In a new 2045 Comprehensive Plan released by The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), a new fifth gate for Walt Disney World was addressed.
The newly approved plan “explicitly reserves” development space for a new “major theme park” and two additional “minor theme parks” which can be added over the next 20 years, according to WDWMagic.
While CFTOD’s plans are written to support the potential development of a fifth gate, Disney has not announced that a new park is in development.
The plan outlines a “major theme park” as a park on the same scale as the current four theme parks of Walt Disney World, with a projected area of 400-550 acres. The two “minor theme parks” are estimated at 147 acres. CFTOD is planning ahead to allow the development of these two possible parks, without requiring an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan.
The 2020 Comprehensive Plan previously included an allowance of a maximum of five theme parks for Walt Disney World Resort, totaling 17,300 acres of land owned by Disney. The 2020 plan was unanimously approved and authorized in June, 2024, following creation by Disney and the District following a court battle. This new Comprehensive Plan continues that allowance through 2045.
CFTOD acknowledges in the plan that most of the Walt Disney World theme parks have the space to expand, but also underdeveloped land elsewhere that is designated for “Entertainment” use, which includes the construction of a new “major theme park.” Per the District’s plan, there is enough land to accommodate a fifth gate, even with previously approved projects and conservation areas.
Do you think a new “major theme park” will be constructed at Walt Disney World?