Project Fedora Construction Update: Work at Hollywood Studios Goes Vertical

For months, Project Fedora was a mystery hiding behind a row of rolling planters. Now you can see it from the sky.

New aerial photos show Project Fedora at Hollywood Studios is officially going vertical. Steel framework is rising from the cleared site next to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, right between the stunt show exit and Backlot Express. It’s the first real look at the size and shape of whatever Disney is building there.

The photos were captured by @bioreconstruct on X, a longtime source of aerial construction shots around Walt Disney World. And they finally give us something more than permits and planters to talk about.

Disney still hasn’t said a word about what Project Fedora is. There’s no official name, no description, and no opening date. But sources have mentioned it’s aimed at younger guests and may be an Indiana Jones-themed play structure. Here’s everything we know so far, how we got here, and what it could mean for your next Hollywood Studios visit.

Quick Summary

• Vertical construction: Steel framework is now rising at the Project Fedora site, based on new aerial photos.
• Location: Between the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular exit and Backlot Express.
• What it might be: Sources say it’s aimed at younger guests and may be an Indiana Jones-themed play structure. This is not confirmed.
• No announcement: Disney hasn’t shared a name, details, or an opening date.
• Timeline: Planters went up in March 2026, filings followed in May, and concrete and rebar appeared this fall.
• Guest impact: The stunt show exit is still open. You just walk around the work area.

What the New Project Fedora Photos Show

The aerial images show steel framework standing up from the cleared plot. Up to now, most of the work on the ground was hidden behind planters. These shots show the structure taking shape from above.

That matters because it’s the first real hint of scale. Permits and site prep only tell you that something is coming. Steel tells you how tall it might be and how much of the plot it will cover.

What the photos don’t show is theming. There’s no rockwork, no signage, and no obvious Indiana Jones details yet. That usually comes later, once the structure is in place.

The Project Fedora Hollywood Studios Timeline

This project has been moving slowly but steadily since spring. Here’s how it unfolded.

• Late March 2026: The area outside the stunt show exit was screened off with movable planters, and overhead netting was removed.
• May 2026: A Central Florida Tourism Oversight District entry appeared for 253 Cypress Dr with the project title “Project Fedora.” Two Notices of Commencement followed, filed through Facilities Asset Management.
• June 2026: Walt Disney Imagineering filed a separate permit to “Install Signage” at the Indiana Jones Theater. WDWMAGIC also reported a footprint of about 202 square feet tied to the Project Fedora filings.
• July 2026: A large tree in front of Backlot Express was removed from the site.
• Fall 2026: Fresh concrete, rebar, and formwork appeared behind the planter wall.
• October 2026: Aerial photos show steel framework rising.

The WDI signage permit is the interesting piece. Facilities teams handle a lot of routine work. Imagineering usually shows up when there’s something guest-facing to design and theme. If that signage connects to Project Fedora, it suggests the finished space will have its own identity.

What Is Project Fedora?

Officially, nobody outside Disney knows. Here are the realistic options.

An Indiana Jones play area

This is the leading theory. Sources told WDWMAGIC that the project is aimed at younger guests and may be a play structure. An Indy-themed play area right outside the stunt show would fit the location and the code name. It would also give kids something hands-on to do after watching the show.

Hollywood Studios has also lost kid-focused play spaces over the years. A small, themed play area would fill a real gap in this part of the park.

Something smaller, like a kiosk or photo spot

Before the play structure reports, some fans guessed a merchandise kiosk, snack stand, or character meet spot. The space has hosted vending carts and meet and greets in the past. Vertical steel makes a simple cart less likely, though.

A bigger change to the stunt show

Some fans have wondered whether this signals a larger change to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular itself. There’s no evidence for that right now. Project Fedora looks like an addition next to the show, not a replacement for it.

What This Means for Your Hollywood Studios Visit

Right now, very little changes for you.

• The stunt show is still running. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is operating normally.
• The exit path is open. Guests leaving the show walk around the planters and construction area.
• Backlot Express is open. The work sits right next to it, so expect some construction noise and a tighter walkway nearby.
• Watch for walls. As the build moves forward, the planters may be swapped for full construction walls.

If you have little ones, keep this one on your radar. If the play structure reports are right, this could become an easy break spot for kids in a park that’s heavy on thrill rides and big shows.

The Bottom Line

Project Fedora at Hollywood Studios has moved from permits and planters to real steel. New aerial photos show framework rising between the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular exit and Backlot Express. Disney still hasn’t confirmed what it is, but sources point to a play structure for younger guests, possibly with an Indiana Jones theme. Nothing changes for your visit yet: the show, the exit path, and Backlot Express are all open. Keep checking DisMornings as the structure takes shape, and we’ll share the first look at theming the moment it appears.

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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!