When Walt Disney World builds something new inside its theme parks, the announcement usually comes with elaborate concept art, official press releases, and executive previews. But at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a major construction project is currently springing to life right in front of parkgoers without a single official word from Disney.
Known in theme park circles and public permit filings as “Project Fedora,” this stealth addition sits directly between the exit of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and the Backlot Express quick-service restaurant. For months, rolling planter walls hid the site from view. Now, vertical construction has officially begun, giving fans their clearest look yet at the mystery project.
Structural Steel Rises Behind the Planter Walls
The most dramatic milestone for Project Fedora occurred in early October 2026, when the site officially went vertical. Aerial photographs captured by theme park photographer @bioreconstruct reveal a distinct steel pipe framework rising behind the rolling planter barriers.
The imagery shows vertical steel posts anchored to heavy concrete pads, joined together by horizontal and angled metal pipes. This vertical framing marks a significant leap forward from work spotted earlier in the month, when crews poured concrete pads fitted with steel plates and anchor bolts.
Ground-level observations also revealed dug trenches prepped with rebar mesh, timber formwork, and stacks of lumber scattered across the site. Overnight lighting rigs indicate that crews have been working outside park hours to advance the structure's foundation and steel assembly rapidly.
What the Permits Reveal About Project Fedora
While Disney executives haven't shared details about the build, public records filed with Orange County provide concrete information about who is working on the project.
On May 15, 2026, Disney filed two Notices of Commencement for general construction at 253 Cypress Dr—the address assigned to the plot next to the stunt show. The filings list two major contractors: Slalom Construction Services, Inc., and Artistic Entertainment Services LLC.
The inclusion of Artistic Entertainment Services LLC is particularly telling. The company specializes in fabricating custom set pieces and themed environments for Disney, having previously worked on projects like Donald's Dino-Bash at Disney's Animal Kingdom and Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land. Additionally, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a permit on June 10, 2026, specifically for “signage” near the stunt show area, further confirming that Project Fedora is a themed, guest-facing offering.
The Leading Theory: An Indiana Jones Play Structure
Though Disney has kept the exact nature of the addition under wraps, all signs point to a new interactive play area aimed at younger guests.
The codename “Project Fedora” is an obvious nod to Indiana Jones' iconic hat. Given its location next to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, the project appears to be a natural extension of the franchise's presence in Echo Lake.
Sources told WDWMAGIC that the project is intended for children, and the newly erected steel pipe framework closely resembles the structural skeleton of a multi-level climbing play structure. If true, this addition would fill a crucial need at Disney's Hollywood Studios, which currently lacks dedicated outdoor play areas for toddlers and young children following the 2016 removal of the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: Movie Set Adventure.
The Timeline of Hollywood Studios’ Secret Build
Project Fedora has been steadily progressing since early spring 2026:
- March 17, 2026: Work began at a former merchandise stand near the stunt show exit, with overhead netting removed and rolling planters installed.
- May 15, 2026: Disney recorded two Notices of Commencement for construction at 253 Cypress Dr.
- June 10, 2026: Imagineering filed a permit for new signage near the attraction.
- July 24, 2026: Crews removed a large shade tree near Backlot Express, clearing the plot for heavy earthmoving.
- October 3, 2026: Concrete foundation work resumed, featuring new pours, rebar trenches, and anchor bolts.
- October 9, 2026: Aerial photos confirmed vertical steel framework installation.
As steel continues to rise in Echo Lake, theme park fans won't have to wait much longer to see what Imagineering is unearthing behind the planter walls.
