It’s D23 Expo week, and we’re on a plane to Anaheim to bring you on-the-ground coverage and the latest news from Disney’s largest-ever Expo. However, before we land, we wanted to take a comprehensive look at the current Walt Disney World projects and where they stand heading into D23 Expo 2026. This State of the Parks snapshot sets a baseline for the announcements likely coming in the next few days. Here’s a closer look!
Walt Disney World Theme Park Construction Projects Snapshot
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Construction updates on Magic Kingdom’s Villains Land, Piston Peak National Park, and Carousel of Progress
- The latest on Space Mountain rumors and the new Magic Kingdom ferryboat and dock
- Where Tropical Americas, Monstropolis, and Disney Lakeshore Lodge stand right now
We’ll cover plenty from outside the Walt Disney World bubble this week too, but this article stays focused on the Vacation Kingdom of the World. Also, we’ll be focusing on the major projects. There are a number of “smaller” efforts taking place, but we wanted to look at the projects most likely to get a mention at D23 Expo.
Villains Land
Magic Kingdom is not only the busiest theme park in the world. It’s also the most expansive construction site among the Walt Disney World theme parks right now. Crews are transforming the northwest corner of the park into both Piston Peak National Park, a Cars-themed expansion of Frontierland, and Villains Land, a standalone, all-new area. Together, the two projects comprise roughly 33 acres of construction site, on stage and backstage. Disney hasn’t released the final acreage of either project yet. Either way, the end result is the same: Magic Kingdom is expanding. Rumors suggest the northwest corner isn’t the only part of the park that will change. Here’s a look at where each project stands, along with what could be on the horizon.
As we reported in June, Villains Land remains a staging area for construction materials right now. A lot of land clearing has taken place, and the ground looks to be prepared for infrastructure installation. Crews have spread miles of pipe, precast manholes, and construction materials across much of the site. Right now, it looks more like a laydown yard than an emerging themed land.
Looking ahead to D23 Expo, we expect to learn more about Villains Land specifically. We wouldn’t be surprised to hear that the Maleficent roller coaster is confirmed, alongside an immersive dark ride. Dining should also be discussed. All of this will likely be anchored by new concept art.
Rumblings suggest construction could visibly pick up on Villains Land later this year. We think it’s more likely that work ramps up in 2027, with Disney targeting a likely 2030 opening. We recently stopped by Magic Kingdom to photograph the Villains Land area as seen from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Piston Peak National Park
Piston Peak National Park is set to be one of the projects that receives a lot of attention at D23 Expo. Disney recently shared a timelapse of a scale model being packed up for the show. We expect that model will be on display at the largest-ever Walt Disney Imagineering pavilion.
On the ground, we’ve been watching crews install below-ground infrastructure, and they’re still working to get it buried. The biggest and most exciting development is the first section of a massive tower crane that will be used to build the attractions. When we visited recently, crews had just poured the concrete foundation for the crane’s base. The blue steel section is already tall enough to see from around Frontierland. Now the pour needs time to cure before the crane can continue rising skyward.
Carousel of Progress
The Carousel of Progress is closed, and all-new decades are on the way. There’s no visible work taking place, but we can be sure that teams are gutting the theater for the new scenes. In fact, permit tracking has revealed that there will be quite a bit of extensive work taking place inside the theater. Hopefully Disney has some new concept art or other details to share with the world at the D23 Expo.
Space Mountain (Rumored)
This one remains a rumor for now, but it’s possible a Space Mountain reimagining gets announced at this year’s D23 Expo. As we discussed last month, the rumors point to an extensive project. That kind of project would need to get underway soon, and an announcement could come any day now.
The work would likely include ripping out the existing track and replacing it with a new single-track layout. Queue adjustments and interior upgrades would likely also be part of the work. As of right now, the attraction is operating normally, and Disney has not confirmed any refurbishment plans.
New Ferryboat & Dock Expansion
It’s not a flashy project, but the Magic Kingdom ferryboat dock expansion is a critical one. The work will expand the queue and add a new dock for Cast Member use. Construction has now moved into the Seven Seas Lagoon itself. A barge and excavator were staged at the project site as of late July.
Disney is also building a fourth ferryboat to service the route between the Magic Kingdom parking lot and the front gate. It’s part of the preparation for the guest increase expected once Piston Peak National Park and Villains Land open. The new vessel, named the Meg Gilbert Crofton, now has a second deck under construction. Crews are targeting a Summer 2027 debut.
Tropical Americas
The major project under construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Tropical Americas, and construction continues to hit milestones there. Most recently, the tower crane that has anchored the site’s skyline since September 2025 came down. That’s a sign the land’s tallest and heaviest structural work is finished or close to it.
The Encanto Casita’s steel frame continues to climb near the show building. We also got our first look at painted finishes being tested on Pueblo Esperanza’s sculpted rockwork.
Monstropolis
Over in Hollywood Studios, there are a couple of projects underway. The Magic of Disney Animation is set to open next month and is almost finished, so we can skip that project in this update. That leaves Monstropolis.
We’ve been tracking the creation of themed facades. Crews have been adding monstrous details to the existing facades of the former Muppets Courtyard. Most recently, curved steel ribs went in for the Door Vault roller coaster’s load and unload station. The ribs form the distinctive “M” shape first shown in the concept model at the 2024 D23 Expo.
Disney Lakeshore Lodge
Last on our list is Disney Lakeshore Lodge. Disney has announced a number of details for the new Disney Vacation Club property rising on the shores of Bay Lake. A substantial mention during the Disney Experiences Showcase seems unlikely. Still, some new details could pop up on the show floor. Just over a week ago, Disney shared a first look at the resort’s lobby and its three dining venues. That includes a table-service restaurant on the water and a lounge positioned for Magic Kingdom fireworks views.
For everything you need to know about the 2026 D23 Expo, check out our dedicated event page below with the latest info, news, and photos!
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