Big News from the Magic Kingdom: Disney Set to Expand with Fifth Orlando Theme Park!
Fans of the Mouse House rejoice! Disney’s Florida kingdom will see substantial growth over the coming decade, as details of a fifth possible theme park emerge following some significant political developments. Just over two months ago, Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis put an end to a prolonged legal dispute regarding the company’s expansion rights. This row had roots going back to Disney’s opposition to DeSantis’ controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law. However, all that’s now in the rearview mirror as the governor’s appointees on the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District greenlit Disney’s ambitious $17 billion expansion plans.
Get ready to dream big! These approved plans not only hint at a fifth major theme park but also suggest additions like new waterparks and hotels. “It’s business as usual again for Disney in Florida,” says Robert Niles, the brains behind the popular site Theme Park Insider. With DeSantis no longer pursuing his presidential aspirations, it seems Disney can enthusiastically embark on its post-lockdown growth strategy.
Given Disney’s parks and experiences division’s spectacular performance—raking in $32.5 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2023—this massive investment is no surprise. Disney CFO Hugh Johnson told investors that their theme parks division has consistently been a high-margin, high-return business. It’s only logical they’d reinvest in a successful venture!
Niles also highlighted that while the $17 billion investment will enhance existing sites like Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom with new attractions and a hotel, exact plans for the new park remain under wraps. The last significant addition to Disney’s Orlando resort was Animal Kingdom in 1998—a venture that cost nearly $1 billion.
Throughout its contentious dealings with DeSantis, Disney exhibited resilience, with CEO Bob Iger openly criticizing the governor. Even amidst heated exchanges, Disney halted a $1-billion corporate campus project that would have created 2,000 jobs in Lake Nona. Despite differing opinions on Disney’s political maneuvers, the consensus seems clear: advancing and investing in cutting-edge attractions is critical for maintaining Disney’s market-leading status.
What are your thoughts, Disney fans? Are you excited about the potential new park? Share your ideas and join the conversation below. Let’s keep the Disney magic alive!
Feel free to check out the original article on Forbes for more details and share your thoughts in the comments!
