After 8 Years, Disney World Resort Files Permit for Toy Story Land Overhaul

Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a construction permit for Alien Swirling Saucers, a spinning attraction in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The family-friendly ride opened alongside the rest of the Pixar-themed land at Walt Disney World Resort in 2018.

Construction Permit For Alien Swirling Saucers

On May 28, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a Notice of Commencement to “install set elements” at 200 Ascot Dr, Bay Lake, Florida, the address of Alien Swirling Saucers in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The document lists Icarus Exhibits as the third-party contractor associated with the project. Icarus Exhibits has recently worked on several projects at Walt Disney World Resort, including The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Indiana Jones retheme of DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Walt Disney World Resort has not publicly acknowledged this project or shared its plans for Alien Swirling Saucers. However, the Notice of Commencement offers some hints about what kind of construction Disney has planned for the Toy Story Land attraction.

Typically, construction permits for general maintenance or routine refurbishment projects are handled by Walt Disney World Resort’s Facilities Asset Management team. This document was filed by Walt Disney Imagineering, indicating that Disney has something more in-depth/new planned for Alien Swirling Saucers.

Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t confirmed a construction timeline for this mystery project. However, with the theatrical release of Toy Story 5 (2026) approaching on June 22, Alien Swirling Saucers may be getting some kind of makeover to align with the fifth installment in the beloved Pixar franchise. Disney has already installed banners advertising the film on the walkway to Toy Story Land from Pixar Plaza at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

What do you think Walt Disney World Resort has planned for Alien Swirling Saucers? Share your theories with Inside the Magic in the comments! 

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