Construction is a major fact of life at Disney World right now, with major projects underway in the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. However, even with these massive ongoing projects, there are some indications that Disney is growing even further.

In December of 2025, several construction permits were filed for various projects across the resort, which may hint at future expansions, big and small. Don’t fret if you missed them amongst all the hubbub of the Holiday Season; however, we’ve rounded them up for you.

Indiana Jones

The first permit is linked to the Pueblo Esperanza Tropical Americas project at Animal Kingdom. Specifically, the Indiana Jones attraction.

The permit, filed by Walt Disney Imagineering, is for general construction at an address that matches up with the entrance courtyard of DINOSAUR, the opening day Animal Kingdom attraction that will close on February 2nd to be turned into the new Indiana Jones dark ride. The work is set to begin in February 2026, shortly after DINOSAUR is scheduled to permanently close.

The contractor listed on the permit is The Whiting-Turner Company, which has been a long-time contractor of Disney World projects. The expiration date on the permit is just one year from the start date, which likely means this permit is for site prep work and not the full retheme.

According to Disney, the newest Indiana Jones ride — which will use the same ride system as DINOSAUR, which itself had used the same ride system as the Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland — will follow the titular character during an expedition during which he “recently discovered a perfectly preserved Maya temple, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to explore it. He’s heard rumors about a mythical creature deep within the temple — and he’s got to see it for himself. So, he brings us along on the adventure… but will there be snakes? We’ll just have to wait and see.”

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Magic Kingdom Infrastructure

As site work continues on Piston Peak and Villains Land, Disney filed a construction permit for work outside the park’s berm. The permit, filed under Project K, consists of “construction of two buildings and associated parking, sidewalks, utilities, and stormwater conveyance,” and “the two existing dry retention ponds onsite will be modified, one to be a dry detention pond and the other to a wet detention pond” in an area located near backstage parking. It’s likely these will be offices for construction and Imagineering teams, based on the locations shown on the map.

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More Mansion?

Towards the end of the year, Disney filed another permit, this time for work on the building located at 1600 Magic Kingdom Dr., AKA The Haunted Mansion!

According to the full permit filed on December 26th, the permit is to “install set elements,” and the company contracted to do the work is Mecca Productions, Inc., which is a full-service design, fabrication, and installation firm located in Central Florida. They create props and scenery for theme parks and attractions, museums, and corporate events. In fact, they’re so experienced with haunted houses and designs of that nature that it’s made them the country’s leading Halloween fabricator.

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More Gideons!

Back in December, we uncovered a permit filed by The First Raven LLC, the company led by Steve Lewis, who is the creator of Gideon’s Bakehouse, was for the former Art of Shaving Location, leading us to believe expansion was coming. Now, it’s confirmed! In January 2026 — specifically on January 16th, the 6th anniversary of Gideon’s opening — the chain announced that a new type of location is coming to Disney Springs later this year. According to Gideon’s official social media accounts, the new location will be called Six Ravens and will specialize in all-new savory offerings. 

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Gideon’s owner, Steve Lewis, wrote, in part, “So with that, I introduce you to Six Ravens. This new concept specializes in a creation we call Coffyns, the original term for an old school hand pie. This fluffy yeast bread is filled with flavors created not only by the talented minds in Gideon’s kitchen but also by some of your favorite Orlando culinary superstars. Combine that with potatoes, local draft beer, and, of course, some tasty desserts, and you will have a fun new place to fuel your park adventures.⁣”

 

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As construction spreads across Walt Disney World, Disney’s latest permits expand on these current projects as well as hinting towards further future expansion. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney’s evolution.

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Are you excited for Disney’s latest projects? Let us know in the comments below.