New Permit Hints at Construction of a New Magic Kingdom Area Resort

Hey Disney Vacationers! Hold onto your Mickey ears, because we might be on the brink of something big! Disney’s been playing their cards close to the chest, but a recent permit filed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has lite a fire to the speculation about a new Magic Kingdom area resort. Let’s dive deep into everything we know (and a little bit of what we don’t) about this potential game-changer.

The Big News: Permit for a 240′ Crane

The latest buzz comes from a proposed permit for a 240-foot crane at the site of the former River Country water park. The permit, which hasn’t been greenlit by the FAA just yet, hints at significant construction in the works—right where the Reflections Disney Vacation Club hotel was once planned. If this crane goes up, it’s a pretty clear sign that Disney is gearing up for a major project.

At 240 feet, this crane is no small fry. It’s the kind of heavy-duty equipment used for large-scale construction projects across Walt Disney World, like the recent Disney Vacation Club Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The permit specifically mentions a “mobile crane,” similar to those seen at other Disney construction sites.

Why Does Disney Need FAA Approval?

In Florida, any structure that’s 200 feet or taller needs to be registered with the FAA and must have a warning beacon on top for flight safety. This is actually why the Hollywood Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is exactly 199 feet tall—just shy of the threshold! Disney is following protocol here, as always, but the permit’s details give us a sneak peek into what’s coming.

Permit Approved

On September 26, 2024 the FAA gave the green light for a mobile crane at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. This is the latest clue hinting that Disney might finally kick off construction for a new Magic Kingdom area resort on the old River Country water park site.

A New Resort? Let’s Talk Construction

So, why the need for a 240-foot crane? If we look at recent construction methods, especially those used for the Polynesian Island Tower, a mobile crane could point to the use of a DualDeck Building System. This innovative approach could mean a new tower-style resort is in the cards, and there’s a good chance FINFROCK might be the builder.

What is the DualDeck Building System?

This is where things get interesting. The DualDeck Building System is a game-changer in construction technology. It’s the result of over a decade of proprietary engineering and development, and it brings a new level of flexibility and customization to building projects. By allowing for mass customization, construction schedules can be accelerated and costs reduced. The system also makes maintenance simpler, cutting down on long-term expenses.

How Does It Work?

The DualDeck system consists of a composite truss designed for long spans of column-free support. Two precast, prestressed concrete slabs are connected with high-strength reinforcement and steel angles. Each slab can be up to 14 feet wide, 68 feet long, and 20 to 24 inches thick. This design means panels are poured upside down and flipped over, resulting in perfectly flat surfaces for both floors and ceilings, saving time and money on finishing work.

Why This Matters for Disney

By using the DualDeck Building System, Disney can not only improve the quality of the new resort but also deliver it faster and at a reduced cost. Given the scale of this project and the need to expand resort capacity quickly, this method makes a lot of sense.

Construction Timeline: What’s Next?

According to the permit, the crane will be on-site for about 10 months, starting in mid-October 2024 and wrapping up in mid-August 2025. If this timeline holds, it suggests we’re very close to the start of construction. For reference, the crane at the Island Tower was around for about 5-6 months, so a 10-month build time isn’t out of the question.

The permit also has an expiration date of March 2027, which likely indicates the project will be completed by then. Of course, Disney hasn’t officially announced anything yet, and they’re keeping their lips sealed.

Tying It All Together: A New Resort Before Magic Kingdom’s Expansion?

Here’s where it gets really interesting. According to Len Testa from The Disney Dish podcast, the timing of a new resort makes a lot of sense, especially with the planned expansion of Magic Kingdom. Disney is set to begin work on adding a Cars Land and Villains Land in 2025. The permit’s timing suggests that the new resort would likely be ready in the months leading up to the opening of the first new land, expected to be Cars Land.

Len also speculated that the new resort might be based on the original Reflections Resort design, given the quick movement on permits and similarities in architectural design to the Polynesian Island Tower. This wouldn’t be the first time Disney has reused design concepts for different resorts—look at the Yacht and Beach Club or the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Jambo House and Wilderness Lodge. Disney often repurposes design concepts when it needs to add resorts quickly, and with the Magic Kingdom’s largest expansion to date on the horizon, it’s easy to see why they might be in a hurry.

What Does This Mean for Disney Fans?

While we’re still in the realm of speculation, all signs point to an exciting new addition to the Magic Kingdom area. If this project goes forward, it will be a major boost for Disney World, providing additional accommodation options right as the park gears up for its biggest expansion yet.

For now, I’ll keep my ears to the ground and my eyes on the skies (for that crane) to see how this unfolds. Whether you’re a Disney Vacation Club member, excited Magic Kingdom expansion, or just someone who loves seeing what Disney comes up with next, this is one story you’ll want to keep an eye on.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!