Disney World’s transformation is moving forward, and two highly anticipated new lands just received important construction updates!
From an upcoming Monsters, Inc. land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the Tropical Americas project replacing DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, construction is happening throughout Walt Disney World. New permit activity is now offering another glimpse at the progress being made behind the scenes, but those future additions are only part of a much larger list of closures, refurbishments, and resort projects currently affecting guests.
Here is the latest Disney World construction and refurbishment update, including new permits for Monstropolis and Tropical Americas, the Carousel of Progress transformation, major Magic Kingdom changes, hotel projects, and several reopening dates travelers should know.
New Disney World Permits Point to Progress
Two of Disney World’s biggest upcoming projects received notable permit updates: Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The Hollywood Studios permit is connected to The Glob Theater, the new theater planned for Monstropolis in the former Muppet*Vision 3D location. At Animal Kingdom, a permit associated with the upcoming Indiana Jones attraction was extended through April 2027.
Although permits do not always reveal exactly when an attraction will open, they can provide clues about where construction is happening and which parts of a project are moving forward.
Carousel of Progress Is Closed for a Major Transformation
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress closed at Magic Kingdom on July 6th, 2026, beginning a substantial refurbishment that will update the attraction’s scenes to represent more recent periods of history.
The reimagined version will also feature a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic introducing the attraction. Disney has confirmed that Carousel of Progress will reopen sometime in 2027, although an exact reopening date has not been announced.
This is not a permanent closure, but guests visiting Magic Kingdom during the refurbishment will not be able to experience the current version of the classic Tomorrowland attraction.
Big Top Souvenirs Remains Closed at Magic Kingdom
Big Top Souvenirs in Storybook Circus remains temporarily closed while structural repairs are completed on the building.
The large circus tent was previously taken apart as part of the work, but the structure has since returned. Disney has not announced a specific reopening date, only that the merchandise location is expected to welcome guests again later in 2026.
During the closure, guests looking for similar merchandise can visit the Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A. Snacks normally found in the area may also be available at the Main Street Confectionery.
Rivers of America Construction Continues
The Rivers of America, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island permanently closed at Magic Kingdom on July 7th, 2025.
Construction walls now surround the area, the river has been drained, and structures on Tom Sawyer Island have been demolished. The former Rivers of America area will become Piston Peak, a new Cars-inspired area featuring two attractions.
Disney has not announced an opening date for Piston Peak.
Monstropolis Construction Moves Forward at Hollywood Studios
Muppets Courtyard has been blocked by construction walls since June 8th, 2025. Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo are permanently closed, while Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano served its final guests on May 11th, 2025.
The area is being transformed into Monstropolis, a new Monsters, Inc. land built around the idea of humans being welcomed into the monster world for H.U.M.A.N. Day.
Disney has confirmed that Harryhausen’s will become one of the new land’s dining locations. A newly filed permit is also connected to The Glob Theater, which will replace the former Muppet*Vision 3D theater.
The land is expected to include Disney’s first suspended roller coaster, inspired by the iconic door-vault sequence from Monsters, Inc.
The Walt Disney Studios Area Is Opening in Phases
Parts of the former Animation Courtyard closed on September 25th, 2025, including Star Wars Launch Bay, Disney Jr. Play and Dance!, and nearby character meet-and-greets. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents remained available.
The replacement area, called The Walt Disney Studios, began its phased opening on May 26th, 2026.
Guests can already experience the new Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! show, meet Sofia the First and the SuperKitties, and see additional characters roaming the area.
Future additions will include The Magic of Disney Animation, where guests will be able to watch interactive character portraits, view a short film, and learn to draw Disney characters. A new Drawn to Wonderland playground is also planned, and the Sorcerer Mickey Hat has returned as part of the area’s design.
An EPCOT Shop Is Closed for Refurbishment
La Signature in EPCOT’s France Pavilion closed for refurbishment on June 29th, 2026.
The boutique is known for carrying approximately 70 French cosmetics and fragrances from Guerlain, along with offering makeup consultations. Disney has not announced when the shop will reopen.
During the closure, select Guerlain merchandise can be found at Plume et Palette, also located in the France Pavilion.
Tropical Americas Construction Is Taking Shape
DinoLand U.S.A. officially closed on February 2nd, 2026, clearing the way for Disney’s new Tropical Americas land.
The area will include three attractions, a quick-service restaurant, a central fountain, and additional experiences inspired by locations and stories from the tropical Americas. Large construction equipment is now visible in the area, and portions of new structures have begun rising above the construction walls.
A permit connected to the upcoming Indiana Jones attraction was recently extended through April 2027, providing another indication that work on the project is moving forward.
Grand Floridian Construction Will Continue Into 2027
Construction around the porte cochere at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is expected to continue through at least early 2027.
Guests staying at the deluxe Magic Kingdom resort may encounter visible construction during their visit. Because the Grand Floridian is one of Disney World’s highest-priced hotels, travelers with upcoming reservations may want to consider how ongoing work could affect their stay.
Bay Lake Tower Is Undergoing Extensive Work
Refurbishment and maintenance projects are underway throughout Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, with work expected to continue through late 2027.
Guests staying in the Disney Vacation Club tower should prepare for the possibility of seeing or hearing construction during daytime hours.
Saratoga Springs Dining Refurbishments Continue
Several dining locations at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort are affected by a phased refurbishment schedule.
The Turf Club Lounge closed in early April and is scheduled to reopen in early August. During that closure, the Turf Club Bar & Grill remains open, with a pop-up bar serving a modified version of the lounge’s food and beverage menu.
The Turf Club Patio is expected to close from early through mid-August. The Turf Club Bar & Grill will then close for refurbishment from mid-August through mid-September.
Guests staying at Saratoga Springs during these dates should review available dining options before arriving.
Yachtsman Steakhouse Has a Reopening Date
Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort closed for refurbishment on May 11th, 2026.
While the restaurant is closed, guests can find select Yachtsman Steakhouse menu items at the neighboring Crew’s Cup Lounge, which has reopened.
Yachtsman Steakhouse is now scheduled to reopen on August 28th, 2026, and advance dining reservations are available.
Yacht and Beach Club Maintenance Affects Resort Areas
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort are undergoing visible exterior maintenance.
The projects have also affected select leisure pools at the two resorts. Guests may see construction or hear daytime work while the refurbishments are underway.
Travelers with upcoming reservations should review Disney’s current resort refurbishment notices for the latest information before their stay.
Promenade Fine Art Gallery Is Moving
The Promenade Fine Art Gallery location at Disney’s BoardWalk has been closed since October 20th, 2025.
The gallery is not permanently shutting down, but Disney has not revealed where it will reopen. A new Basin store is also planned for the BoardWalk, and available concept art has led to speculation that Basin could occupy one of the area’s currently vacant spaces.
Until Disney confirms the final location, however, the exact future home of both businesses remains uncertain.
Jellyrolls Is Preparing for a New Home
Jellyrolls permanently closed its Disney’s BoardWalk location on April 19th, 2025.
The popular dueling-piano bar is expected to reopen at a new location approximately 10 minutes away in late summer or fall 2026. Construction has continued around its former BoardWalk building, which appears likely to become Hurly-Burly, a new lounge planned for the resort.
Disney has not yet announced an official opening date for Hurly-Burly.
Some projects will introduce entirely new lands and attractions, while others are temporary closures that could directly affect upcoming vacations. Guests traveling in 2026 should continue checking attraction, dining, transportation, and hotel refurbishment schedules as their trip approaches.
Be sure to revisit Theme Park Scope for more Disney World construction news, attraction permit updates, reopening dates, resort refurbishment information, and the latest developments from Disney and Universal.
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