Disney Says It Will Not Build Any More Theme Parks—What Does This Mean for the Future?

During The Walt Disney Company’s Annual Shareholders Meeting on Thursday, CEO Bob Iger confirmed that the company has no plans to build more theme parks or resort destinations. The announcement came after a shareholder asked Iger if Disney was looking at any international destinations for new Disney Resorts.

Although much of Thursday’s meeting was a celebration of the past year, Disney did drop some new announcements. Iger gave fans a first look at an attraction inspired by The Lion King (1994) coming to Disneyland Paris Resort and shared extended teasers for the live-action Lilo & Stitch (2025) and the Alien: Earth series.

He also announced that Pixar is in the early development stages for a sequel to Coco (2017), which Lee Unkrich will return to direct.

During the question-and-answer section of the call, multiple shareholders asked Iger about potential worldwide Disney expansions. One shareholder asked whether Disney is considering building any new international theme parks, like Disneyland Paris Resort, Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Tokyo Disney Resort. As Universal Orlando Resort prepares to open its third gate, Epic Universe, in May, many Disney Parks fans feel the Mouse is falling behind.

Much to the disappointment of some fans, Iger said Disney is focusing on expanding its existing parks and destinations. At this time, the company has no plans to build new international theme park destinations.

Another shareholder asked if Disney planned to build more resort-style destinations like Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, which opened in Oahu, Hawaii, in 2011. Iger responded that while he knows visitors “love” Aulani, the company wasn’t looking to build similar destinations. Instead, he reiterated Disney Cruise Line‘s commitment to add seven more ships to its fleet, welcoming millions more guests to Disney experiences around the world.

Still, there’s much to look forward to for Disney Parks fans. In an earlier portion of the meeting, Iger bragged that Disney parks have “more projects underway around the world than at any time in our history.”

Disneyland Resort is preparing for its largest expansion ever, “Disneyland Forward.” As the original Disney park celebrates its 70th anniversary, it’s also doubling the size of the Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park.

Walt Disney World Resort is in the midst of some of its most expansive transformations yet. Walt Disney Imagineers are developing a Disney Villains land and two new Cars (2006) attractions for Magic Kingdom Park and a Monster’s, Inc. (2001) land for Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Construction has begun on the new “Zootopia: Better Zoogether” attraction and the new Tropical Americas area, Pueblo Esperanza, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The latter will feature rides inspired by Encanto (2021) and the Indiana Jones franchise.

Tokyo Disney Resort recently introduced the Fantasy Springs area at Tokyo DisneySea, drawing thousands of visitors daily and rave reviews. Beyond the previously mentioned Lion King attraction, Disneyland Paris Resort is reimagining its Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World. In 2023, Shanghai Disneyland debuted its widely popular Zootopia (2016) land.

Do you agree with The Walt Disney Company’s decision not to build new parks? We would love to hear from you in the comments!