In true Walt spirit, Disney World just keeps moving forward! And we thought there was a lot of construction LAST month! Boy, we didn’t know what we were in for!

With much of Future World closed and blocked off, Epcot is certainly embracing its “work-in-progress” status — and Epcot isn’t the only park either. There’s significant construction all over the parks right now. After all, Disney World has to look its best for the 50th Anniversary next year! We’re taking a look at some NEW permits Disney has been filing to clue us in on what to expect next!

On our last check-in, we spotted some behind-the-scenes work on Mickey Shorts Theater and even some new inventions that might be making an appearance in Disney parks. Um… NEAT! But the files in Disney World just keep coming! So, we’re running through a few more SECRET behind-the-scenes projects in Disney World and what they might mean for the future of the park. Let’s dive in!

Magic Kingdom

TRON Lightcycle Run

As we’re sure you know, work is underway on the upcoming TRON Lightcycle Run in Magic Kingdom. This Tomorrowland coaster is HIGHLY anticipated and features both indoor and outdoor segments. Well, we dug up a permit that was filed on February 2nd that made us pretty excited about TRON progress. Sure, we see a lot of what’s going on on the outside of TRON, but what about the inside??

The permit was filed by Walt Disney Imagineering and sought approval for “Fabrication and installation” from a Creative Environments firm. These firms tend to do the theme-based sets in rides. Ooooooh! Could this mean that the actual theming is getting its first touches inside the TRON building? Maybe! After all, the coaster is expected to be completed in the Summer of 2021.

Click here to learn more about TRON Lightcycle Run! 

Epcot

Future World Overhaul

You may have noticed, but Future World looks PRETTY different these days. Well, just before the work began we spotted TWO interesting permits that pertain to the Future World overhaul. Both permits were filed with Whiting-Turner (a MASSIVE contracting firm that seems to have a big hand in a lot of Disney projects). The first talked about an “on-site office installation” for Whiting-Turner. It sounds like they’re gonna be sticking around for a while to work the Future World overhaul!

The second permit was for “Project G,” and specifically noted “revision to signage and underground utilities.” Now, we, of course, saw the revision to signage as signs popped up around Future World to help direct guests, but the underground work is pretty interesting.

Most likely this includes running utilities to new buildings, attractions, and updated locations for restaurants and restrooms. Will Starbucks relocate in Epcot? What’s happening with Electric Umbrella? Maybe these underground updates hold some clues.

Learn about what the current Future World looks like here!

PLAY! Pavilion

Next up is the MOST exciting permit we found IMO. The permit we found was coded to the Wonders of Life Pavilion. As many of you may know, that pavilion is set to receive a complete reimagining to become the mysterious PLAY! Pavilion.

While we don’t know EVERYTHING about the in-progress pavilion, we do know that it will basically be heaven for kids! The PLAY! Pavilion is described as a “digital metropolis” where “games, activities, and experiences” will allow kids to connect with each other AND Disney characters! They’ll work with fashion designer Edna Mode to “rid the world of uninspired style.” And join a water-balloon fight with Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby!

THIS permit was for the “construction and installation of set elements” by a Creative Environments firm. Could theming be underway? WE HOPE SO! After all the concept art looks SUPER cool and pretty involved.

Then we found ANOTHER permit for the Pavilion on March 3rd for the installation of a “new structure.” Could this be the long-awaited VR component? Indoor buildings and cityscapes? The inside of the pavilion is set to look kind of like a giant indoor tech-city and it should open in 2021.

Here’s EVERYTHING we know about the upcoming PLAY! Pavilion in Epcot!

Disney World Resorts

Fort Wilderness Mining Tower

We even found ANOTHER interesting permit over at Fort Wilderness, and this one seems to be something that’s for the guests. This permit was for the “installation of a mining tower.” We’re thinking this probably isn’t a real mining tower considering they probably wouldn’t build that in the middle of a campground AND there isn’t exactly a lot to mine in Florida ?. A new decorative piece or play area, perhaps? We’ll keep an eye out!

As you can see there’s a LOT going on behind-the-scenes in Disney World! You can bet that we’ll be keeping an eye on all of these mysterious projects and we’ll keep digging for more of those telling Disney files. One thing is for sure, these permits sure get us excited for the future of Disney World — we just wish we didn’t have to wait!

What do you think of some of these mystery projects? Want to hear more about behind-the-scenes work at Disney? Tell us in the comments!