Disney Parks

Disney’s Next Park? Plans Hint at New EPCOT or Animal Kingdom

After years of whispers and speculation, fans may finally have a clue about where and when Disney might build its next theme park: Shanghai Disneyland.

Possible New Disney Parks

Rumors have long swirled around Anaheim, Paris, and Orlando as potential sites for additional Disney parks. Disneyland Resort in California, for example, gained traction as a candidate following the approval of the DisneylandForward initiative in 2024, which allows for potential growth within the resort’s current footprint.

Guests outside the entrance to Disney California Adventure Park
Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

On the East Coast, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida appears primed for expansion, given that 62% of its land apparently remains undeveloped or preserved for conservation. Rumors of a fifth park at Walt Disney World have heated up in recent years, fueled by competition with Universal Orlando Resort, which is set to debut its highly anticipated Epic Universe park in May 2025.

Across the Atlantic, Disneyland Paris has a legal obligation to construct a third theme park by 2036—or 2040 if certain attendance thresholds are met. If Disney fails to meet this requirement, the French government could reclaim the allocated land, making a third gate in Paris less a question of “if” and more of “when.”

Mickey Mouse, wearing his signature red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves, stands with an open-arm gesture in front of a fairy-tale castle at Disneyland, smiling despite the recent Disney closures. The background shows a clear blue sky and lush greenery.
Credit: Disneyland Paris

Shanghai Disneyland Leads the Speculation

While Anaheim, Orlando, and Paris remain contenders, Shanghai Disneyland has emerged as a frontrunner for Disney’s next major expansion.

Opened in 2016, Shanghai Disneyland is Disney’s newest theme park, designed with both classic Disney storytelling and Chinese cultural influences. Its unique offerings, such as Treasure Cove (Disney’s first totally pirate-themed land) and the towering Enchanted Storybook Castle, have made it a standout among Disney’s castle parks.

Shanghai Disneyland park entrance with Mickey Mouse floral planter
Credit: Shanghai Disneyland

The park has seen steady growth, with expansions including Toy Story Land in 2018, Zootopia in 2023, and an upcoming Spider-Man roller coaster. However, recent developments suggest that Shanghai Disneyland may soon welcome a second theme park.

Signs of Expansion

A recent planning adjustment announced by the Chinese government has fueled speculation about a second park at Shanghai Disney Resort.

The land for Shanghai Disneyland’s second park has recently seen a planning adjustment announced by the government, changing its designation to commercial services, parking lots and transportation hubs. Could this indicate the early development of the second park has begun?

The land in question has been redesignated for commercial services, parking, and transportation hubs—often a precursor to major development.

City of Zootopia in Shanghai Disneyland
Credit: Shanghai Disneyland

This aligns with long-standing plans for Shanghai Disneyland to eventually house three parks. Back in 2011, Chinese government officials confirmed the resort’s potential for expansion. Now, fans are increasingly convinced that the groundwork for a second park is being laid.

What Might the Park Look Like?

While no official details have been confirmed, rumors suggest Shanghai’s second park could borrow elements from existing Disney models. One persistent theory is that Shanghai Disneyland may introduce its own version of EPCOT. Former Walt Disney Imagineering president Bob Weis allegedly previously hinted at this possibility, describing it as a “next-generation EPCOT.”

Preparation for a 2nd theme park at Shanghai Disneyland? President of WDI mentioned it being a next generation Epcot!

Alternatively, the park might take inspiration from Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which has been a rumored addition to Shanghai since 2014. As Disney’s largest park globally, Animal Kingdom’s immersive environments and sprawling attractions could provide a unique offering in the Chinese market.

Whether Disney opts for a reimagined EPCOT, an Animal Kingdom-inspired park, or an entirely original concept, one thing is certain: Shanghai Disneyland’s reputation for innovation suggests any expansion will be nothing short of spectacular.

Where do you think Disney should build its next park?

Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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