Crews have removed a large tree that once shaded the walkway near Backlot Express at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The tree stood inside a construction site, surrounded by a mobile planter wall that has blocked the area from guest view since March. Here’s a look at the latest changes for the mysterious “Project Fedora” at Hollywood Studios.
Large Tree Removed at Project Fedora Site
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- A large tree near Backlot Express has been removed for Project Fedora
- A look at the cleared, staked-out plot for the mysterious construction project
Tree Removed for Project Fedora, Site Cleared
Here’s a look back at the large tree that used to sit in this area. Its canopy shaded a walkway lined with stroller parking near Backlot Express. Just over a month later, a photo from our recent visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios shows the tree gone entirely.
A separate photo shows the ground behind the planter wall. Wooden stakes and pink and orange survey flags mark out a cleared dirt plot. It really doesn’t look like there has been much progress on the site except for the removal of the large tree. Perhaps with the tree gone, work can progress again.
As of right now, it’s unclear what Project Fedora is. Walt Disney World has not announced any details, and they have not returned requests for comment about the work.
Tracing the Construction Back to March
Walt Disney World began construction near the Indiana Jones stunt show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in March, at a former merchandise location for the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. Crews removed the overhead netting and the screen from a nearby tip board, and rolling construction planters arrived around the same time.
Permits filed with Orange County add detail on the scope of work. Disney filed two Notices of Commencement Permits back on May 15th for general construction at 253 Cypress Dr, the address tied to the cleared plot. Both list Walt Disney World Resort as the owner. One names Slalom Construction Services, Inc. as the contractor. The other names Artistic Entertainment Services LLC. Artistic Entertainment Services LLC has previously worked with Disney on set piece installation for Donald’s Dino-Bash, Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, and more. Walt Disney World Resort’s Facility Asset Management (FAM) division, not Walt Disney Imagineering, filed both permits.
A separate permit covers signage work at a nearby address, 225 Cypress Dr, tied to the Indiana Jones stunt show area. Walt Disney Imagineering filed that permit on June 10th, not FAM. It’s unclear whether the two projects are related.
Story So Far
- Construction began near the Indiana Jones stunt show in March, with rolling planters installed around a former merchandise kiosk
- A large tree near the site was removed and the surrounding plot was cleared and staked out by July 23rd
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!