An exciting development could be happening in the Sunshine State of Orlando, Florida, as plans for a fifth Disney theme park are underway. Documents released by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) revealed a fifth park is being planned by the global conglomerate, Disney.
Fans of the franchise, which was founded in 1923 by brothers Walt and Roy, will be excited at the news as it has been 27 years since the company’s last major Florida park opening — Animal Kingdom in 1998. But lovers of the company that brought the world Mickey Mouse and a host of other magical characters shouldn’t hold their breath as the plan for new additions is due to take place over the next twenty years, right up until 2045.
According to PEOPLE, Disney has taken necessary steps to develop a new “major theme park” and two additional “minor” parks. The proposals also include new resort hotels, additional shopping and dining areas and an 18-hole golf course at its Orlando Resort.
Park watchers will be well aware that the report isn’t the first time a potential fifth park idea has been floated. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the CFTOD agreed to allow Disney to move forward with its plans to invest up to $17 billion in Orlando in July 2024.
This outline included plans for new parks, hotels and more as Disney looks to expand their presence in the state.
The prospective area to be developed is substantial, totalling 2,629 acres. A “major” park is earmarked to take up 500 acres, while the “minor” parks would each be on about 300 acres.
Both of these propositions are up significantly in area size from previous estimates but the plan makes no promises at this stage that they will definitely be developed. It simply gives Disney a variety of options available as they decide where and what to build next.
The good news is that fans of the much-loved company won’t have to wait long for new projects being unveiled. At the Disney Experiences showcase at D23 in August last year, several new additions were confirmed.
It was announced that a Monsters Inc. land will be coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios which will feature the first-ever suspended coaster ride for a Disney park and will see visitors travel through the door factory from the film. A Disney Villains Land was also confirmed to be coming to the Magic Kingdom with two major attractions, dining, and shopping which should give fans some excitement for the future.
It comes after it emerged Disney will open a new magic kingdom and theme park in the United Arab Emirates’ capital of Abu Dhabi. The collaboration between Walt Disney and local leisure and entertainment company Miral will be the first of its kind in the Middle East.
