Lots of news happening around the Disney universe. We have attraction closure dates as well as attraction opening dates. Construction continues and planning for construction is well under way. It is going to be a busy few years at all the Disney Parks. So let’s get into it!

Permitting Woes

I think everyone may have heard that the state of Florida issued a ruling that the permit Disney filed with South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will be denied in 10 days if the requested changes were not filed. To recap, Florida is very concerned with water, water run off, and water management. This is to be expected of a state that is mainly at sea level and a swamp. Any construction project must state how they are going to manage water. Disney filed for a permit to put in large gravel pads that will host the construction of Cars Land. SFWMD wanted more info. Disney tries to be as vague as possible in permits so as not to give away too much of the future plans. This kind of back and forth is common and almost expected. Almost immediately, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) intervened on Disney’s behalf and filed a request for a 60-day extension. Remember CFTOD? These were the DeSantos hand picked lackeys that were put in place to punish “Woke” Disney. Well that backfired beautifully and now they are doing their job. Good for them.

So what does this mean for Cars Land and the Rivers of America? It means that at least for now the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island is at best in limbo. We know they will close, just not when. As for Cars Land, there is some speculation that Imagineering is going back to the drawing board and re-imagining the project. I don’t think that is happening. All the official channels state that the project is full steam ahead. The permitting issues did blind side Disney, but not enough to derail the project. Remember that the construction needed for cars land feeds directly into the new Villain’s Land that has been promised.

Muppets Muppets Where Art Thou?

We have also heard the bad news that Monstropolis will be built in the space now occupied by Muppet Vision 3D and Muppet Square. Grandma and I will miss this quiet little corner of the park. Granted, we did not experience Muppet Vision 3D every trip. However, we will miss it. As a consolation prize Rock-N-Roller Coaster will feature Muppets instead of AeroSmith. I really like this idea. I was not a fan of the AeroSmith theme to begin with. How is a 70s hard rock band family friendly? I always scratched my head on this choice. The rumor has it that the long refurb of Rock-N-Roller Coaster was in fact the beginnings of the the re-imagining of the attraction. I for one believe that.

When will these attractions close? No date has been announced. I would expect Late 2025 or early 2026. Disney has a lot of projects underway and Imagineering is being stretched pretty thin. So for now, enjoy!

The Other Coast

Disneyland, not to be out done by their brethren in Florida has its own construction coming to fruition. The Haunted Mansion Queue is now open! To recap, the Haunted Mansion queue was completely redesigned. They are adding an elevator for disabled guests and a new Gift shop. From what I have seen the new queue is great and adds a lot. The queue opening also means that the Haunted Mansion no longer uses the Virtual Queue system! I find this to be great news. I have never been successful in landing a virtual queue spot. I hope that this means that virtual queue will be removed from other attractions as well. However, I am not holding my breath on it.

The walls are all down around Bayou Country, which used to be named Critter Country. Hungry Bear restaurant is open and running.  Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is up and running. As I hear it, it is much better than its east coast counter part. Ray’s Berets, which used to be the Briar Patch, is now open. It is located just across from the entrance of the Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree.

Not to be outdone, Downtown Disney projects are also coming to the finish line. The West Side project, is underway. The AMC theater, Earl of Sandwich and Starbucks building were demolished and a new set of structures, lawn and stage are being built in its place. Part of the west side is the new Parkside Market. Exterior work on the new  is really starting to come along, with new signage installed as the opening seemingly draws near. Parkside Market will be made up of the following four dining locations:

• Seoul Sister – a casual place featuring a Korean-forward menu based on Lorean rice bowls.
• Sip & Sonder – features signature lattes, as well as fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites.
• GG’s Chicken Shop – has a family-friendly menu of chicken sandwiches, salads, and classic dinner table sides.
• Vista Parkside Market – is an al fresco spot offering great views to sip signature craft cocktails and mocktails. Refreshing selections will include frozen lemonades, frozés, espresso martinis, shareable cocktails and spirit-free elixirs.

I am hoping this will be open on our trip early next year!

Extinction

Back to the east! Dinosaur now has an extinction date. The attraction will be closing early 2026. That gives people a whole year to get that Dino! If you remember all of the Dinosaur land is being torn down to make way for the new Tropical Americas land. The Dinosaur ride itself is being transformed to an Indiana Jones theme as it is in Disneyland. I am really looking forward to the new land, but hate seeing the Bone Yard play area going away. Areas like this are sorely needed to let young ones run around and play while their adults take the weight off the feet for a bit. I am also not sad to see the carnival area going. This is really out of place and should never have been built.

Closing

There are a metric ton of projects going on around the various Disney bubbles. Look to see a maze of construction walls for at least the next 2 to 3 years. Grandma and I are looking forward to charting progress and seeing the new and re-imagined attractions. Am I excited about all the changes, no-way. Will Disney continue to do things that twist my shorts? Probably. However, it is an exciting time to go to the resorts and see the transformations. I am happy that progress is happening and the parks are moving forward.

Until Next Time: