A New Development in Toy Story Land
There is a buzz of activity in Toy Story Land this week as Walt Disney Imagineering has officially filed a new construction permit for Alien Swirling Saucers. While many guests might overlook a simple paperwork filing, the details within this particular document suggest that something more than routine maintenance is on the horizon for the Green Aliens.
On May 28, 2026, a Notice of Commencement was filed for the address of the attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The most telling detail isn’t just the location, but who is doing the work. Usually, standard repairs are handled by the park’s internal maintenance teams. This permit, however, was filed directly by Walt Disney Imagineering. When Imagineering is involved, it almost always points to a creative update, a new show element, or a visual enhancement rather than a simple mechanical fix.
Installing New Set Elements
The permit specifically describes the scope of work as the installation of set elements. This is a clear indicator that riders will soon see physical changes within the attraction. To add more weight to the theory of a creative refresh, the contractor listed on the filing is Icarus Exhibits, Inc.
Icarus Exhibits is well known in the theme park industry for high-quality fabrication. They have previously collaborated with Disney on major projects like TRON Lightcycle / Run and set pieces for the original opening of Toy Story Land. Their specialty is creating immersive environments and detailed set pieces, which strongly suggests that the aliens might be getting some new scenery or updated props to whirl around.
The Toy Story 5 Connection
The timing of this permit is impossible to ignore. With Toy Story 5 scheduled to hit theaters in June 2026, Disney is already ramping up the promotional presence for the film across the parks. We have already seen new banners featuring characters like Woody, Buzz, and the new film’s antagonist, Lilypad, along the walkways near Pixar Plaza.
It is very likely that these new set elements are designed to tie the attraction into the new movie. While Disney has not officially confirmed a makeover, refreshing an existing ride with characters or themes from the latest film is a classic move to keep the land feeling current and exciting for returning guests.
What This Means for Your Trip
As of right now, there has been no announcement of a closure for Alien Swirling Saucers. Because the permit mentions installing set elements, it is possible that much of the work could be done during overnight hours or during a very short refurbishment window. If you are planning a visit in the coming weeks, here is what you need to know:
- Keep an Eye on the Calendar: Check the official refurbishment schedule on the Disney World app as you get closer to your travel dates.
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass: This attraction remains a popular choice for families. If you are looking to save time, consider making this one of your early selections.
- Watch for Changes: If you ride in early June, keep your eyes peeled for new additions to the queue or the main ride floor that weren’t there before.
We’ll continue to watch for any official announcements regarding the future of the saucers. For now, it looks like our favorite little green men are getting ready for their next big adventure.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.