Steel is going up next to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and sources say it’s for young guests. We traced the permits, the contractors and the clues, since Disney hasn’t said a word.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a mystery project with a very on-the-nose code name.
It’s called Project Fedora, and it sits right beside the exit of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. Aerial photos shared Oct. 9 show vertical steel posts tied together with angled and horizontal pipes, WDWMAGIC and BlogMickey reported.
BlogMickey called the framework “the most tangible clue yet.”
So what is it? WDWMAGIC’s sources say the addition is “aimed at younger guests,” and that it “may be an Indiana Jones-themed play structure.” Disney hasn’t announced anything.
Where is Project Fedora at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
Between the Indiana Jones stunt show exit and Backlot Express, the counter-service restaurant styled like a studio prop warehouse, on the Echo Lake side of the park.
The stunt show is the park’s only Indiana Jones attraction. There’s no Indy ride at Hollywood Studios.
The work started in a spot BlogMickey described in March as a “former merchandise location” by the show’s exit. Overhead netting came down, a tip-board screen was removed and rolling planters went up around the area.
When did Project Fedora start?
The timeline so far, according to WDWMAGIC and BlogMickey:
March 2026: rolling planter walls go up near the stunt show exit.
May 15: a filing titled “Project Fedora” turns up, with an address of 253 Cypress Dr. and a footprint of about 202 square feet, WDWMAGIC reported. Two construction notices name Slalom Construction Services and Artistic Entertainment Services.
June 10: Walt Disney Imagineering files a separate signage permit at the Indiana Jones Theater. WDWMAGIC said it may be connected. BlogMickey said that’s unclear.
July: a large tree is removed and the plot is staked out.
Oct. 3: concrete pads with anchor bolts and rebar show up.
Oct. 9: the steel framework goes vertical.
Artistic Entertainment Services isn’t a random name, either. It previously installed set pieces for Donald’s Dino-Bash at Animal Kingdom and Woody’s Lunch Box, the Toy Story Land quick-service spot, BlogMickey reported.
Is Project Fedora a kids’ playground?
Maybe. WDWMAGIC’s sources point that way, and the steel looks more like a climbing structure than a store.
But one detail doesn’t quite fit. That 202-square-foot footprint from May is small, roughly a 14-by-14-foot square, about the size of a kiosk, which is what WDWMAGIC first guessed. A play area could have grown since then, or the filing may cover only part of the project.
Chip and Company has floated “a themed merchandise location” as another possibility.
Has Hollywood Studios had a playground before?
Yes, and it was a big one. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: Movie Set Adventure opened in December 1990, with giant blades of grass, bugs and a huge garden hose. It closed in April 2016 to make room for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opened at Disney World in August 2019.
The park hasn’t had a dedicated outdoor playground since. A small Indiana Jones play area would fill a gap families have noticed for about 10 years.
Is Disney World adding other kids’ play areas?
Yes, at Animal Kingdom. When Disney named its new Animal Kingdom ride Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent at D23 in August, it also announced a separate play area for young guests nearby, inspired by the Maya, according to Disney Parks Blog. Disney hasn’t said whether it’s Indiana Jones-themed.
The ride itself will feature a Harrison Ford Audio-Animatronics figure, Disney said. Disney listed Tropical Americas, the new land, as opening in 2027 in its 55th anniversary roundup on Oct. 1.
On the West Coast, Indiana Jones Adventure opened at Disneyland on March 3, 1995, according to D23. It’s currently closed for refurbishment, Disneyland’s website says.
What’s the history of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular?
The show opened with the park, then called Disney-MGM Studios, on Aug. 25, 1989, according to D23. It’s still running, with shows about 30 minutes long.
It hasn’t been without trouble. On Dec. 30, 2025, a cast member was injured when a prop boulder came off its track, and Disney said that part of the show would be modified, BlogMickey and WDWMAGIC reported.
Disney’s own video of the show, for anyone who hasn’t seen it:
What else is being built at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
A lot. Monstropolis, the Monsters, Inc. land with a door coaster, is going in where MuppetVision 3D used to be, and parts of it will open in 2027, Disney says. MuppetVision closed on June 7, 2025.
And Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opened in May 2026. Its holiday overlay will run Nov. 4 to Jan. 6.
What are some fun facts about Project Fedora?
The code name is a hat. Indiana Jones’ fedora is one of the most famous hats in movie history, which makes this one of Disney’s least subtle code names.
It’s filed under facilities, not Imagineering. The May construction notices were filed by Disney’s Facilities Asset Management, BlogMickey and WDWMAGIC reported.
Work happens at night. Crews have been building overnight, so day guests mostly see walls.
Whatever it turns out to be, Indy fans will find out when the walls come down.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
WDWMAGIC, May 15, June 10 and Oct. 9, 2026: Project Fedora filings, permits and aerial photos
BlogMickey, March 17, July 24, Oct. 3 and Oct. 9, 2026: Project Fedora construction updates
Chip and Company, Oct. 10, 2026: What is Project Fedora
BlogMickey and Disney Tourist Blog, Oct. 1, 2026: Walt Disney World at 55 (Tropical Americas 2027)
D23: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (opening date)
Walt Disney World and Disneyland: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and Indiana Jones Adventure pages, checked Oct. 12, 2026
Disney Parks Blog, Aug. 16, 2026: Indiana Jones ride updates and Monstropolis; Jan. 24, 2025: MuppetVision closing
Yesterland and Laughing Place: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: Movie Set Adventure
BlogMickey and WDWMAGIC, Dec. 31, 2025: Indiana Jones stunt show incident
Disney Parks on YouTube: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
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