Powering the Magic: Disney’s Solar Energy Initiatives

Walt Disney World is a leader in Disney’s solar initiatives. With existing facilities, including a Mickey Mouse-shaped 22-acre installation near EPCOT and a 270-acre, 50-megawatt facility near State Road 429, Disney is expanding its solar portfolio.

The company partnered with the Reedy Creek Improvement District to develop two new 75-megawatt solar facilities in Polk County and Gilchrist County, which were expected to go online by early 2023. These additions, combined with existing farms, aim to supply 40% of Disney World’s electricity needs. This expansion positions Disney as one of the largest commercial consumers of solar energy in Florida.

Beyond the rides and resorts, Disney is making substantial investments in renewable energy to power its operations and reduce its environmental footprint. The company has a long-term goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Other Walt Disney Construction Projects

The magical worlds of Disney are never truly static. Behind the scenes, the Walt Disney Company is consistently reimagining, expanding, and enhancing its theme parks and resorts, fueled by a relentless drive for innovation and guest experience. From ambitious new lands to critical infrastructure upgrades and a significant push towards renewable energy, Disney is in the midst of its own monumental construction boom.

Disney’s construction activities are extensive, with numerous projects underway or slated to begin in the coming years. Permits filed with local authorities offer a glimpse into the scope and scale of these endeavors.

Walt Disney World is a hub of activity, with significant transformations planned for its various parks.

Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland Expansion: A major expansion is set to transform the area around Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island into a new “Cars” themed land. This ambitious project, slated to begin construction in 2025, will introduce two new family-friendly attractions. Disney has already filed permits for stormwater management and temporary office trailers, indicating that site work is actively progressing.

EPCOT’s Evolution: EPCOT is undergoing a significant transformation. Test Track is set for a major reimagining, with a new version, “Test Track 3.0,” expected to debut in late summer 2025

Animal Kingdom’s Tropical Americas: DinoLand U.S.A. is being rethemed into a new Tropical Americas land, with construction already in progress.

Hollywood Studios’ Future: A “Monsters Inc. Land” is also in the pipeline, with construction expected to begin in June. There’s also a retheme of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to the Muppets planned.

Resort Refurbishments: Several resorts are undergoing significant refurbishments, including Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort .

Disney’s current construction boom underscores its commitment to evolving its guest experience while embracing sustainability. From new, immersive lands that promise exciting adventures to significant investments in solar energy, the company is actively shaping its future. These ongoing projects, permits, and plans reveal a dynamic landscape of development, ensuring that the “Most Magical Place on Earth” and its global counterparts continue to grow, innovate, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

John Caravella Esq., is a construction attorney and formerly practicing project architect at The Law Office of John Caravella, P.C., representing architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and owners in all phases of contract preparation, litigation, and arbitration across New York and Florida. He also serves as an arbitrator to the American Arbitration Association Construction Industry Panel. Mr. Caravella can be reached by email: [email protected] or (631) 608-1346.

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