Updates on Magic Kingdom’s NEW Rides and Lands

It’s IMPOSSIBLE to ignore all the work being done in Magic Kingdom, but the good news is that all this construction means real, tangible progress!

Cinderella Castle Painting

While the repainting of Cinderella Castle is currently garnering most of the guests’ attention, the world’s most popular theme park is PACKED with projects meant to improve the park. From land expansions to massive ride enhancements, it’s downright wild how much is happening in “The Most Magical Place on Earth” these days, and the evolution has been incredible to see. Let’s dive into everything we’ve seen so far during this early stretch of 2026 and what we can expect to see in the coming months!

First up is the happenings of Frontierland, which is currently the epicenter of change. We’ve known for a while that the area once occupied by the Rivers of America is being transformed into Piston Peak — a Cars-themed expansion with its own rides, restaurants, and shops that work within the existing themes of Frontierland. Right now, the construction walls are up, the river is drained, and this area styled after national parks is officially underway.

©Bioreconstruct on Instagram

Just in the past few weeks, Disney filed three new permits for small Frontierland locations — Big Al’s merchandise cart, Westward Ho beverage kiosk, and the churro cart — that could tie directly into that construction footprint. Rumors have persisted that Big Al’s and Westward Ho are closing, but there’s nothing official on that front. It’s possible these locations will be getting a refresh or even apermanent removal, and how the land continues to evolve over the coming months will be fascinating.

©Bioreconstruct on Instagram

What we do know, however, is that the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District just approved $6.7 million in electrical expansion funding for the areas that will serve both the Cars expansion and the upcoming Villains Land. This permit includes underground electrical cables, transformers, and utility work needed to power lots of the new additions to the park.

©Bioreconstruct on Instagram

It appears as though the new Villains Land is making significant progress! New construction photos show this massive new land taking shape, with crews clearing land in preparation for future development. This area stretches beyond Big Thunder Mountain and will be home to at least two major attractions, as well as new dining and shopping experiences dedicated to Disney villains we love to hate.

©Disney

Thanks to Bioreconstruct, we can finally see some construction updates on the upcoming land and Piston Peak. Per the pictures, work is currently being done behind “it’s a small world” and the Haunted Mansion.

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While they’re not technically new attractions, some Magic Kingdom rides are getting a little more than the classic refurb. Iconic rides like the Carousel of Progress are introducing new elements. Recently, Disney filed a permit to specifically install fire alarm and protection systems — which, admittedly, isn’t flashy. What is flashy is the new audio-animatronic figure of Walt Disney coming to the ride that will be featured in a new opening scene!

©Disney

Back in Frontierland, Big Thunder Mountain is almost ready to end its year-plus-long closure! Set to reopen this spring, the ride will include some enhanced features — such as a new track, new lighting and water effects, and scenes like sparkling Rainbow Caverns.

©Disney

Closed since August 2025, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is also getting a bunch of new features — such as new ride vehicles, enhanced controls, a new training robot, and updated lighting and sound technology.

©Disney

A new permit was filed by Disney World for “general construction” that is set to expire April 2nd, 2027 — far beyond the anticipated Spring 2026 reopening timeline. This new permit — which lists Jon Richards Company, LLC (a company that specializes in show sets, scenery, props, themed lighting, and more) —  doesn’t mean progress isn’t on schedule, but it does make us wonder…

©Disney

Which Magic Kingdom project are you most excited to see come to fruition? Are there any you’re worried about? Let us know in the comments!

While we’re still waiting for concrete dates on a majority of these projects, you can follow us daily for construction and permit updates, as well as all the latest Disney World news!

$6.7 Million Approved for Cars and Villains Land Expansions at Magic Kingdom

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