Disney’s Hollywood Studios is no stranger to change. From its roots as a working film studio to its current identity as a franchise-driven destination, the park has steadily evolved over the years. Yet through it all, few attractions have remained as consistently popular—or untouched—as Toy Story Mania.
Opened in 2008, the interactive 4D ride quickly became a staple of the park. Even after the debut of Toy Story Land in 2018, where it gained a colorful new entrance and joined Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers, Toy Story Mania has kept pulling long lines and enthusiastic repeat riders.
Toy Story Mania Construction Quietly Confirmed
Now, Disney has filed a new Notice of Commencement for the attraction, confirming that something is happening behind the scenes. The permit, lodged with Orange County, lists “General Construction” as the scope of work. While the phrasing is vague, it suggests upcoming maintenance or infrastructure updates rather than major changes to the ride experience.
The contractor is Adena Corporation, a familiar name for those who follow Walt Disney World permits. Notably, the permit names Disney’s Facilities Asset Management (FAM) division—not Walt Disney Imagineering. That distinction matters: it strongly implies that the updates are operational rather than creative.
The permit is valid through September 26, 2025, giving Disney a few months to carry out the work. As of now, no official refurbishment schedule has been announced, but a temporary closure of Toy Story Mania sometime in the near future seems increasingly likely.
Given the ride’s enduring popularity and broad appeal, Disney is unlikely to make any major adjustments to its gameplay or theming. Instead, this is expected to be more of a refresh—perhaps addressing backstage systems, lighting, or mechanical elements that have been in place since the ride’s original installation 17 years ago.
Change Looms Across Hollywood Studios
The filing comes as part of a larger wave of transformation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Another longtime staple, MuppetVision 3D, is set to close permanently, with Disney preparing to redevelop the surrounding area into a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land. Early concept art teases a roller coaster based on the franchise’s iconic door system, along with a stage show resembling Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor from Magic Kingdom.
The Muppets, meanwhile, aren’t being retired completely. Plans are in motion to move them into a reimagined version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. No opening timeline has been released, but a permit has been filed.
As the park moves deeper into its IP-focused future, Toy Story Mania remains a rare example of a classic, non-thrill ride that has stood the test of time—making this upcoming work all the more interesting. Even if it’s just routine maintenance, it signals Disney’s continued investment in keeping the fan-favorite experience in top shape.
For now, the construction permit offers only a glimpse at what’s to come. But at a park in near-constant evolution, even small filings like this can be the first sign of something bigger.
What changes would you like to see at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
