Just Months After Opening, Disney Files 3 Attraction Permits

Why? These attractions just reopened after lengthy refurbishments, and now new permits have been filed for all three of them.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railraod Shuts Down Due to Fire — Credit: Disney

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed on January 6, 2025, for a HUGE refurbishment. Work includes moving the tower and replacing some or all of the tracks.

The attraction reopened on May 3, 2026. Guests love the new attraction, and younger Guests love that they can enjoy the attraction as well with a new, lower height requirement.

Walt Disney World just filed a new permit listing Icarus Exhibits as the contractor to install set elements. According to reports, this may be for the installation of hanging possums. This would be a fun addition, which will hopefully not affect operating hours.

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

Big changes were announced for Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, with the attraction closing on August 4, 2025. Along with the addition of a new character, Buddy, the ride vehicles will receive a huge overhaul with video monitors and handheld blasters.

The attraction officially reopened on April 8, 2026. Now, a new permit has been filed for Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, again listing Icarus Exhibits as the contractor.

While Icarus Exhibits is not often involved with large refurbishments, it is unclear what the scope of this permit may include.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Permit

Disney Just Changed Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Operating Hours — Credit: Disney

The news that sent shockwaves among Disney fans was that Rock 'n' Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith would be rethemed with a Muppet overlay. Disney Imagineers began work on the new Muppet transformation back in December 2025, which blocked the pre-show for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.

The attraction completely closed on March 2, 2026, and reopened on May 26, 2026. This new permit lists Buena Vista Construction Company to provide labor, materials, and/or electrical work for construction.

3 new attraction permits were filed for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets.

While this permit is a bit vague, we do know that several changes are coming to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets pre-show and attraction next month. See full details of these changes HERE.

Are you surprised to see permits filed for these newly reopened attractions? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.

Donna Farmer

Donna has always loved Disney even at an early age. When she was younger her family would joke that she lived in "Donna Land". Even now as an adult, she loves to plan and make magical vacations come to life as she and her family travel "Home" to Walt DisneyWorld. Join her as she brings a little faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust to Disney planning.