Walt Disney World Project Tracker

[Exprcoofto]

Welcome to Club D23's Walt Disney World Project Tracker. This thread is a collection of upcoming Walt Disney World projects as well as rumored additions to the parks and the entire resort. The information collected here comes from various places around the web and is confirmed by "Disney Insiders". We will also use official statements and press releases from Disney to confirm various projects. We want to make sure that we are providing the most accurate information out there.

While some projects will be labeled as a rumor, please remember that it may not actually happen. Many times concrete projects are discussed within the Disney Company and get leaked out, then the project gets cut down the road. Just because there is a possibility of it happening, there is an even greater possibility of it not happening. Even confirmed projects can be canceled, like many of the proposed pavilions for World Showcase that were once publicly announced.


Color Code Key:

Green indicates the project is happening or going to happen
Red indicates that the project is strictly a rumor (a rumor doesn't indicate that the project will happen)
Orange indicates the project is completely finished and is now open to all guests

To keep up to date on projects and other various topics, make sure to follow WDW Project Tracker and Club D23 on twitter.

Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

Location: Fantasyland Forest (Part of the Fantasyland Expansion)
Details: Announced at the D23 Expo in 2009, Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid will take it's place toward the back of Fantasyland Forest, part of the Fantasyland Expansion. The facade will feature detailed rock work with flowing waterfalls and a nearly full-sized Prince Eric's Castle. The D-Ticket attraction itself will be identical to the one in Disney California Adventure which will feature a few detailed Audio Animatronics and classic scenes from the movie.
Status: Currently under construction, foundation has been poured.
Opening: 2012
Updates: July 28th, 2010

Be Our Guest Restaurant

Location: Fantasyland Forest (Part of the Fantasyland Expansion)
Details: Announced at the D23 Expo in 2009, Be Our Guest Restaurant will take it's place toward the far back left between Gaston's Tavern & Village and Enchanted Tales with Belle. The restaurant will feature three distinctive dinning halls, themed to different wings in Beast's Castle. By day, the restaurant will be counter service and will switch over to a sit down dinning experience in the evening. Rumors indicate that there might be "living" characters such as Lumiere and Cogsworth - similar to Remy at Chefs de France.
Status: Currently under construction
Opening: 2012
Updates: July 28th, 2010

Gaston's Tavern & Village

Location: Fantasyland Forest (Part of the Fantasyland Expansion)
Details: Announced at the D23 Expo in 2009, Gaston's Tavern & Village will be located between Be Our Guest Restaurant and Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid. Gaston's Village with a quick counter service where you can grab a bite to eat and admire all of Gaston's trophies and other accomplishments. Around Gaston's Tavern you'll feel like you're in the village, even equipped with a fountain and statue of Gaston himself.
Status: Currently under construction
Opening: 2012
Updates: July 28th, 2010

Enchanted Tales with Belle

Location: Fantasyland Forest (Part of the Fantasyland Expansion)
Details: Announced at the D23 Expo in 2009, Enchanted Tales with Belle will be a new "experience" where kids interact with Belle and other members of the cast as they reenact the story of Beauty and the Beast. This will take place in Belle's father's cottage, located closer to the Castle Wall.
Status: Currently under construction
Opening: 2012
Updates: July 28th, 2010

Dumbo the Flying Elephant Expansion (Dumbo's Big Top)

Location: Fantasyland Forest (Part of the Fantasyland Expansion)
Details: Announced at the D23 Expo in 2009, the classic Fantasyland attraction Dumbo the Flying Elephant will be expanded to include an additional spinner. The new expansion will also include a "queue-less" system where guests play interactive games in the circus tent while waiting to ride. Once you're called up, there will be a very minimal to no wait before you ride.
Status: Announced, but it's exact location has not been decided
Opening: 2013

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Queue & Facade Refurb

Location: Fantasyland Forest (Part of the Fantasyland Expansion)
Details: Throughout the rest of the year, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh will receive a major queue and facade refurbishment. This refurb will change the look of the facade and queue in order for it to match the Fantasyland Forest theme. There is also a possibility that the queue will receive interactive games/activities to help bypass guests time in line. Rumors also indicate a brief refurb for the actual attraction, but no dates have been announced.
Status: Currently under construction
Opening: This project will continue throughout the end of the year
Updates: July 25th, 2010 July 28th, 2010

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Refurb Closure

Location: Fantasyland Forest (Part of the Fantasyland Expansion)
Details: The attraction will be closing for a short time while more queue work is done. This downtime was to be expected as work progresses heavily and draws closer toward the loading/unloading area. There aren't any indication on attraction show updated, but we'll keep you posted.
Status: Queue under construction, downtime October 25th - November 14th, 2010
Opening: November 15th, 2010
Updates: July 25th, 2010 July 28th, 2010

"it's a small world" Refurbishment

Location: Fantasyland
Details: "it's a small world" will be going down for a refurbishment, mainly to focus on the queue. The plans are to re-work the queue and exit to allow more of the queue inside the air conditioning. The exit will be moved along the edge of Pinocchio's Village Haus. It's unknown if the attraction itself will see any work done.
Status: Closed August 1st - October 22nd
Opening: October 23rd
Updates: July 28th, 2010

On Going Facade Painting

Location: Fantasyland
Details: Over the past year there has been on going facade painting throughout Magic Kingdom. Currently under "tarps" for painting: Peter Pan's Flight Fastpass Distribution, Liberty Tree Tavern (partial), Exposition Hall (partial), Casey's Corner (partial), and other various shops on Main Street, U.S.A.
Status: Ongoing
Opening: N/A
Updates: July 28th, 2010

Tangled Meet & Greet Replaces "Storytime with Belle"

Location: Fairytale Garden, Fantasyland
Details: Storytime with Belle in the Fairytale Garden will have it's final show September 12th, 2010. This is to make way for a new Meet & Greet with Flynn & Rapunzel. No more information has been given out at this time.
Status: Coming Soon
Opening: October 15th, 2010

The Made Tea Party Refurbishment

Location: Fantasyland
Details: Unknown
Status: Closed September 26th - November 10th
Opening: November 11th, 2010

Mine Car Ride/Coaster

Location: Fantasyland Forest (Part of the Fantasyland Expansion)
Details: While this has not been officially announced, rumor is that a new mine car-based ride/coaster will replace the Cinderella & Aurora Meet & Greets originally announced at the D23 Expo. This new ride would be a bit more "thrilling" and focus on different age groups and genders, just like Tom Staggs wants. Details regarding this attraction aren't clear but word on the street is that it will be "highly themed". It's not 100% clear that it's directly based on Snow White, but most likely it will be.
Status: Rumor
Opening: Unknown

Snow White's Scary Adventures Removal, New Princess Meet & Greet

Location: Fantasyland
Details: There is a possibility that the dark ride Snow White's Scary Adventures may be removed. In it's place a new centralized Princess Meet & Greet would be added temporarily while a permanent home is built in the former site of the Skyway Station in Fantasyland. Once the Princesses leave, a new attraction would be placed into the former site of Snow White's Scary Adventures. This may also confirm that the mine car ride/coaster would be Snow White themed.
Status: Rumor
Opening: Unknown

Expanded Dumbo Theming

Location: Fantasyland Forest (Part of the Fantasyland Expansion)
Details: Announced at the D23 Expo, Dumbo will be expanded to include an additional spinner. However, word on the street is that Dumbo's theming will continue to dominate that area. Barnstormer will receive some sort of Dumbo/Clown overlay, a new mega merchandise location will open, and some sort of Casey Jr. themed food cart/location will also open. There is also the possibility that the train station will also receive a Dumbo theme.
Status: Rumor
Opening: Unknown

Dreams Come True with Cinderella

Location: Fantasyland Forest (Part of the Fantasyland Expansion)
Details: Announced at the D23 Expo in 2009, Dreams Come True with Cinderella will be an "experience" where guests see Cinderella change from her raggy clothes into her dress, right before their eyes. You'll then have some time to interact with the Princess. All of this will take place in the Tremaine Chateau toward the entrance of Fantasyland Forest.
Status: Possibly Cancelled
Opening: Possibly Cancelled

A Birthday Surprise for Sleeping Beauty

Location: Fantasyland Forest (Part of the Fantasyland Expansion)
Details: Announced at the D23 Expo in 2009, A Birthday Surprise for Sleeping Beauty will be an "experience" where kids can create birthday cards with the Three Good Fairies. Then you'll enter into another room and surprise Sleeping Beauty with all of the cards for her 16th birthday.
Status: Possibly Cancelled
Opening: Possibly Cancelled

Tangled Pre-Parade

Location: Magic Kingdom
Details: We've heard that a Tangled pre-parade is in the works for Magic Kingdom. No more details or information is available at this time.
Status: Coming Soon
Opening: Unknown

Pixie Hollow

Location: Possibly Cancelled
Details: Previously announced at the D23 Expo in 2009, this project was going to provide a home for the fairies of the Pixie Hollow movie series. The land would have included an interactive play area as well as an opportunity to Meet & Greet with the fairies. Guests would feel like they've been shrunk down to the size of a fairy as they walk under giant plants and flowers. According to multiple sources, the Pixie Hollow mini-land has been cancelled. Please remember that this is currently a rumor and has not been officially announced.
Status: Possibly Cancelled
Opening: Possibly Cancelled

Additional Attractions for Fantasyland Forest

Location: Fantasyland Forest (Part of the Fantasyland Expansion)
Details: While not officially announced, we've heard word that Disney is currently looking at adding addition attraction(s) that would replace the previously set aside plot for Pixie Hollow. It is unknown what type of attractions could possibly be added, but they would not be like the Princess "experiences". Please remember that this is just a rumor and has not been officially announced.
Status: Rumor
Opening: 2013 (Fantasyland Expansion Phase 2)

New Parade & Castle Stage Show for WDW's 40th Anniversary

Location: Magic Kingdom
Details: While this is only a rumor, we've heard the possibility of a new daytime parade and castle stage show for Walt Disney World's 40th Anniversary on October 1st, 2011. It's unknown what the theme of either will be.
Status: Rumor
Opening: October 2011

SpectroMagic Upgrades

Location: Magic Kingdom
Details: This is only a rumor, but it's been hinted to that SpectroMagic may receive some upgrades while the Main Street Electrical Parade runs. It is unknown what the upgrades would include.
Status: Rumor
Opening: Unkown

Track-side Audio for Space Mountain

Location: Tomorrowland
Details: There has been some talk about the possibility of "track side" audio within the mountain. Speakers have been spotted via the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover while work lights were on inside the mountain. The speakers would not be directly next to the track, they'd be laid out throughout the mountain to provide some sort of background music.
Status: Rumor
Opening: Unkown

Lap bars to be added on Splash Mountain

Location: Frontierland
Details: This rumor has been around for while, and there is even a mock-up picture that was leaked online. The addition of lap bars was brought up heavily during it's last refurb but they were not added. It's been rumored that they will finally be installed during Splash Mountain's next refurbishment.
Status: Rumor
Opening: Unkown

Hacienda de San Angel

Location: Mexico, World Showcase
Details: The new Hacienda de San Angel restaurant is replacing the former Catina de San Angel, both which sit along the lagoon edge in the Mexico pavilion. This new larger restaurant will counter service during the day and sit-down dinning in the evening. The food featured will be authentic Mexican dishes, right down to the churro for dessert.
Status: Under construction
Opening: September 2010
Updates: July 15th, 2010

Duffy (Disney Teddy Bear from Tokyo Disneyland) Meet & Greet

Location: Japan Pavilion, World Showcase
Details: Special Annual Passholder event in Walt Disney World on Setpember 18th, 2010 to preview Duffy the Teddy Bear.
Status: Unknown
Opening: Rumored to be October

Journey into Imagination with Figment Refurb

Location: Imagination Pavilion, Future World
Details: While this is only a rumor, there are internal plans for an Imagination refurb. These plans have existed for quite some time, but still have yet to be "greenlit". Rumors indicate that there is a possibility of the new version using the trackless ride system used in Tokyo Disneyland's Pooh's Hunny Hunt. None of this has been officially confirmed by Disney.
Status: Unknown
Opening: Unknown

New Soarin' Film (Over the World)

Location: The Land Pavilion, Future World
Details: With the rumor of a new film coming to Disney California Adventure's Soarin', there is also a possibility the new "Over the World" film would show up in EPCOT. This is only a rumor though and has not been confirmed.
Status: Unknown
Opening: Unknown

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

Location: Echo Lake
Details: Star Tours will be closing to make way for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue which was announced at the D23 Expo in 2009. The new version will feature different destinations which will be based on audience input. Almost every ride you take could end up being different with a combination of different scenes. All of this will be presented in 3D and will contain other special effects.
Status: Sept. 8, 2010 - May 2011
Opening: May 2011

One Man's Dream Refurbishment

Location: Mickey Avenue
Details: One Man's Dream will be undergoing a refurbishment to possibly add in recent or upcoming projects. No details have been released.
Status: Closed Aug 16 - Nov 2nd, 2010
Opening: November 3rd, 2010

Disney Channel Rocks!

Location: Streets of America
Details: This new Disney Channel based show will replace the current High School Musical 3 street show. The new show will feature hits from Star Struck, Camp Rock, and High School Musical.
Status: Coming soon
Opening: October 22nd, 2010

Muppet WhatNot Workshop

Location: Streets of America
Details: This new shop would allow you to make your own WhatNot Muppet. You get to pick a base/body, eyes, nose, mouth, hair, and clothing.
Status: Unknown
Opening: Unknown

Mayhem Band Living Character Initiative

Location: Streets of America
Details: As part of Disney's Living Character Intiative (which includes Lucky the Dinosaur, Remy, WALL-E, and Muppet Mobile Lab Audio Animatronics), the Muppet Mayhem Band is eventually suppose to debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Status: Unknown
Opening: Unknown

Monsters Inc. Themed Family Coaster

Location: Pixar Place
Details: A very strong rumor which was apparently once leaked on the Cast Member website, The Hub. This new "family" coaster would be themed to Monsters Inc. and would take up Soundstage 1, right next to Toy Story Midway Mania in Pixar Place. In fact, if you look at the roadway and the "arch/bridge" above you near Soundstage 1, it'd identical to scenes from the Monsters Inc. movie. There is an even stronger possibility of this ride coming due to the new sequel coming out in November 2012.
Status: Unknown
Opening: Unknown

Sorcerer's Hat Removal

Location: Hollywood Boulevard
Details: This has been an ongoing rumor - similar to the wand removal at EPCOT. The Sorcerer's Hat that was placed in front of the Chinese Theater was part of the 100 Years of Magic celebration. If it's lifespan is correct, the hat should be removed by the end of the year - but currently there is no indication of that happening.
Status: Unknown
Opening: N/A

Kilimanjaro Safaris Expedition

Location: Africa (Harambe Wildlife Reserve)
Details: Disney announced a new upcoming "expedition" (tour) coming to the Harambe Wildlife Reserve later this year. Many details are still being worked out by Walt Disney Imagineering, but the tour will include a walking portion into unexplored areas of the Harambe Savannah and a ride portion where you board a special vehicle and travel into the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.
Status: Coming Soon
Opening: Late 2010

Flame Tree Barbeque Refurbishment

Location: Discovery Island
Details: General restaurant maintenance.
Status: Closed August 9th - October 2010
Opening: October 2010

Dinosaur Load/Unload Platform Work

Location: DinoLand, U.S.A.
Details: The loading/unloading platforms at Dinosaur will be receiving some changes - possible to add a dedicated unload section. During this time the attraction will be running with a lower capacity.
Status: Ongoing work August - October
Opening: N/A

New Parade

Location: Animal Kingdom
Details: There is a rumor about a new parade being looked at for Disney's Animal Kingdom. Hardly any details have been leaked, including whether it's a new daytime or nighttime parade. It could be similar to the "Rivers of Light" concept from a while ago, but it's still unconfirmed from Disney.
Status: Unknown
Opening: Unknown

Yeti Refurbishment

Location: Expedition Everest, Asia
Details: Supposedly there is suppose to be "ongoing" work on the Yeti over the next several months. Several weeks ago the Yeti came out from behind a temporary tarp. It's been informed that he was covered up while measurements were taken for future work. None of this has been officially confirmed by Disney.
Status: Unknown
Opening: Unknown

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Location: Old Pop Century Classic Years Plot
Details: This new resort will have a similar feel the All Stars & Pop Century, but will be themed around 4 Disney animated features. 2 hand drawn, The Little Mermaid and The Lion Kingdom as well as 2 Pixar movies, Finding Nemo & Cars. The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars will consist of 1,120 family suites while the Little Mermaid section will contain 864 themed rooms.
Status: Early construction
Opening: Late 2012

Disney's Golden Oak Million Dollar Homes

Location: Near Fort Wilderness Campground
Details: The new Golden Oak Luxury Homes will allow people to actually live on Disney property, close to the Magic Kingdom. These new homes will range from $1.5 million to $8 million.
Status: Under construction
Opening: Unknown

New Monorail Spur Line

Location: Near the EPCOT Line Switch
Details: This new Monorail spur line will house a tractor and possibly a Monorail for quick access.
Status: Coming soon
Opening: Unknown

Typhoon Lagoon Refurbishment

Location: Typhoon Lagoon
Details: General yearly refurbishment
Status: Closed 10/31/10 -1/8/2011
Opening: N/A

Blizzard Beach Refurbishment

Location: Blizzard Beach
Details: General yearly refurbishment
Status: Closed 1/9/2011- 3/19/2011
Opening: N/A

Ticket & Transportation Center Roof Replacement

Location: TTC
Details: The roof of the TTC is currently being replaced.
Status: Under construction
Opening: N/A

Pleasure Island Additions

Location: Downtown Disney
Details: Disney is currently testing different entertainment in Pleasure Island such as the human statues. It's also rumored that Disney is possibly looking at adding a massive outdoor club, but it hasn't been confirmed by Disney.
Status: Ongoing testing
Opening: Unknown

New Western-themed DVC Resort

Location: Bay Lake Area
Details: Rumor of a new western/ranch themed DVC resort along the edge of Bay Lake, possibly taking up the existing spot of River Country - the old Disney water park.
Status: Unkown
Opening: Unknown

July 2nd, 2010: Captain EO Re-opens at EPCOT
July 2010: Donald Duck Meet & Greet in Mexico
July 9th-24th, 2010: Taste of Africa Street Party test run

Via Napoli Restaurant

Location: Italy, World Showcase
Details: This new pizzeria restaurant will feature very detailed Italian cuisine including brick oven pizza. Some ingredients will be directly from southern Italy while others, such as the water, will be made to identically match that of it in Italy. Via Napoli does not offer a counter service option, it is strictly a sit down restaurant.
Status: Opened August 5th
Updates: July 15th, 2010

Removal of the Power Rangers Meet & Greet

Location: Streets of America
Details: The Power Rangers will no longer have a Meet & Greet opportunity have Disney sold the rights back to the original owner.
Status: Final appearance was on August 7th, 2010

Liberty Belle Riverboat Refurbishment

Location: Rivers of America
Details: The Liberty Belle will be undergoing general maintenance.
Status: Completed. Closed August 16th - 25th, 2010
Opening: Re-opened August 26th, 2010

Toy Story Midway Mania Refurbishment

Location: Pixar Place
Details: Toy Story Midway Mania will be going down for a brief refurbishment to add new exit gates and fix up the damaged queue.
Status: Completed. Closed Aug 16 - 29th, 2010
Opening: Re-opened August 29th, 2010

Best Friends Pet Care Luxury Resort

Location: Walt Disney World
Details: New pet care center at Walt Disney World, replacing the existing ones on property
Status: Completed.
Opening: Opened September 1st, 2010

[EPCOT Explorer]

This is fantastic!


Will be very happy to update this and help out. Great place and way to keep info handy.

[RICH]

Awesome source of information - great, thanks !

[Next big Thing]

Very nice! I love that it is very descriptive and gives info on each individual thing. Very nice addition to the site!

[disneysroyal411]

Okay, let's beef up some juicy rumors...

[MousDad]

Interesting that you have the princess M & G's in green.

Nice job compiling this.

[WDW Vacationer]

Great source of info! This will be great to look at.

Thank you!

[Hack2112]

It's all so pretty and organized. Me likey.

[Mr. X]

Outstanding job on this!

Originally Posted by MousDad

Interesting that you have the princess M & G's in green.

Nice job compiling this.

That's b/c they are happening, despite what some people have manipulated others into saying on the net.

[EPCOTPluto]

Excellent job!