By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-17 12:33:03 | Updated at 2026-08-17 13:14:48
1 hour ago
For nearly three decades, Disney World has been known for its four dazzling theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.
But earlier this week, speculation erupted that the Orlando, Florida-based theme park is going to build a fifth park.
The rumors stemmed from a new report from The Street, which claimed that Disney now 'had permission to build a fifth Florida theme park' should it want to.
The publication pointed to a document created by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) – the board that governs Disney World's property – which marked unbuilt land on Disney's property as 'suitable for development.'
The document states that the space could 'allow for development of one major and two minor theme parks.'
But it turns out, the 406-page document, entitled the Comprehensive Plan 2045, was actually released in June 2025 and is not new.
And while the idea of a fifth theme park at Disney World is certainly an exciting one, it's important to note that the document – which was designed to 'provide the basis for future decisions regarding land use, development, conservation and infrastructure' – adds that 'there are no plans under review' currently.
It only means that Disney has permission from the state to build a fifth park if it ever wants to, something that's actually been approved of since 2010, over a decade-and-a-half ago.
For nearly three decades, Disney World has been known for its four dazzling theme parks: Magic Kingdom (seen), EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom
Earlier this week, speculation erupted that the Orlando, Florida-based theme park is going to build a fifth park, however, documents state that 'there are no plans under review' for a new theme park (stock image)
So unfortunately, it's not likely that a fifth theme park will be coming to Disney World any time soon, despite the barrage of rumors circulating the web.
Back in May, Disney’s CFO Hugh Johnston spoke about how expansion at Disney World is vital.
'Without expansion, we don’t necessarily have the ability to grow attendance massively because it’s already filled up,' he said.
'Now we could jam more people into the park, but then the guest experience declines, and that’s actually bad for the brand.
'So you don’t want us to do that, and we don’t think it’s a good idea either.'
In 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the CFTOD approved Disney's request to move forward with its plans to invest up to $17 billion into its theme park over the next ten to 20 years.
And while there may not be a fifth theme park in the works, Disney certainly has a lot of new rides and attractions currently under development.
At Animal Kingdom, there's a brand new 11-acre land called Tropical Americas being built, which is expected to open in the fall of 2027.
While there may not be a fifth theme park in the works, Disney has a lot of new rides and attractions currently under development. Over at Hollywood Studios, there's a new Monsters Inc-themed land in the works. Seen is a concept for the new land
At Magic Kingdom, what was once the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island is currently being transformed into a land inspired by the Cars franchise
There's also a highly-anticipated villains land currently in development at Magic Kingdom, which will feature multiple attractions, dining locations and stores
It will contain an Indiana Jones-themed attraction and a ride based off the popular movie Encanto.
Over at Hollywood Studios, there's a new Monsters Inc-themed land in the works, which will have the park's first-ever suspension rollercoaster.
And at Magic Kingdom, what was once the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island is currently being transformed into a land inspired by the Cars franchise, which will boast two new epic rides.
There's also a highly anticipated villains land currently in development at Magic Kingdom, which will feature multiple attractions, dining locations and stores.
