It’s an exciting time to be a theme park fan in America. In the past decade, Disney has brought us Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Pandora – the World of Avatar, Toy Story Land, and Universal Studios has expanded its Wizarding World of Harry Potter and is even building a new theme park (Epic Universe) set to open in summer of 2025.
Related: Canceled Theme Park: Disney’s America
The Future of Disney Parks
But what’s on the horizon? What new and exciting surprises can we expect from the Walt Disney Company in Florida and beyond?
Today (September 19), Senior Disney executives, including Disney CEO Bob Iger and Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Josh D’Amaro, are meeting with Wall Street analysts and investors for a summit on Disney Parks.
Related: Could $1 Billion Build a 5th Disney World Park?
One of the most exciting developments from this summit is the Walt Disney Company announcing plans to spend $60 billion over the next ten years investing in its theme park business. It plans to “expand and enhance” its domestic and international theme parks while increasing its cruise line business.
Disney has also released in a statement that the company has “over 1,000 acres of land for possible future development to expand theme park space across its existing sites – the equivalent of about seven new Disneyland Parks.”
Related: 5 Reasons Disney Fans Will Love Epic Universe
Does that mean Disney could be building seven new Disneyland Parks worldwide? Not necessarily. However, it means there could be significant expansions of the current parks and perhaps even a brand new theme park or two (at least, it’s my wishful thinking).
A New Disney World Theme Park?
In addition to the 1,000 acres for development, $60 billion is a massive figure to work with. Universal’s Epic Universe was budgeted to cost about $1 billion to build. Even at a price double that, Disney could build 30 theme parks with $60 billion.
Granted, some money is also earmarked for its international theme parks and the Disney Cruise Line. So the total full amount would not solely be invested into the Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort.
Related: Disney’s Canceled Theme Park: WestCOT
But even if only a quarter of that money was invested into local parks, Walt Disney World Resort could see massive renovations and expansions. Even building a new E-ticket attraction at every park over the next ten years would be something to celebrate…
NEW: Disney will spend $60 billion over the next 10-year period to "expand and enhance" its domestic and international parks and cruise line capacity – nearly twice the amount spent in the previous 10-year period, the company revealed in a new SEC filing. pic.twitter.com/sLDpW6Xt5X
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 19, 2023
Although specific details have yet to be released regarding what plans, where, and when.
On social media, the reviews have been mixed. Many Disney fans seem to be skeptical of the figure and what it actually means.
I'll believe it when I see it
— Clare Odell 🌹 (@ClareOdell18) September 19, 2023
The Walt Disney Company does have a history of over-promising themed lands and attractions and under-developing them (or never building them). For example, there were many expansions and additions that were supposed to come to EPCOT that never materialized, the Beastly Kingdom section of Animal Kingdom never came to fruition, and the Disney Villains theme park has been teased for decades with nothing to show for it.
Related: What Would A Disney Villains Land Look Like?
In any event, investing in Disney Parks is worth getting excited about. Although hardcore Walt Disney World and Disneyland Park fans love classic rides and attractions, we still love to see new experiences materialize.