Walt Disney World Resort is clearing significant ground near Magic Kingdom Park — not for any new attractions, but for the team that will build them.
Land Cleared at the STOLport Site
On July 15, WDWNT reported that a substantial amount of land had been cleared at what Walt Disney World Resort refers to as the STOLport site, located outside Magic Kingdom Park on the former grounds of the Walt Disney World Airport — a facility that hasn't been operational in decades.
The clearing is tied to a project known internally as “Project K,” a 12.5-acre expansion that received approval from the South Florida Water Management District last summer. The development will house permanent Walt Disney Imagineering office buildings designed to support the simultaneous construction of two major Magic Kingdom Park expansions currently underway.
Construction equipment is already on site, including concrete drainage pipes and culverts. At least three structures left over from the site's previous use have been demolished, and permits indicate that two new permanent buildings are planned for the area, along with supporting infrastructure: sidewalks, parking areas, and utilities. Two existing retention ponds on the site will be modified to accommodate the new development footprint.
Walt Disney World Resort has previously used the STOLport area for temporary Imagineering trailers, but the planned buildings represent a more permanent, long-term commitment to the site.
Walt Disney World Resort has not publicly acknowledged the construction.
What the Imagineers Are Building
The new office complex will support development on two fronts simultaneously. The first is Piston Peak National Park — a new section of Frontierland inspired by Cars (2006) and the landscapes of America's national parks, featuring a thrilling rally race ride and a family-friendly attraction distinct from anything in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park. The Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat all closed in 2025 to make way for this expansion.
The second project is the Disney Villains land, being developed in the area beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. After decades of fan speculation and wishful thinking, Walt Disney World Resort is finally bringing a dedicated Villains-themed land to the Magic Kingdom, with attractions and experiences built around the characters guests love to hate.
No grand opening dates have been announced for either Piston Peak National Park or the Disney Villains land.
Have you noticed any other changes around Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, or Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments!
