monsters Inc. - all in a brand new land at Disney's Hollywood Studios! The land is replacing Grand Avenue and will feature a brand new theater show, themed shopping and dining experiences, and a major E-Ticket attraction that will boast to be the first-ever suspended rollercoaster in a Disney Park. Construction is currently underway, but an opening timeframe still remains unknown at this time.

Monsters Inc. Replaces Muppets
Monsters Inc. Door Coaster
Cars in Frontierland
Piston Peak National Park in Frontierland

Under Construction

Magic Kingdom; Frontierland

Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom is undergoing some massive changes, as both the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island have now permanently closed. They will be replaced with not one, but two new attractions inspired by Disney and Pixar's "Cars." One will be a thrilling outdoor rally race as guests explore the American wilderness along rugged terrain and uncharted paths, while the second attraction will be geared more towards younger guests and families. An opening timeframe still has yet to be announced.

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Disney Villains Land
Disney Villains Land at Magic Kingdom

Under Construction

Magic Kingdom Park

After decades of circulating along the rumor mill in the Disney community, it has been officially confirmed that an all new land themed around Disney Villains will be coming to the Magic Kingdom! The area will be situated just north of Frontierland and will feature two new major E-Ticket attractions, themed shopping and dining, character meet and greets, and much more. The land will be an amazing culmination of Disney storytelling on an incredibly dark, twisted, and grand scale and will be "a fearless new vision for what a Disney experience can be.” As if this wasn't exciting news enough, the land, along with the rest of Magic Kingdom's future plans, will represent the largest expansion to the park in its entire history.

Recent Additions

New additions previously added to the Walt Disney World Resort.

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"New Magic" at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

May 3rd, 2026

Magic Kingdom; Frontierland

The wildest ride in the wilderness is now back open with some brand new magic! Iconic scenes have been refreshed, the rollercoaster track has been replaced, special effects have been restored, and the ride vehicles have been given a hefty upgrade. Be sure to ride the attraction for yourself to witness all the new changes!

New Upgrades to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

April 8th, 2026

Magic Kingdom; Tomorrowland

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin has recently reopened at the Magic Kingdom with some new and improved enhancements! The attraction now features handheld blasters, interactive targets, redesigned ride vehicles, and even a brand new opening scene - featuring an original character named Buddy!

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Frozen Ever After
Attraction Upgrades

February 12th, 2026

EPCOT; World Showcase

New magic has recently been incorporated into the Frozen Ever After attraction at the Norway Pavilion in EPCOT. Some new additions include enhanced lighting effects, clearer projection mapping, and brand new, state-of-the-art A-1000 audio animatronic figures!

Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Lobby Refurbishment

November 10th, 2025

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Walt Disney World's flagship resort just received some major enhancements to its lobby. Additions include fresh new carpeting, wallpaper, furniture, art, and the addition of a new lobby bar inspired by the resort's iconic birdcage, named "The Perch."

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Zootopia: Better Zoogether!

November 7th, 2025

Animal Kingdom; Discovery Island

A new 3D show has debuted inside the Tree of Life theater, featuring Walt Disney Animation Studio's hit film, Zootopia. The new show revolves around the residents of Zootopia gathering to celebrate "Zoogether Day," and everyone is invited!

The Beak and Barrel

August 29th, 2025

Magic Kingdom; Adventureland

A new tavern inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean is no open in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom! Located in Caribbean Plaza right across from Tortuga Tavern, this new space immerses guests further into the daring story of the infamous swashbucklers that rule the high seas.

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Test Track 3.0 - Presented
by General Motors

July 22nd, 2025

EPCOT; World Discovery

The popular and fan-favorite Test Track has recently reopened at EPCOT! This third iteration of the reimagined attraction takes lots of inspiration from the original World of Motion attraction that used to be at the park, focusing on the exciting possibility of the future of transportation.

Disney Starlight: Dream
the Night Away

July 20th, 2025

Magic Kingdom Park

After 9 long years of not having one, the Magic Kingdom has finally debuted a brand new nighttime parade! Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away features a colorful kaleidoscope of both classic and contemporary Disney characters in ways you've never seen them before, all led by the powerful magic of the Blue Fairy.

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GEO-82 in World Celebration at EPCOT
GEO-82

June 4th, 2025

EPCOT; World Celebration

A new bar and lounge themed to the iconic geodesic sphere is now open right behind Spaceship Earth at EPCOT! The new zen space offers sweeping views of the World Celebration Gardens and the nightly fireworks as guests ages 21+ enjoy a unique and luxurious atmosphere with a "mysterious and elegant intimacy."

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