Hollywood Studios' Mystery Project Fedora Now Has a Concrete Pad With Anchor Bolts as Construction Resumes

Something looks set to be bolted down at Disney's Hollywood Studios. We just do not know what yet.

Construction has resumed at Project Fedora, the walled-off plot beside the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, and the latest photos show freshly poured concrete. Blog Mickey reported on October 3 that a concrete pad now sits inside a wooden form "with a steel plate and anchor bolts set into the top," behind the wall of rolling planters that has screened off the area since March.

The new concrete pad, with a steel plate and four anchor bolts in the middle. Photo: BlogMickey.com

What is behind the planters now

When we last checked in on Project Fedora in July, the news was a large tree coming out, which Blog Mickey says left a cleared dirt plot dotted with stakes and survey flags. Now there is a lot more going on:

• The pad: in the foreground of the site, poured concrete in a wooden form, topped with a steel plate and anchor bolts. Blog Mickey notes that hardware like this typically secures something to the concrete, but it cannot tell yet what will go there.
• A trench: a narrow, walkway-like channel framed in wood on each side with rebar laid in the base, which looks like it is being readied for another pour.
• More prep: rebar mesh near some steps on the far side of the plot, black panels that look like concrete forms, mounds of freshly dug soil, and several excavations, some surrounded by yellow caution tape.
• Lighting: a lighting rig for overnight work at the left edge of the plot.

Blog Mickey's summary: "All of it adds up to the most visible progress at Project Fedora in some time."

The rebar-lined trench, with black forming panels beside the steps. Photo: BlogMickey.com

Why now?

The paperwork has been on file for months. Disney filed two Notices of Commencement with Orange County on May 15 for general construction at 253 Cypress Dr, which is the plot's address. One names Slalom Construction Services, Inc. as contractor, while the second names Artistic Entertainment Services LLC, a company Blog Mickey says installed set pieces at Donald's Dino-Bash and Woody's Lunch Box. That is why the outlet thinks "themed elements are very likely part of the plan."

As for the timing, Blog Mickey suggests the start of Disney's new fiscal year may explain why work picked back up, while stressing "That timing is our best guess."

From the walkway, the planter wall still hides the plot. Photo: BlogMickey.com

Still a mystery with a hat on

The project sits near Backlot Express, close to the stunt show's exit. Back in May, WDWMagic reported that a Central Florida Tourism Oversight District database entry titled Project Fedora, at the same 253 Cypress Dr address, lists a footprint of roughly 202 square feet, which it said suggests a kiosk. That filing came months before the current work, and the plot now has a pad, a narrow trench and several excavations, so it is not clear whether 202 square feet describes the whole project or just one piece of it.

The name is the other clue. Blog Mickey says "Project Fedora" could point to an Indiana Jones connection, but Disney has not confirmed what any of this is for. The outlet's own words: "Disney has not announced what Project Fedora is, but we're intrigued."

Same here. Do you buy the kiosk theory, or is Disney planning something bigger next to the Indiana Jones stunt show?

Sources

• Blog Mickey, Construction Resumes at Mysterious "Project Fedora" Site in Hollywood Studios
• WDWMagic, What Is 'Project Fedora'? Mystery Construction Near Indiana Jones at Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Parks Magic, July 2026: Disney Cleared a Large Tree for a Mystery Project Called Fedora

Image credits: BlogMickey.com (all photos).