It’s Official: Disney World’s Toy Story Land Is Getting a Makeover
A construction filing quietly submitted this week has confirmed that Walt Disney Imagineering has something new in store for Alien Swirling Saucers in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The clues buried in the paperwork suggest this is no ordinary refurbishment.
What the Permit Actually Says
On May 28, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a Notice of Commencement for work at the address of Alien Swirling Saucers in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The filing describes the scope of work as the installation of “set elements”—language that points to a creative, guest-facing change rather than behind-the-scenes maintenance.
The contractor named in the document is Icarus Exhibits, a company that has been doing increasingly prominent work across Walt Disney World Resort. Recent Icarus Exhibits projects include The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Indiana Jones retheme of DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
The identity of the filer carries its own significance. Routine maintenance and standard refurbishment work at Walt Disney World Resort typically flows through the resort’s Facilities Asset Management team. The fact that Walt Disney Imagineering submitted this particular Notice of Commencement signals that whatever is coming to Alien Swirling Saucers goes beyond a coat of paint or a mechanical fix. Imagineers don’t file permits for ordinary upkeep.
Walt Disney World Resort has not commented on the project, confirmed a timeline, or offered any hint about what guests will find when the work is complete.
Why the Timing Matters
Toy Story 5 (2026) opens in theaters on June 22, and Disney has already started laying the groundwork for the film’s arrival at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Promotional banners featuring Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the film’s new antagonist Lilypad have been installed along the walkway connecting Pixar Plaza to Toy Story Land.
With Imagineering now moving to install new set elements inside Alien Swirling Saucers in the weeks leading up to that premiere, a Toy Story 5 tie-in for the spinning attraction appears to be exactly what’s in the works — though Disney hasn’t said so officially.
Which attraction in Toy Story Land is your favorite? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
