Disney World fans have plenty to look forward to in 2027, but some of the resort's biggest additions are already starting to take shape.
Construction crews are working on several major projects across Walt Disney World, including new attractions, themed lands, and a resort hotel that will welcome guests next summer.
While Disney has released concept artwork showing what these additions should eventually look like, fans rarely get to see the work happening behind the scenes.
That changed on October 20 when Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro shared several construction photographs on Instagram.
The images reveal major progress at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's newest resort development.
One project, in particular, is beginning to look much closer to the finished experience Disney has promised.
Josh D'Amaro Gives Fans a Look Behind Construction Walls
Josh D'Amaro's October 20 Instagram post featured photographs of Walt Disney Imagineers and construction teams working on several upcoming additions.
The images provide a different perspective from the concept artwork Disney typically shares when announcing major projects.
One photograph shows detailed carvings on a wooden pillar, including a layered flower design surrounded by four leaves.
Other photographs capture much larger construction efforts, including a colorful temple that will eventually house one of Animal Kingdom's newest attractions.
The post also offers glimpses of work underway at Hollywood Studios and Disney's Lakeshore Lodge.
Indiana Jones Temple Comes Together
Perhaps the biggest reveal comes from Disney's Animal Kingdom, where construction continues on Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent.
D'Amaro's photographs show the massive Maya temple taking shape, complete with reddish stonework, turquoise accents, and detailed architectural features.
Although scaffolding still surrounds portions of the building, crews have already painted significant sections of the structure.
The attraction will replace DINOSAUR with an original Indiana Jones adventure.
Guests will accompany Indiana Jones into a mysterious Maya temple located near a cenote.
Inside, they will discover a passage connected to the Maya Underworld, where a mythical creature named Tsukán guards the way.
Disney is developing Audio-Animatronics figures of both Tsukán and Indiana Jones, with the latter modeled after Harrison Ford.
Imagineers have also consulted Maya experts, archaeologists, and anthropologists while designing the experience.
Disney originally targeted 2027 for the attraction's opening, but an exact date remains unconfirmed.
Tropical Americas Will Bring More to Animal Kingdom
The Indiana Jones attraction is only one part of Disney's ambitious Tropical Americas development.
The project will replace DinoLand U.S.A. with Pueblo Esperanza, a fictional village inspired by the tropical Americas.
Disney plans to fill the area with colorful architecture, restaurants, gathering spaces, and family-friendly attractions.
Among the additions is Antonio's Fiesta de Encanto, inspired by Encanto (2021).
The experience will bring guests into the Madrigal family's magical Casita, where Antonio's connection with animals becomes central to the story.
Another addition, El Carrusel de los Animalitos, will feature carousel animals inspired by Disney and Pixar stories.
When completed, the development will give this section of Animal Kingdom an entirely new atmosphere centered on wildlife, exploration, and storytelling.
Hollywood Studios Prepares to Welcome Monstropolis
Animal Kingdom isn't the only park receiving a major expansion.
At Disney's Hollywood Studios, construction continues on Monstropolis, a new land inspired by Monsters, Inc. (2001).
One of D'Amaro's photographs shows a construction team member holding a tablet featuring concept artwork for Welcome to Monstropolis!.
The entertainment experience will take place inside the Glob Theater.
Disney is also developing a suspended roller coaster inspired by the movie's memorable door-vault sequence.
Guests will travel through an environment filled with doors, bringing one of the film's most recognizable scenes to life.
The development will also introduce Harryhausen's restaurant and Archie's Scare Pig Pizza.
Disney expects Monstropolis to begin opening in phases in 2027, although individual opening dates have not been announced.
Disney's Lakeshore Lodge Gets Closer to Opening
Beyond the theme parks, D'Amaro also shared photographs showing construction progress at Disney's Lakeshore Lodge.
The new resort, located along Bay Lake, is scheduled to open July 1, 2027.
Inspired by Walt Disney's love of nature, the property will incorporate artistic influences from Bambi (1942), Pocahontas (1995), and Brother Bear (2003).
The resort will offer 967 accommodations, including studios, villas, and waterfront Lake Houses.
One photograph captures two construction workers signing their names in wet concrete, leaving a personal mark on the project.
Disney World's Future Is Taking Shape
D'Amaro's latest photographs give fans a better idea of how much work Disney has underway.
From the towering Indiana Jones temple to Monstropolis and Lakeshore Lodge, several major additions are nearing completion.
Although Disney has not confirmed every opening date, the photographs show meaningful progress across the property.
For guests planning a Disney World vacation in 2027, these developments could make the resort feel considerably different from previous visits.
