Walt Disney World Resort has filed multiple construction permits for Disney Springs, the beloved shopping, dining, and entertainment district in Central Florida. The documents span several neighborhoods across the district and were filed this week with the Orange County Comptroller's Office.
The Most Significant Permit: The Lagoon Footbridge
The permit drawing the most attention covers the bridge over the lagoon that connects the Marketplace and Town Center neighborhoods at Disney Springs. Walt Disney World Resort's Facility Asset Management Team filed the Notice of Commencement on Tuesday, September 22, listing Buena Vista Construction Company — Disney's in-house construction firm — as the contractor for "General Construction" at 1620 East Buena Vista Drive, the approximate address of the iconic footbridge.
It's worth noting that construction permits filed by Disney's Facility Asset Management Team typically point to maintenance and refurbishment work rather than major overhauls. Projects that would fundamentally change the character of an area are generally handled by Walt Disney Imagineering.
Walt Disney World Resort has not announced any closure for the footbridge. However, if structural maintenance is required, the area may need to close temporarily, which would leave guests navigating the much longer land route between the Marketplace and Town Center.
Six More Permits Across Disney Springs
Beyond the bridge, six additional construction permits were filed this week, all affecting retail and dining locations around Disney Springs. As with the footbridge permit, each Notice of Commencement lists Buena Vista Construction Company as the contractor for "General Construction." The locations named across these filings include:
- Paddlefish
- Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
- UNIQLO
- The LEGO Store
- The Happy Hound merchandise kiosk
- The BOATHOUSE
Just as with the bridge permit, Walt Disney World Resort has not publicly acknowledged these filings or shared any plans for the shops and restaurants involved.
What We Know So Far
All seven construction permits filed on Tuesday — including the one tied to the Disney Springs footbridge — carry an expiration date of September 21, 2027. Disney has not made any public announcements regarding the scope or timeline of the work covered by these permits.
We'll be keeping a close eye on any updates from Walt Disney World Resort. In the meantime, if you're planning a visit to Disney Springs, it's always a good idea to check for any temporary closures before you go!