Remember when Disney announced a massive $60B investment in its theme parks, and everyone immediately wondered where all that money would go? Well, we now know that at least $1.9B is earmarked for the DisneylandForward project in Anaheim, but more than eight times that amount—$17B, to be exact—is headed to Orlando.
For those following DisneylandForward, you know that plan includes provisions to adjust land use entitlements in Anaheim so Disney can use its existing property in ways other than originally designated. The Walt Disney World expansion proposal includes similar provisions. But, also like DisneylandForward, the Orlando expansion project needed to clear a few hurdles before Disney can start spending all that cash.
Walt Disney World Expansion Status
On June 5, 2024, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) board voted unanimously in favor of Walt Disney World’s expansion, which was followed by a second (and final) approval vote on June 12, 2024.
According to the notice of Special Meeting & Public Hearing for the June 5th Board of Supervisors of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) meeting, the proposed development agreement between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District includes the following details:
The land subject to the proposed development agreement is a majority of the land located within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District owned by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., encompassing approximately 17,370.17 acres. The development uses include Hotel/Motel, Office, Retail/Restaurant, Major Theme Park, and Minor Theme Park, with Hotel/Resorts at a maximum of 53,467 rooms, Office Buildings at a maximum of 1,258,564 square feet; Retail/Restaurants at a maximum of 1,732,887 square feet; Minor Theme Parks (think water parks, mini golf, etc) at a maximum of 5; and Major Theme Parks at a maximum of 5.
“This is the day we have all been looking forward to,” Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board Member Brian Aungst said before the final vote. “Walt Disney World is inextricably intertwined in the fabric of Central Florida.”
What Does That Mean?
The agreement allows Disney to increase the number of hotel rooms (from 36,000+ to 53,000+), plus add restaurants, shopping outlets, and even add a fifth “major theme park” and up to three additional water parks and/or other “minor theme parks.”
Disney is pledging to invest $17B over the next ten to twenty years on those projects, plus they’re committing to spend (at least) $8B within the first ten years, which would include investments in existing infrastructure, new construction, and technology. In addition, Disney will be required to donate land for infrastructure improvements, commit at least $10M to “attainable housing” projects, and award at least half of the contracts for goods and services related to design, development, and construction to Florida businesses.
The proposal will also allow Disney to convert hotel/motel land use entitlements to office space, which may signal that the company is circling back on previous plans to relocate Cast Members from California to Florida—a move that was shelved last year.
New Projects Already in the Works
Even before this $17B proposal hit the CFTOD agenda, two future projects were already underway for the most magical place on earth: the Tropical Americas expansion at Animal Kingdom and the “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” project at Magic Kingdom.
Many of you may remember that waaaayyy back at D23 Expo 2022, Josh D’Amaro “blue sky-ed” about Zootopia or Moana taking over DinoLand U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom and Coco, Encanto, or even (gasp!) Disney Villains moving into Magic Kingdom.
Well at D23:The Ultimate Fan Event in August, Josh FINALLY confirmed once and for all that not only will The Madrigal Family and Indiana Jones be taking over DinoLand…
…but that the Villains (plus Lightning McQueen and the “Cars” gang) will be moving into Magic Kingdom.
In addition, we learned that Hollywood Studios would also be receiving a nice chunk of change in the form of Disney’s first-ever Monsters, Inc.-themed land.
For all the details revealed at D23, check out our article here:
UPDATED! New Attractions for Walt Disney World & Shocking Surprises!
Now, about that 5th theme park…
Just because there’s no official 5th park announcement yet, it doesn’t mean it’s not coming. And even the suggestion of a brand new Disney theme park has had the rumor mills working overtime. Since Walt Disney World already has Disney’s “usuals” (meaning a castle park and a “studio-“themed park) plus, of course, Epcot and Animal Kingdom, what’s left?
After Josh name dropped the villains when “guessing” about what might materialize beyond Thunder Mountain, some Disney fans immediately were hoping for a full Disney Villains-themed park with all attractions, shows, and experiences themed to iconic baddies like Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Dr. Facilier, and even the Sanderson Sisters, all of whom (and more) hold court at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party.
Of course, we now know that Disney’s baddies will be getting their own land, but alas, not an entire park.
Another guess has been a park honoring the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A), an organization made up of mysterious world travelers who have peripherally made their way into Disney parks around the world but, with the notable exception of Lord Henry Mystic (the namesake for Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland), and Harrison Hightower (from Tokyo’s Tower of Terror), none of the others have a whole attraction devoted to them, though they appear in many different references in shops, restaurants, attractions and themed areas all around the great big Disney globe.
To learn more about S.E.A. (and perhaps start brainstorming about possible experiences for a S.E.A.-themed park), you can read our comprehensive guide:
The Beginners Guide to Disney’s Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A)
It’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow
During the Disney Shareholders call on April 3, 2024, Bob Iger said, “With such a deep well of untapped IP and buildable land, there are so many experiences that have yet to be brought to our parks…and we plan to turbocharge growth…with a robust amount of strategic investment. Our plans are ambitious…and our future is bright.”
Now that DisneylandForward was officially allowed to begin as of June 6th and the final vote on the Walt Disney World expansion in the books, there should be a slew of new projects in the works at both U.S. resorts over the next few years, and you can bet we’ll be keeping a close eye on everything.
It also hasn’t gone unnoticed by us (or anyone, really) that Disney’s recent zeal to “turbocharge” coincides with the construction of Epic Universe, which is scheduled to open at Universal Orlando Resort in 2025. While Disney claims that’s just a coincidence, we’re happy to be getting new experiences at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, regardless of the reason.
You can read the complete Walt Disney World expansion proposal HERE.
For details about DisneylandForward, check out our guide:
IT’S APPROVED!!! DisneylandForward Moves Forward What You Need To Know
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Let’s Hear From You!
What do you think about Disney’s plan to invest $17B in Orlando for new hotels, restaurants, dining, and maybe even a new theme park in the next 10 years? What stories and characters would you like to see added to Walt Disney World (especially if they do build an entire new park)? Let us know in the comments below!
