Disney World’s Big Builds Likely Slipping to 2028–2031, Ex-Imagineer Says

Overview

• Construction and refurbishments are active across Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and more than a dozen on‑property hotels, affecting guest access and operations.
• Jim Shull, a former Disney Imagineer, says several headline sites remain in land‑clearing phases, with Villains Land likely about a year from visible building and a Cars‑themed area still years out.
• Shull’s estimates place Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom around 2028, with Inside the Magic noting the project just reached its first visible vertical work.
• Monstropolis is projected for 2028–2029, Piston Peak around 2029, and Villains Land potentially stretching to 2029–2031, all characterized as informed projections rather than official dates.
• Reporters note Disney has released few firm schedules, complicating trip planning and fueling concerns about crowded remaining attractions and delayed visits.