Walt Disney World Resort has cordoned off portions of Magic Kingdom Park across four themed lands, erecting construction barriers that restrict guest access to multiple attractions and areas. The simultaneous projects in Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Liberty Square mark one of the most extensive periods of construction activity in the theme park’s history.
Tomorrowland Walls Rise
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin shut down last summer to undergo significant modernization. Walt Disney Imagineers committed to upgrading the interactive dark ride with superior laser blaster guns, redesigned ride vehicles, and expanded interactive target opportunities. The renovated attraction will showcase reimagined existing scenes alongside completely new sequences, introducing an animatronic robot named Buddy who demonstrates proper laser blaster techniques to riders.
Interior renovation work dominated the project for months. Recently, though, Walt Disney World Resort submitted permit applications for the installation of new signage at the Tomorrowland attraction, indicating plans to replace the outdated entrance sign. BlogMickey confirmed construction walls now encircle Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, signaling the start of exterior renovations.
The updated Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is slated to reopen during spring 2026. Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t clarified whether construction barriers will remain in place throughout the entire closure period.
Fantasyland Character Location Closed
Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Fantasyland’s Storybook Circus area has been enclosed by construction walls, WDWNT reports. Walt Disney World Resort previously announced refurbishment plans for the circus tent that serves as Magic Kingdom Park’s main character meet-and-greet venue for Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck. The overdue maintenance project addresses structural deterioration—numerous Disney Park guests documented torn fabric and damaged tent sections in recent months.
Walt Disney World Resort provided no completion timeline for the Pete’s Silly Sideshow renovation. The four characters continue to meet guests during the closure, relocating to outdoor areas throughout Storybook Circus rather than inside the tent structure.
Two Magic Kingdom Lands Unite Under Construction Barriers
Magic Kingdom Park’s most extensive construction zone spans from Liberty Square’s Haunted Mansion to Frontierland, including the area around Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Walt Disney Imagineers are simultaneously pursuing three distinct projects within this corridor: the construction of Piston Peak National Park, the development of Disney Villains land, and the comprehensive refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Piston Peak National Park transforms a significant section of Frontierland into a national park-style environment inspired by the Cars (2006) film. The Liberty Square Riverboat, Rivers of America, and Tom Sawyer Island were permanently shuttered last summer, sacrificed to create space for the expansion. Two new attractions will anchor the area—an adrenaline-pumping rally race and a gentler family ride. Scaffolding and imposing construction walls surround the emptied Rivers of America basin, hiding the demolished Tom Sawyer Island from Magic Kingdom Park visitors’ sightlines.
Pardon the pixie dust while Rivers of America is ripped up in guest view.
Pardon the pixie dust while Rivers of America is ripped up in guest view. pic.twitter.com/hATuOZuVIc
— Storybook Amusement (@StorybookAmuse) September 30, 2025
Meanwhile, Disney Villains land is materializing “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad” on land that previously sat undeveloped outside Magic Kingdom Park’s operational boundaries. The area utilizes shared equipment storage zones and construction support facilities in conjunction with the Piston Peak National Park build.
Finally, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s year-long closure for extensive refurbishment is approaching its conclusion. The revitalized roller coaster will feature a completely redesigned Rainbow Caverns scene, brand-new track throughout the entire layout, fresh ride vehicles, upgraded audio-animatronics, and renovated scenic elements that extend into the queue area.
Laughing Place documented the recent expansion of construction walls that already enclose the attraction, with crews extending the barriers to encompass additional entrance space. These walls physically connect to the separate construction zone of Piston Peak National Park.
Walt Disney World Resort remains silent on opening dates for both Piston Peak National Park and Disney Villains land. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen in spring 2026.
Has construction impacted your visit to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Disney Dining in the comments.
