Walt Disney World has operated as a four-park destination for nearly three decades, but a long-range land-use document suggests that number could eventually grow. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District's Comprehensive Plan 2045 includes provisions that would allow Disney to develop "one major and two minor theme parks" beyond what currently exists, with roughly 850 acres set aside for those potential projects.
The key word, though, is potential. The same document explicitly notes there are "no plans under review" for any such development. Disney has the legal runway to pursue a fifth gate — it simply hasn't taken the next step toward actually building one.
The timing of this news adds a layer of intrigue. D23, Disney's major fan convention, was taking place this past weekend — traditionally one of the company's biggest stages for announcing what's next. That said, there was no indication heading into the event that a fifth-park announcement was coming. Disney has been emphasizing investment in its existing parks, with major expansions planned for Magic Kingdom (Piston Peak National Park and Villains Land), Animal Kingdom (Tropical Americas, replacing DinoLand U.S.A.), and Hollywood Studios (Monstropolis).
The competitive landscape has shifted, however. Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe opened in May 2025, giving Universal three full-size theme parks in Central Florida. A fifth Disney park would represent one of the largest investments in the resort's history and would directly counter Universal's expanded footprint in the battle for Central Florida vacationers.
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For now, the framework exists and the acreage is there — but a fifth Walt Disney World theme park remains firmly in the realm of possibility rather than reality. Disney Fanatic first reported on the Comprehensive Plan 2045 details.
