Disney has forward momentum in Florida.
Cinderella Castle
Even as Walt Disney World has added new attractions in the last several years, much of the attention on Disney has focused on matters outside the theme parks. Specifically, Disney’s now-years-long political conflict with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, which began as a political disagreement and then evolved into a legal battle between the two over Disney’s “special district” political privileges. The governor essentially took control of the body once known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District in early 2023, turning it into the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. However, in recent months, news of a settlement gave hope that the situation was turning a corner. Now, there’s even more evidence.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District has reached a new development agreement with Disney. Under this new development agreement, over $17 billion worth of investments will go to Disney World over the next 10–20 years, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Perhaps more massive attractions like Cosmic Rewind are coming?
The new agreement agreement covers about 17,300 acres owned by Disney, and authorizes a maximum of five major theme parks (meaning that yes, Disney COULD build a fifth gate under the agreement, though obviously nothing has been announced and the agreement is NOT confirmation one is coming), a maximum of five minor theme parks (water parks and other similar concepts), 1.3 million square feet of office space, 1.7 million square feet of restaurant/retail space and 53,467 hotel rooms.
For their part, Disney commits to fund “at least $10 million in affordable housing projects and create a local business hiring program that would award a minimum of 50% of the value of all construction work to Florida-based businesses,” per the Orlando Sentinel.
Walt Disney World might be growing substantially over the next two decades.
Stephanie Kopelousos, the administrator of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, commented on the deal, “With Walt Disney World’s substantial investments, we anticipate economic growth, job creation, and support for local businesses, alongside environmental stewardship and workforce housing initiatives, benefitting Central Florida’s community.”
State Senator Linda Stewart, who had been previously critical of DeSantis’s actions, also spoke positively about the development. The Orlando Senator told the Orlando Sentinel, “Things have been a little smoother over there. The board hasn’t decided on their own without consultation we are doing this and that. That’s not what is happening now. There is more cooperation.”
Could more massive lands like Galaxy’s Edge be on the horizon?
Even some Disney experts are commenting on the recent developments. Professor Richard Foglesong, who has written extensively about Disney’s history in Florida, expressed a similar sentiment, saying, “We’re possibly seeing [Central Florida Tourism Oversight District] starting to do what they’re supposed to do: building things, not just complaining about things. Central Florida will be better off for it.”
We already know a massive project is coming to Animal Kingdom
Now, as we said, Disney has not confirmed any major new park projects quite yet (besides teasing a Magic Kingdom expansion, though we still don’t know much about that update). But now, the possibility for a fifth gate exists — from a development perspective, anyway.
Possible Land Expansion in Magic Kingdom ©Disney
While this plan seems to be an obvious sign that Disney and the state of Florida are working together smoothly once again, the issues aren’t quite over yet. A lawsuit filed by Disney against DeSantis and state officials is still pending in federal court, though earlier this year, Disney asked an appeals court for a delay in that case to “facilitate” negotiations that pushed the deadline to file an opening brief from April 17th to June 17th, indicating that another settlement could be on the horizon.
Stay tuned to DFB for continuing updates on the Disney/Florida relationship.
Bob Iger Says a Lot of Theme Park Projects Will “Start Opening” in 2025
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Are you excited about this new agreement and AT LEAST the potential of a NEW Walt Disney World theme park? Let us know in the comments below.
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A 5th park is long overdue and will help manage the crowds. Personally I hope they do not restrict the 5th gate to a single IP, whilst it would set up the potential of a more powerful immersive experience what happens if/when the IP loses popularity? Part of the wonder in the current parks is walking through different lands which is a mind blowing experience. For me I would lover to see a Sports, Retro or Elements (fire/land/ice/water) with multiple IPs residing in their own space
Why do people keep saying Animal Kingdom is getting a Massive Expansion when in reality, it’s a Makeover of the much out of date Dino Area. Re theming the Dinosaur ride is Not an. expansion. Disney Needs to Step Up their Game
I’d like to see Broadway relocate from the sewer that is NYC and become the fifth park at WDW. State of the art theatres to replace the aging structures in NYC’s theatre district, interspersed with upscale hotels and restaurants would be a welcome addition. After all, some of the biggest Broadway blockbusters are already Disney shows.
With all the land Disney owns in the Orlando area, a 5th park and even a 6th or even 7th will eventually be built. It is just a matter of time. People are just being impatient and expect a park to pop up overnight. Building a luxury hotel can take 24 to 36 months, or even longer, so what makes people think an amusement park will be built in a short time span? Be patient my fellow Disney fans, it will eventually happen. It may not happen in our lifetime, but it will. As Walt Disney said, Disney parks will never stop growing.
I agree with Dan Maguire. Disney World keeps building hotels for more and more guests which impacts the daily crowds. Too many hotels and guests, but not enough park space.
HAVE YOU HAD ANY REVIEWS FOR THE DRONE SHOW AT DISNEY SPRINGS????
Hi Don! We have seen it ourselves and are happy to answer any questions you might have.
Personally, I’d rather see a big expansion in the current parks… buying tickets for 4 parks is expensive enough….
Do the water parks not count as a major theme park? If so is that actually the 5th park?
Cool over the next 10 to 20 years, making me somewhere in my 50s or 60s when this new gate could potentially open. I do dislike the term 5th gate; Disney has the 2 Water Parks and Disney Springs, surely those count as something.
With the land that Disney World own’s they could build a fifth park and more. They could have plan’s done and building them but nope. They have alot of plan’s they want to build but Disney right now is all talk and no Action. Disney World and Land could have had building going on right now, but Disney took another path and screw up bad. Wait until Universal new parks open up and new 3 hotel’s too. Them your going to see Disney Parks attendance drop alot in Fla.
Nothing will happen until Bob Iger leaves. The new CEO will be calling the shots and looking to make his/her mark in the sand. Michael Eisner was the last reincarnation of Walt Disney and with Frank Wells at his side did amazing things for Disney Inc. we need another Disney/Eisner type CEO