We sure are missing Disney World right about now, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t still keep an eye on some of the upcoming projects that we’re excited about!

Despite the current closures of the Disney parks and the temporary halt on construction, Walt Disney Imagineering and other Resort development teams are still hard at work crafting the future of the parks. That means that we can still spot some construction permits every once in a while for projects that are starting soon.

While the parks do what they can in the interest of health, some agencies (like Imagineering!) are still hard at work filing permits with the government for upcoming projects. Trust us, you’re gonna want to see these! Spoiler: We found a few for the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster!

Let’s check ’em out!

Epcot

Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind

We won’t keep you waiting too long to talk about the MOST exciting permits we found! That’s right, we found some work being done over at the former Universe of Energy in Epcot — that’s the site for the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind! We spotted THREE permits for this attraction that point to us being a few steps closer to riding this reverse-launch, 360-degree marvel.

The first permit is so that teams can “fabricate and install set pieces.” This kind of permit is filed alongside creative design firms and usually point to some sort of theme installation within the ride structure.

We can only imagine what super cool set elements they’re getting ready to load in. Alien planets? Spacecraft? Starlord and ROCKET RACOON?!

The next permit we spotted was with a design firm for the installation of “graphics, entrance, and set structures.” That sure sounds like more theming to us! This permit especially makes us wonder if we’ll be able to see some new design aspects to the exterior of the pavilion when they’re able to get construction going again. We can’t wait!

And finally, Imagineering filed a permit alongside a pro sound and video firm to install some “lighting controls.” We would love to see some of the designs that Disney has for the lighting inside this attraction, but we’ll have to wait for when we get to ride it in 2021.

Want to see everything we know about the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster? Click here!

Disney World Resorts

Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge

And though that’s the only work that we spotted for any in-park attractions, it seems that we’re looking ahead to some projects around the Walt Disney World Resorts. Most notably, we spotted a whopping SIX permits for the site of the upcoming Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge. Oh yeah, they’re getting started on some work for this reimagined classic country lodge!

A few of these permits were for logistical projects in the resort. For instance, we were able to dig up permits for the Security Kiosk at the site, a Transportation Dock (this points to Reflections likely having access to Disney Water Transportation), and a Bus Stop and Covered Walkway.

Then two of the permits seem to be pointing at outdoor amenities for guests. It seems construction is set to begin on the Pool Restroom Building and seven Outdoor Structures. Hmm, we wonder what those structures could be! Maybe they’ll be some sort of cabanas or play areas for kiddos!

But the BEST permit out of the bunch is for a Table Service Restaurant. Call us crazy but that sounds a lot like they’re about to start constructing the Princess and the Frog-inspired restaurant that’s set to open with the resort. Um…PLEASE!!! We’re aching for new details about this dining spot so you can bet that this news has us pretty jazzed (get it??).

Click here to learn more about the Princess and the Frog restaurant coming to Reflections!

Grand Floridian Walkway and Potential Bridge to Magic Kingdom

Before the park closures we noticed some construction going on over at Grand Floridian Resort. It looks like they’re working on a pathway and bridge over to Magic Kingdom. OOOOoooh! We spotted two permits for general construction on this structure so it seems that work will continue to advance once the halt is lifted.

For a glimpse at how construction was progressing on the bridge before the closures, click here!

Contemporary Walkway

And our last permit from the round-up is a small one, but we’re still excited to see the results. Remember the Contemporary Resort to Magic Kingdom Walkway? Well, it looks like there’s going to be some added signage soon! Of course, it’d be pretty hard to get lost on this one-way path, but some new signs will certainly make it look even more polished and new!

Click here to see the Contemporary Walkway!

So there you have it! Some big work is coming soon to Disney World, despite the closures. We’re pretty excited to see the result of some of this construction (hello new COASTER!), so we’ll be keeping an eye out for any more updates. Until next time!

Check out Our Last Permit Round-Up to See What ELSE Is About To Start Happening in Disney World!

Which of these Disney projects are you most excited to see completed? Tell us in the comments!