Disney Files Construction Permit for Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios — What We Know

Something is brewing at Tower of Terror. A new construction permit for Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was just filed — and the vendor listed has some Disney fans paying close attention. Here’s what we know about the Tower of Terror refurbishment 2026 situation and what this permit could mean.

Quick Summary

• Disney Facility Asset Management filed a new Notice of Commencement permit for Tower of Terror
• MLC Theming is listed as the vendor for “General Construction” work
• MLC Theming is a longtime Disney vendor specializing in theming and scenic work
• FAM permits typically cover maintenance, but MLC Theming’s involvement hints at more
• Disney has not announced any scheduled refurbishment closure for Tower of Terror

What the Permit Actually Says

Disney Facility Asset Management — the internal arm that handles maintenance and infrastructure work across Walt Disney World — filed a Notice of Commencement permit for Tower of Terror. The permit lists the scope as “General Construction,” with MLC Theming named as the vendor carrying out the work.

On its own, a FAM permit filing doesn’t automatically signal a major change. These permits regularly cover routine maintenance and operational upkeep. Disney properties file permits like this regularly, and most of the time they result in work guests never notice.

But the vendor attached to this one is what makes it worth watching.

Why MLC Theming Changes the Conversation

MLC Theming isn’t your standard maintenance crew. The company is a well-established Disney vendor with a long track record of theming and scenic work across Disney parks. When you see MLC Theming show up on a permit, it typically means the work involves visual and environmental elements — sets, finishes, scenic details — not just plumbing or electrical maintenance.

That distinction matters. A maintenance permit with a standard contractor? Routine. A maintenance permit with a theming-specific vendor? That’s a different signal. It suggests this could go beyond basic upkeep and into actual appearance or show quality improvements inside the attraction.

Where Tower of Terror Stands Right Now

Tower of Terror hasn’t had a major refurbishment in some time. The attraction — which sends guests plummeting through the haunted Hollywood Tower Hotel in a freefall elevator experience — remains one of Hollywood Studios’ most popular and iconic rides. But age catches up with everything, and industry watchers have noted the attraction could use some attention to its show scenes and scenic details.

As of right now, Disney has not announced any planned refurbishment closure for Tower of Terror. That’s worth keeping in mind — permits get filed before closures are announced, not after. So this could be an early signal of something coming, or it could be contained work that happens while the ride stays open.

What This Means for Your Hollywood Studios Trip

Right now, Tower of Terror is operating normally. There’s no announced downtime to plan around.

If you have a Hollywood Studios trip coming up and Tower of Terror is on your must-do list, there’s no reason to panic — but it’s smart to keep an eye on Disney’s refurbishment schedule. If a closure does get announced, you’ll want to know about it before your trip, not after you’ve arrived at the park.

We’ll keep tracking this one as more details become available. Permit filings often give the first hints of what’s coming at Disney parks, and this one has enough specifics to be worth watching closely.

The Bottom Line on the Tower of Terror Construction Permit

A new construction permit has been filed for Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios, with MLC Theming — a Disney-affiliated theming vendor — listed for the work. That detail elevates this beyond a routine maintenance filing. Whether it leads to a Tower of Terror refurbishment in 2026 or stays as contained work without a closure, it’s a clear sign Disney has something planned for this attraction. Stay tuned.

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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!