Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a Notice of Commencement for set element installations at Alien Swirling Saucers in Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios. The contractor named is Icarus Exhibits — a frequent WDI fabrication partner — and the scope is installing set elements. With Toy Story 5 hitting theaters June 19, 2026, the timing is hard to overlook.
Quick Summary
- WDI has filed a Notice of Commencement for Alien Swirling Saucers at Hollywood Studios
- Contractor: Icarus Exhibits (frequent WDI exhibit fabrication partner)
- Scope of work: installing set elements
- Disney has made no official announcement about planned changes to the attraction
- WDI involvement (vs. Facilities Asset Management) points to creative/show work rather than standard maintenance
- Toy Story 5 opens in theaters June 19, 2026 — the timing is notable
What the Permit Signals
Routine maintenance and repairs at Walt Disney World typically fall under Facilities Asset Management. When WDI files a permit instead, it points clearly toward creative or show-related work. Icarus Exhibits specializes in themed exhibit fabrication and installation — their involvement here suggests the work goes well beyond fixing a worn component or addressing ride mechanics.
Set element installations at Alien Swirling Saucers could mean new props, updated scenery, refreshed theming elements, or new show elements within the Toy Story Land attraction. Disney has made no announcement, so the exact scope remains unknown.
The Toy Story 5 Timing
Alien Swirling Saucers opened in June 2018 as part of Toy Story Land. Guests board rockets pulled by flying saucers piloted by the Toy Story aliens — the Little Green Men from the Pizza Planet claw machine — and whirl around a series of turntables to electronic space music renditions of Toy Story tunes.
With Toy Story 5 opening in theaters on June 19, 2026, refreshing Alien Swirling Saucers with new set elements ahead of or alongside the film’s release would be a logical way to tie the attraction to renewed franchise interest. That remains speculation — Disney has not confirmed anything — but the combination of WDI involvement, a fabrication specialist contractor, and the Toy Story 5 release window makes it a reasonable connection to draw.
Stay tuned to DisMornings for updates as this permit moves toward active work and Disney eventually makes an announcement about what is coming to Alien Swirling Saucers.
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