It’s no longer just a wild fan theory. There is finally some evidence for Disney’s 5th theme park! Fans couldn’t be more excited. Disney has included language in long-term planning documents that mentions the possibility of building a new theme park in Florida. It wouldn’t be a small expansion either—this would be a full-blown fifth gate.
New Evidence
Tucked away in a lengthy planning document, Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District have laid out some enormous possibilities for the future of Walt Disney World. The plan looks ahead to how Disney could use some of its still-undeveloped land in the Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista areas, right where the parks currently sit.
In it, there’s room carved out for one potential large-scale theme park and a couple of smaller ones as well. The fifth park would be the first new gate added since Animal Kingdom opened back in 1998. These plans aren’t a promise—they’re more like placeholders. Disney is giving itself options, not making announcements. And with the planning window stretching all the way to 2045, there’s still a long road ahead before any of this becomes reality.
But What’s the Holdup?
One big reason a fifth park isn’t moving forward just yet is that Disney has many other projects already in the pipeline. The company has committed to spending billions to expand and upgrade its existing parks and resorts over the next two decades.
Magic Kingdom is preparing for its largest expansion since New Fantasyland. This new area behind Big Thunder Mountain is rumored to bring a long-awaited Villains Land to life. It’s still early in development, but it’s expected to bring new rides, restaurants, and a whole new section of the park to explore.
Over at Animal Kingdom, the aging DinoLand U.S.A. is getting a complete transformation. Disney is turning that space into the Tropical Americas, a new land inspired by Central and South America. It’s set to include a reimagined Indiana Jones attraction and family-friendly areas themed to Encanto. Construction has already started, and the overhaul is expected to take several years.
Other projects are also underway – new dining and shopping experiences, a golf course, and more office space. We will likely see these additions long before the 5th gate is open.
Why a Fifth Gate Still Makes Sense—Eventually
Even though a fifth gate isn’t a current priority, that doesn’t mean it’s off the table. Walt Disney World sees tens of millions of guests each year, and as the parks grow more crowded, an entirely new park could help spread guests out and offer something fresh.
Plus, with Universal’s new Epic Universe now open just down the road, Disney may eventually feel the pressure to respond in a big way. Adding a new land to an existing park is great, but a brand-new gate would make a much bolder statement.
Still, Disney tends to take a slow and careful approach when it comes to these massive projects. Building a whole new park from scratch takes years of planning, designing, and construction—something they’re clearly not ready to commit to just yet.
What to Expect Next
For now, don’t expect any big fifth park announcements. Disney’s focus is squarely on making the most of what it already has—by expanding Magic Kingdom, reimagining Animal Kingdom, and continuing to invest in the overall guest experience.
A fifth park may be in the future, but that future is still far off. Until then, there’s still plenty of magic in the works.
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