- Mar 13, 2024
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Disney World has plans to expand, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to. Last year, a new document was filed with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District that outlined potential expansion opportunities for the Most Magical Place on Earth over the next 20 years.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Magical Guides-Cinderella-Castle-Attraction-Main-Street-U.S.A.-Magic-Kingdom-Photo-Jun-08-2026-11-58-25-AM-4032-x-3024-700x548.jpg
Cinderella Castle
While nothing has been confirmed, both “new minor theme park” and “new major theme park” possibilities were mentioned in the document, which, of course, caused quite an uproar with folks thinking that a fifth Disney World park was on its way. Recently, these documents were updated with additional details clarifying what exactly Disney has planned for the future.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board will meet to discuss the 2045 Comprehensive Plan on July 24th, but the documents have already been updated with additional details. The 2045 Comprehensive Plan outlines the plans and intentions for future development and growth around Walt Disney World, including changes to the theme parks.
Animal Kingdom
The specific policies that were updated include Land Development Regulations (LDRs) that were required to be amended within one year of the Comprehensive Plan adoption. Essentially, the district has updated the LDRs to now fit the updated Comprehensive Plan.
Big Thunder Mountain
The proposed amendments to the LDRs associated with updates to the 2045 Comprehensive Plan include updates to development maximums, projected land area to be developed through 2045, development thresholds for water, wastewater, and solid waste, and infrastructure and Levels of Service. Standards are also being adopted for Floating Solar Facilities, which were added as an allowable use in the 2045 Comprehensive Plan.
Solar Panel field at Disney World
The potential for Floating Solar Facilities is interesting, as Disney has been exploring additional ways to adopt alternative energy sources to power the theme parks. In fact, Disney recently shared that four solar projects can now produce up to 100% of the daytime power needs of the entire resort. That power is spread across four theme parks, two water parks, MANY hotels, and so much more.
©Disney
The documents have not been updated in any meaningful way regarding the potential for Disney World to build additional theme parks. Still, these updates were the next step that was required to fix the Land Development Regulations in the Comprehensive Plan.
In previous documents, it was revealed that, “During the next 20 years, the District’s development is expected to occur in those areas identified as suitable in the above analysis. The largest areas of suitable land are located west of Animal Kingdom, between World Drive and I-4, between Osceola Parkway and US 192, around Lake Mable, north of the Magnolia Golf Course, east of the Magic Kingdom parking lot, and west of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.”
Main Street, U.S.A.
The documents noted other areas that have been “identified as suitable” for development are scattered around Walt Disney World Resort, and each of those sites has less than 100 acres available. The documents continued to share that “Development will also encompass areas deemed marginally suitable and marginally unsuitable as long as extensive (and more costly) improvements are made to meet requirements of the District’s Long Term Permits and Land Development Regulations.”
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
This essentially tells us where Disney can continue to grow and expand over the next two decades. It also shares that Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios all still have room to expand! Below, you can see the map of locations around the district that are deemed suitable and unsuitable for development. The meeting documents did note that land currently deemed unsuitable can be made suitable through extensive and costly changes.
©CFTOD
And, before you get your hopes up, keep in mind that the documents also confirmed that there are no plans for a fifth park for now. They noted, “Although Table 2-1 (Maximum Development 2025- 2045) allows for development of one major and two minor theme parks, there are no plans under review. Approximately 850 acres would be required for these uses.” You can see Figure 2-1 below.
©CFTOD
So, while Disney does have the potential for adding a fifth gate, there are no current plans in place to make that happen. The plans specifically mentioned two new minor theme parks for 2035 and a new major one for 2045, but those are lofty goals, so we’ll have to wait and see if any of this actually comes to fruition.
EPCOT
We’ll be on the lookout for more Disney World updates you need to know about. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!
What sort of fifth park would you want to see Disney build? Let us know in the comments below!
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Magical Guides-Cinderella-Castle-Attraction-Main-Street-U.S.A.-Magic-Kingdom-Photo-Jun-08-2026-11-58-25-AM-4032-x-3024-700x548.jpg
Cinderella Castle
While nothing has been confirmed, both “new minor theme park” and “new major theme park” possibilities were mentioned in the document, which, of course, caused quite an uproar with folks thinking that a fifth Disney World park was on its way. Recently, these documents were updated with additional details clarifying what exactly Disney has planned for the future.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board will meet to discuss the 2045 Comprehensive Plan on July 24th, but the documents have already been updated with additional details. The 2045 Comprehensive Plan outlines the plans and intentions for future development and growth around Walt Disney World, including changes to the theme parks.
Animal Kingdom
The specific policies that were updated include Land Development Regulations (LDRs) that were required to be amended within one year of the Comprehensive Plan adoption. Essentially, the district has updated the LDRs to now fit the updated Comprehensive Plan.
Big Thunder Mountain
The proposed amendments to the LDRs associated with updates to the 2045 Comprehensive Plan include updates to development maximums, projected land area to be developed through 2045, development thresholds for water, wastewater, and solid waste, and infrastructure and Levels of Service. Standards are also being adopted for Floating Solar Facilities, which were added as an allowable use in the 2045 Comprehensive Plan.
Solar Panel field at Disney World
The potential for Floating Solar Facilities is interesting, as Disney has been exploring additional ways to adopt alternative energy sources to power the theme parks. In fact, Disney recently shared that four solar projects can now produce up to 100% of the daytime power needs of the entire resort. That power is spread across four theme parks, two water parks, MANY hotels, and so much more.
©Disney
The documents have not been updated in any meaningful way regarding the potential for Disney World to build additional theme parks. Still, these updates were the next step that was required to fix the Land Development Regulations in the Comprehensive Plan.
In previous documents, it was revealed that, “During the next 20 years, the District’s development is expected to occur in those areas identified as suitable in the above analysis. The largest areas of suitable land are located west of Animal Kingdom, between World Drive and I-4, between Osceola Parkway and US 192, around Lake Mable, north of the Magnolia Golf Course, east of the Magic Kingdom parking lot, and west of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.”
Main Street, U.S.A.
The documents noted other areas that have been “identified as suitable” for development are scattered around Walt Disney World Resort, and each of those sites has less than 100 acres available. The documents continued to share that “Development will also encompass areas deemed marginally suitable and marginally unsuitable as long as extensive (and more costly) improvements are made to meet requirements of the District’s Long Term Permits and Land Development Regulations.”
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
This essentially tells us where Disney can continue to grow and expand over the next two decades. It also shares that Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios all still have room to expand! Below, you can see the map of locations around the district that are deemed suitable and unsuitable for development. The meeting documents did note that land currently deemed unsuitable can be made suitable through extensive and costly changes.
©CFTOD
And, before you get your hopes up, keep in mind that the documents also confirmed that there are no plans for a fifth park for now. They noted, “Although Table 2-1 (Maximum Development 2025- 2045) allows for development of one major and two minor theme parks, there are no plans under review. Approximately 850 acres would be required for these uses.” You can see Figure 2-1 below.
©CFTOD
So, while Disney does have the potential for adding a fifth gate, there are no current plans in place to make that happen. The plans specifically mentioned two new minor theme parks for 2035 and a new major one for 2045, but those are lofty goals, so we’ll have to wait and see if any of this actually comes to fruition.
EPCOT
We’ll be on the lookout for more Disney World updates you need to know about. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!
Check out more Disney World news at the links below!
- This Mistake Could Ruin Your Disney World Hotel Stay (and It’s SO Easy to Make)
- There’s A Reason We’re Side Eyeing This New Disney World Announcement
- 2 Popular Disney World Nighttime Shows Are CHANGING
- Could This Long-Abandoned Disney World Attraction FINALLY Get New Life?
- Adults Are Secretly Ordering THESE Kid’s Meals at Magic Kingdom
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Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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What sort of fifth park would you want to see Disney build? Let us know in the comments below!
