Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro Unveils First-Look Photos for 2027 Disney World Overhaul

Walt Disney World has some big plans for the next few years, and fans just got a rare opportunity to see how several projects are coming together.

With new attractions, themed lands, and resort accommodations on the way, Disney has construction crews working across multiple locations.

Now, Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro has offered a behind-the-scenes look at that progress, sharing photographs that reveal what is happening beyond the construction walls.

The images show everything from detailed architectural work to massive structures that will eventually become part of Disney World’s newest experiences.

And as 2027 approaches, these latest photographs offer an exciting preview of what’s ahead.

Disney CEO Shares Behind-the-Scenes Construction Photos

On October 20, D’Amaro shared several photographs on Instagram featuring ongoing projects at Walt Disney World.

As reported by WDWNT, the images show Imagineers and construction crews working at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge.

Instead of showing fans more concept artwork, D’Amaro offered a look at the actual construction process.

One photograph features a decorative wooden pillar with an intricate floral design, surrounded by four-leaf patterns.

Other images reveal much larger projects, including a towering temple that will eventually house a highly anticipated attraction.

Indiana Jones Attraction Makes Major Progress

One of the most impressive photographs shows the Maya temple under construction for Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The structure already features reddish stonework, turquoise details, and elaborate architectural designs.

Although crews have painted portions of the building, scaffolding remains in place as work continues.

The attraction will replace DINOSAUR and introduce an original Indiana Jones adventure.

Guests will follow Indiana Jones into a mysterious Maya temple near a cenote, where a passage connects to the Maya Underworld.

A mythical creature named Tsukán guards the passage, becoming an important part of the attraction’s storyline.

Disney is also creating Audio-Animatronics figures of Tsukán and Indiana Jones, with the latter modeled after Harrison Ford.

Imagineers have worked alongside archaeologists, anthropologists, and Maya experts to develop the attraction’s design.

Disney previously announced a 2027 opening window, although the company has not confirmed an exact debut date.

Animal Kingdom’s Tropical Americas Expansion Continues

The Indiana Jones attraction is part of a much larger transformation taking place at Animal Kingdom.

Disney is replacing DinoLand U.S.A. with Pueblo Esperanza, a fictional village inspired by communities throughout the tropical Americas.

The new land will introduce restaurants, gathering spaces, colorful buildings, and family attractions.

One major addition is Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto, inspired by Encanto (2021).

Guests will explore the Madrigal family’s magical Casita, with Antonio’s ability to communicate with animals playing a central role.

Disney is also developing El Carrusel de los Animalitos, a carousel featuring animals inspired by Disney and Pixar stories.

Together, these experiences will give the former dinosaur-themed area an entirely different identity.

Monstropolis Construction Moves Forward at Hollywood Studios

Meanwhile, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is preparing for another major expansion.

D’Amaro shared a photograph of a crew member holding a tablet displaying artwork for Welcome to Monstropolis!, an upcoming entertainment experience inside the Glob Theater.

The show will bring characters from Monsters, Inc. (2001) into the new land.

However, the theater is only one part of the project.

Disney is also building a suspended roller coaster inspired by the movie’s famous door-vault sequence.

The land will include Harryhausen’s restaurant and Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza, giving guests additional dining options.

Monstropolis is expected to begin opening in phases during 2027, although Disney has not announced specific dates for individual experiences.

Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge Approaches Its 2027 Opening

D’Amaro’s photographs also offer a look at Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, scheduled to welcome its first guests July 1, 2027.

The resort sits along Bay Lake and draws inspiration from Walt Disney’s appreciation for nature.

Its design incorporates influences from Bambi (1942), Pocahontas (1995), and Brother Bear (2003).

The property will feature 967 accommodations, including studios, villas, and waterfront Lake Houses.

One photograph shows two construction team members signing their names in wet concrete, adding a personal touch to the ongoing work.

Major Changes Are Coming to Disney World

These photographs offer another reminder of how different Walt Disney World could look in the coming years.

Between Animal Kingdom’s Tropical Americas expansion, Hollywood Studios’ Monstropolis development, and the upcoming Lakeshore Lodge, Disney has several major projects moving forward.

Although some opening dates remain uncertain, construction continues across the resort as Disney prepares for its next chapter.