Major Disney Refurb and Construction Completion Dates Worldwide 2.0

[Tom_E_D]

Hi, I thought I'd start a new thread so that we could keep editing and updating the page with the latest construction dates. Things in ORANGE are new additions made to the thread. BLUE is for additions/refurbs that have been completed. PURPLE is for currently cancelled/delayed indefinitely projects (hopefully not too many ) RED will be for anything major closing

Walt Disney World Projects

1. Zootopia: Better Zoogether - November 7, 2025
2. Big Thunder Mountain Major refurb - reopening 2026
3. Buzz Lightyear Refurb - 2026
4. Soarin' Across America - Summer 2026
5. Rock 'n' Rollercoaster Starring The Muppets - Summer 2026
6. Smuggler's Run Mandalorian and Grogu Mission - May 22, 2026
7. Walt Disney Studio @ HS - 2026
   1. The Magic of Disney Animation
   2. New Disney Jr. Show
8. Walt Disney animatronic added to Carousel of Progress - ?
9. Tropical Americas - 2025
   1. Encanto attraction - 2027
   2. Indiana Jones attraction - 2027
   3. Animal Carousel - 2027
   4. Playground - 2027
10. Disney Lakeshore Lodge - 2027
    1. Door Coaster
    2. Monsters Inc Theater Show
11. Cars @ Magic Kingdom's Froniterland - ?? Work to begin 2025
12. Villains Land - ?

* * *

I think there are a few things in the WDW Projects section of Post 1 that need correction or clarification.

You have "9. Tropical Americas - 2025." Tropical Americas will not be opening in 2025.

You have "1. Door Coaster" and "2. Monsters Inc. Theater Show" under "10. Disney Lakeshore Lodge." Those will be part of the Monstropolis section (unofficial name, I believe) of Hollywood Studios, not part of Lakeshore Lodge.

Frontierland is misspelled in 11.

 

[Gusey]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1985156265991905375

 

[AquaDame]

They are also refurbishing Disney Sequoia Lodge at Disneyland Paris next year, both the rooms and public areas. We had already booked or I might've tried to convince my brother to stay elsewhere.

https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-usd/hotels/disneys-sequoia-lodge

https://www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-sequoia-lodge-reimagining-disneyland-paris-resort/

 

[Gusey]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1996218113143017603

 

[Gusey]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1999480784584098234

 

[OKW Lover]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1999480784584098234

Wondering if that upside down limo will go away with the re-theme. Or perhaps it will just get some Muppet passengers?

 

[Dreams&wishes]

I don't understand, if they wanted a refresh and something that would resonate more with younger audience why choose the Muppets?? Such a missed opportunity!

 

[LAS2AMS]

I don't understand, if they wanted a refresh and something that would resonate more with younger audience why choose the Muppets?? Such a missed opportunity!

I don’t they they were trying to increase the appeal toward younger audiences. Ultimately it’s the biggest thrill coaster at WDW and even if the soundtrack sucked, it’s still draw young fans. Most likely it’s about cost. It’s been reported for over a decade that Disney no longer felt it was necessary to pay royalties; the NYT even reported that Disney was not renewing the agreement upon its initial expiration date in 2020. Guess they struck a deal.

Muppets were likely chosen because Disney owns the IP and can use it as a vehicle to sell Muppets merchandise. It’s obviously a low level refurb because they’re doing it in a matter of weeks when normally it takes them that long to move a crane into position.

 

[Suger Mag]

I don’t they they were trying to increase the appeal toward younger audiences. Ultimately it’s the biggest thrill coaster at WDW and even if the soundtrack sucked, it’s still draw young fans. Most likely it’s about cost. It’s been reported for over a decade that Disney no longer felt it was necessary to pay royalties; the NYT even reported that Disney was not renewing the agreement upon its initial expiration date in 2020. Guess they struck a deal.

Muppets were likely chosen because Disney owns the IP and can use it as a vehicle to sell Muppets merchandise. It’s obviously a low level refurb because they’re doing it in a matter of weeks when normally it takes them that long to move a crane into position.

I agree. people will ride the coaster no matter the theme, however I personally love this retheme, I think the Muppets/Electric Mayhem are a perfect fit.

Problem with choosing any real life human band is you cannot make everyone happy, if you go with something that is 'in' right now there is no guarantee that what is popular will last..... and then of course there is always some sort of embarrassing issues when it comes to real life people who do and say embarrassing things.... or illegal things.

For one, the likelihood of the Muppets getting hit with sexual assault charges are MUCH lower than that of real life rock stars, including Aerosmith/Steven Tyler who is currently dealing with at least one active investigation.... although one got dismissed in 2024, there is still another active ongoing investigation.

 

[Dreams&wishes]

I agree. people will ride the coaster no matter the theme, however I personally love this retheme, I think the Muppets/Electric Mayhem are a perfect fit.

Problem with choosing any real life human band is you cannot make everyone happy, if you go with something that is 'in' right now there is no guarantee that what is popular will last..... and then of course there is always some sort of embarrassing issues when it comes to real life people who do and say embarrassing things.... or illegal things.

For one, the likelihood of the Muppets getting hit with sexual assault charges are MUCH lower than that of real life rock stars, including Aerosmith/Steven Tyler who is currently dealing with at least one active investigation.... although one got dismissed in 2024, there is still another active ongoing investigation.

I didn't meant to say it had to remain Aerosmith but not even Muppets. They should have chosen something more relevant anything really from Cars to zootopia or Avengers like on Paris

 

[HokieRaven5]

I didn't meant to say it had to remain Aerosmith but not even Muppets. They should have chosen something more relevant anything really from Cars to zootopia or Avengers like on Paris

They could technically do Cars or Zootopia, going Iron Man like Paris isn’t possible because of Universal’s agreement with Marvel. Also with adding a Cars area and technically converting the Tree of Life to Zootopia they kind of get covered with that.

Muppets at least keeps some of that rock style in place with Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem which allows it to be a shorter refurb than going with another IP.

 

[fatmanatee]

I didn't meant to say it had to remain Aerosmith but not even Muppets. They should have chosen something more relevant anything really from Cars to zootopia or Avengers like on Paris

They can’t do the Avengers at WDW due to Universals contract.

I would guess they felt a lot of pressure to keep a Muppets presence in the parks with 3D going away, and tbh it’ll probably work well. It’s a relatively inexpensive retheme that buys them some time, wouldn’t be surprised if they decide to take on a bigger overhaul in 5-10 years.

 

[Brian Noble]

I would guess they felt a lot of pressure to keep a Muppets presence in the parks

Or, maybe they just wanted to because the Muppets are fun and cool!

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Or, maybe they just wanted to because the Muppets are fun and cool!

Amen!

 

[Landry]

Everyone keeps thinking of the Muppets as something kids only like. Or that kids are the only ones are still watching anything Muppets related. There hasn't been a kids-only Muppets anything in a few decades. The movies and show in the last decade have been more for adults than kids.

 

[Smugpugmug]

Everyone keeps thinking of the Muppets as something kids only like. Or that kids are the only ones are still watching anything Muppets related. There hasn't been a kids-only Muppets anything in a few decades. The movies and show in the last decade have been more for adults than kids.

Yeah honestly I agree. The Muppets isn't really "for kids". I don't think it's an IP that kids are really interested in. Every time I'm at the parks, the only people I see wearing any sort of Muppets memorabilia are adults in the mid 20s-40s range.

 

[BrianL]

The Muppet Show was not necessarily a "kids show." Sometimes it even has a little innuendo. That's not to say that it's not family friendly - it is, but it was trying to offer something for everyone.

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

The muppets on sesame street are for kids. All the other muppets are intended for audiences of varying ages

 

[LAS2AMS]

I doubt the end goal was to make RNRC appeal to younger audiences. It’s the only true thrill coaster at WDW and that by itself will draw crowds. Especially given it’a in a park with so little to do.

Most likely, Disney no longer wanted to pay royalties. As I mentioned earlier, the NYT reported years ago that Disney sources indicated the ride would be rethemed when the agreement ended in 2020. They may have renewed it’d but it’s been a long time coming.

Muppets are a good choice because they don’t have to pay royalties, can stimulate merchandise sales, keep Muppet fans happy, avoid paying millions in royalties and avoid drama.

It’s a low cost refurb but I’m still excited for it. Rumor is it’ll be a ‘Muppets take over the RNRC’ spoof on the original attraction. So, probably not much will change.

 

[Brian Noble]

If you never saw Muppet Haunted Mansion, it is great fun.