Overview
- The Notice of Commencement carries an expiration of April 2, 2027, a longer-than-usual window for work at the Magic Kingdom attraction.
- It was filed by Disney’s Facility Asset Management with the scope listed only as “general construction,” rather than being assigned to Walt Disney Imagineering.
- Jon Richards Company is named as contractor, a frequent Disney partner on sizable projects across Walt Disney World.
- Disney still plans to reopen the ride this spring with upgrades including Buddy the support-bot, reactive targets, redesigned vehicles with onboard scoring monitors, and handheld blasters with always-on lasers and haptics.
- Coverage notes the extended permit could support phased or behind-the-scenes work after reopening, though outlets report no sign the spring timeline has changed.