Following Disney’s settlement with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District over its state-level lawsuit, Walt Disney World is expected to soon begin its permit process for the “Beyond Big Thunder” project.

Beyond Big Thunder Permit Process to Begin Soon

According to a report from Scott Gustin on X, Walt Disney World is in the process of filing permits for the development behind Magic Kingdom, in order to prepare the area for expansion — previously said to be the largest in the park’s history.

Gustin also stated that Walt Disney Imagineering confirmed earlier this week that Disney will file water management permits in the next few weeks.

First announced at D23 Expo 2022, this expansion for Magic Kingdom has included many “Blue Sky” ideas, including lands themed to Pixar’s “Coco,” “Encanto,” and an entire area dedicated to Disney Villains.

However, “Encanto” has shifted over to the Tropical Americas expansion in development for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, alongside a potential Indiana Jones attraction.

During Destination D23 in September 2023, Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Imagineering described the project as similar in scope to Pandora — The World of Avatar and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. In January 2024, Disney teased that even more announcements are to come for the project.

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