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Disney Officially Begins Work on Abandoned ‘Stitch’ Ride in Magic Kingdom

If you’ve ever walked through Tomorrowland and passed by the old Stitch’s Great Escape building, you might have noticed something strange—it’s been sitting there, abandoned, for years. Disney doesn’t usually let prime real estate go to waste, so why has this attraction been left untouched?

Cinderella Castle at night
Credit: Disney

Well, something just changed. A newly filed permit shows that Disney is doing construction inside the building for the first time in years. While it’s not an exciting new ride, it does mean that Disney is officially working on the space again.

A Long-Empty Space Finally Gets Attention

For years, the building that housed Stitch’s Great Escape has been collecting dust. The attraction officially closed in 2018, and since then, it’s been a forgotten relic of Tomorrowland’s past. Some speculated that a Wreck-It Ralph attraction might replace it, while others thought Disney would eventually tear it down entirely. But instead, it’s remained in limbo—until now.

stitch's great escape
Credit: Disney Parks

According to the permit, Walt Disney World Resort is repairing sprinkler pipes inside the building. The company handling the project, Grunau Fire Protection, specializes in fire suppression systems. That might not sound thrilling, but it’s the first confirmed construction in the space in a long time.

Why This Actually Matters

So why should Disney fans care about a maintenance update? Because it confirms that Disney is still maintaining the building rather than demolishing it. Reports suggest the space is now being used as a backstage Cast Member lounge, which explains why it needs safety updates.

Stitch's Great Escape
Credit: Disney Fanatic

But could this mean more changes in the future for Tomorrowland? Possibly. When Disney invests in maintaining a structure, it’s a sign that they don’t plan to get rid of it anytime soon. While a new attraction isn’t guaranteed, this means the door isn’t completely closed on the possibility.

For now, though, Stitch’s Great Escape remains a piece of Tomorrowland’s past, hidden in plain sight. But with new work happening behind the scenes, who knows what the future holds?

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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