Big news is brewing in Orlando—and it could reshape the future of Walt Disney World as we know it.
Recent documents released by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) point toward something Disney fans have been whispering about for years: a potential fifth theme park on Walt Disney World property. Yes, really. For the first time since Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, we might be on the verge of a brand-new gate.
So, what exactly has been confirmed? What’s still up in the air? And what kinds of lands, rides, and experiences could be on the horizon?
Let’s break it all down.
✅ What’s Been Confirmed
This isn’t just another internet rumor. According to the official 2045 Comprehensive Plan filed by the CFTOD, over 550 acres of Disney-owned land have been earmarked for what they call a “major theme park.” That means Disney now has the local government’s blessing to begin planning the infrastructure needed to support a new gate—roads, utilities, transportation access, and more.
Even more intriguing, the plan also outlines space for two “minor theme parks,” defined as smaller-scale entertainment areas between 100–300 acres each. These could be anything from water parks to immersive boutique lands.
The plan is part of Disney’s massive $17 billion investment deal in Florida, stretching over the next 20 years. So while nothing has been announced publicly by Disney, the groundwork is being laid.
🕵️♀️ What’s Still Up in the Air
While the land has been zoned and the infrastructure plans are moving forward, Disney has not officially confirmed that a fifth gate is coming—let alone when, where, or what it might be.
At this point:
- There is no construction underway.
- No timeline has been shared.
- No themes, concepts, or lands have been announced.
That said, most insiders believe 2035–2045 is a realistic window for a new park to open, especially with nearby Universal’s Epic Universe now open and drawing crowds.
🎡 What Could the Fifth Park Be?
Here’s where it gets fun. While we don’t know for sure what Disney is planning, the speculation is running wild—and with good reason.
🎮 1. A Tech-Driven, Interactive Theme Park
Disney’s recent partnership with Epic Games (makers of Fortnite) raised eyebrows across the entertainment world. Some believe this fifth park could include gamified experiences, live storytelling, augmented reality zones, and even digital avatar integration. Imagine a place where the boundaries between games, attractions, and storytelling completely blur.
🌊 2. A Water-Based “DisneySea”-Inspired Park
Fans have long wished for a Florida version of Tokyo DisneySea, often considered the most beautifully themed Disney park in the world. With Moana, Nautilus, Pirates of the Caribbean, and other water-centric properties in the vault, this idea could become reality. It would also help combat the Florida heat in style.
🏰 3. An Animated Worlds Park
Imagine a park that brings together the worlds of Encanto, Frozen, Inside Out, and Zootopia—each in its own richly themed land. Think of it like a Pixar or Modern Animation showcase, but on a truly immersive scale. EPCOT’s World Showcase, meet the “Worlds of Disney Animation.”
🧙♂️ 4. A Magic and Villains Park
Rumors continue to swirl about a “Villains Land” being planned behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom. What if that idea expanded into an entire park? Think Maleficent’s Realm, Dr. Facilier’s Bayou, and Hades’ Underworld—all with wickedly cool rides and dark, moody theming.
🚀 5. A Marvel Park (Eventually)
While Marvel rights are still tied up with Universal in Florida, many fans still hold out hope that the restrictions will eventually ease. If and when they do, Disney could go all in with a dedicated Marvel park—complete with Avengers, Wakanda, the X-Men, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
🏝️ What About the “Minor Parks”?
The zoning documents also mention room for two minor parks, which could look like:
- A new water park (perhaps Moana-themed, or an upgrade of Blizzard Beach/Typhoon Lagoon)
- An ESPN or sports-themed zone
- A boutique experience park, similar to Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser but on a more accessible scale
- An expansion of existing resort experiences into standalone areas (Animal Kingdom’s conservation programs, for example)
Think of these minor parks like hybrids—somewhere between a full-blown theme park and a highly themed resort or entertainment center.
📍 Why Now?
Disney is clearly reacting to:
- The success of Universal’s Epic Universe
- The growth of Orlando tourism post-COVID
- The need to future-proof Walt Disney World with immersive, IP-driven experiences that go beyond classic rides
And with a 20-year, $17 billion development deal in place, this isn’t a short-term pivot. It’s the start of a very long game.
🤔 Final Thoughts
Is Disney building a fifth park tomorrow? No.
But are the stars aligning for something huge to take shape in the next decade? Absolutely.
Here at Under The Mouse Ears, we’ll be watching every zoning approval, D23 hint, and Imagineering whisper that points toward what’s coming next.
Because if Disney builds it, we’ll be first in line.
💬 What Do You Think?
Would you want a Villains Park? A Moana-inspired water world? Or are you hoping for something completely unexpected?
Drop your thoughts in the comments or vote in our next Instagram story poll!