For decades, the dense woods behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad were the Magic Kingdom’s greatest mystery. They were the “Blue Sky” territory—a vast, untapped frontier that represented the future of Walt Disney World’s original park. In early 2026, that mystery is finally being replaced by concrete and steel.
Recent wastewater filings for a development codenamed “Project SNK” have pulled back the curtain on the largest expansion in the park’s history. These permits provide the first definitive look at the facility structures for Villains Land and Piston Peak National Park (the Cars expansion). While the “Beyond Big Thunder” project has been discussed in hushed tones since 2022, these documents prove that the “Happily Never After” is no longer a distant dream—it is an active construction site.
The Footprint of Evil: Villains Land Construction Updates
The area situated directly behind the Haunted Mansion and “it’s a small world” has undergone a staggering transformation in just the last few months. What was once a lush canopy of Florida pines is now a sprawling expanse of graded earth.
According to the Project SNK filings, Villains Land is being anchored by two substantial attraction structures. While official square footage remains a subject of intense fan speculation, the physical outlines of these facilities suggest a scale rivaling that of the park’s most complex E-ticket attractions.
A Land of Twisted Spires and Dark Deeds
Imagineers have described this new territory as a “living” land. Unlike a standard “land” that simply features a few themed buildings, Villains Land is expected to be an atmospheric masterclass. The newly revealed footprints show a central “hub” area that will likely house the much-anticipated Villains Tavern—a high-capacity, immersive dining location that fans have been clamoring for since the land was announced.
The primary attraction building is positioned at the far north end of the site. Based on the complexity of the utility connections and the surrounding infrastructure, this is expected to be the high-thrill flagship of the land. Whether it features the fire of Maleficent or the underworld of Hades, the sheer depth of the foundation work suggests a ride system that will push the boundaries of modern storytelling.
Piston Peak: Replacing the River with a Rugged Frontier
While Villains Land takes over the “forbidden woods,” the former home of the Rivers of America is being reborn as Piston Peak National Park. This Cars-themed expansion is a radical departure from the neon-lit Radiator Springs seen in California. This is a rugged, off-road evolution of the franchise, designed to harmonize with the red rocks of Frontierland.
The Rally Race Takes Shape
The first signs of “vertical” progress are already visible at the Piston Peak site. Concrete forms have been spotted near the former Tom Sawyer Island boat launch, signaling that the foundation for the off-road rally race is being poured.
This flagship attraction is intended to be a high-octane experience through mud holes, mountain trails, and geysers. The site plans reveal a sprawling network of utility lines that will power the race’s interactive elements. A second, smaller structure is also visible in the plans, which will house a family-friendly attraction geared toward “smaller racers,” ensuring the land remains accessible to every family member.
The Great Magic Kingdom Loop
One of the most profound impacts of this expansion will be its permanent alteration of the Magic Kingdom’s geography. For over 50 years, the park’s layout was essentially a “hub-and-spoke” with a dead end at the back of Frontierland.
The Project SNK filings confirm that Disney is creating a seamless loop. When the expansion is complete, the “Beyond Big Thunder” territory will bridge the gap between Frontierland and Liberty Square. Guests will be able to journey from the bayous of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure into the rugged mountains of Piston Peak, then transition into the dark shadows of Villains Land, finally emerging near the Haunted Mansion.
This new “Magic Loop” is expected to significantly ease crowd congestion in the notoriously tight corridors of Fantasyland and Liberty Square, distributing guests more evenly across the park’s western and northern borders.
Sightlines and “New Magic” in Frontierland
As construction ramps up, guests visiting in 2026 will have a front-row seat to the transformation. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently nearing the end of its year-long “mountain-top to cavern-deep” refurbishment. When it reopens this Spring, it will serve as the primary vantage point for observing the expansion.
Disney has confirmed that the refurbished coaster will debut with “a little bit of new magic.” This is rumored to include:
- The Rainbow Caverns: A stunning new sequence featuring phosphorescent pools and shimmering stalactites.
- Updated Soundscapes: Enhanced audio to better immerse guests in the mining town lore.
- Expansion Vantage Points: From the top of the lift hills, guests will be able to see the massive steel skeletons of Villains Land rising from the dirt.
The Road to 2027 and Beyond
The decommissioning of the Liberty Square Riverboat and the demolition of Fort Langhorn on Tom Sawyer Island were bittersweet moments for many Disney traditionalists. However, the progress visible in early 2026 suggests that the payoff will be a park that is larger, more immersive, and better able to handle modern attendance levels.
While Disney has not yet announced an official opening date, the speed of the Project SNK utility work indicates a target window in the late 2020s. With Universal’s Epic Universe now a significant factor in the Orlando market, Disney is clearly moving with a sense of urgency to ensure that the Magic Kingdom remains the undisputed centerpiece of Central Florida tourism.
The clearing of the land behind the Haunted Mansion and “it’s a small world” isn’t just about adding new rides; it’s about expanding the very soul of the park. As the first vertical steel beams begin to rise this summer, the “Beyond Big Thunder” mystery will finally become a reality that guests can see, touch, and—eventually—race through.
