5th and 6th Parks?! About This Page:

[Disday]

There was a wild rumor on another site that said WDW has 2 new parks on the way. I believe they heard this from a cast member, so be skeptical. The person said that one was going to be themed around the different sections of the U.S.A. They described it as sort of like World Showcase. It would include the West Coast, East Coast, North, and South. I've seen this rumor on another site that said that it would include something from each of the states and that it would be their largest park. They said that it would have rides similar to Expedition Everest. - So, what would the second park be? They said that they didn't hear that part, but could it be the Dark Kingdom (villain park) that is rumored so often? This is just speculation. I know this seems like a crazy rumor, but there is something that puts it in the realm of possibility. Blackstone, which owns half of Universal Studios parks is said to be bidding on the Busch parks. If this happens they could have transportation to the different Florida parks and offer special deals. This would elevate them to a more level playing field with Disney. Since Disney doesn't want anyone to leave their property, they would have to offer more than their competition. This would especially work for international guests who can spend 2 weeks on Disney property. This is just a what if scenario to think about.

[janicelovesmickey]

the 5th park rumor is just that a rumor.
We did the backstage tour at the magic kingdom, our guide said there IS NO 5th park to even consider at this time.

Unless I see it being built with my own eyes I dont believe it.

[Caldercup]

I think it's fair to say that Disney is always exploring the idea of expanding. They probably "blue sky" this stuff all the time.

Do I think any of it is even remotely close to a ground breaking ceremony? Nope!

But the Imagineers will keep imagining and rumors will always be spreading.
Eileen

[hminneman8]

There was a great deal of speculation that Disney would build an "American" themed park in Haymarket, Virginia. However, I believe in the mid 1990's the idea was kaboshed due to local opposition.

[Disday]

The Disney's America park from the '90s is not the same as the new rumor for WDW. That was more about American history, the new one is about the states and regions of the U.S.A. (supposedly). I can't vouch for this or any other rumor out there. I have heard that the Night Kingdom/Jungle Trek premium park is very, very dead. That comes from someone who seems to have good contacts. As for plans for a 5th park, that's just speculation. However, there is a site that claims that it is in some level of development, but that it hasn't been green lit yet. Here's a link:
JULY171955.com

[chezp]

I agree that they're probably always thinking about it - but I just can't see it happening at the moment in the current economic climate. If they ever want to do a fifth - or indeed - sixth park, I'm putting in a bid for a version of Tokyo DisneySea at WDW, that would be amazing. I hope you're listening Disney...

[Shell_of_the_South]

The 5th park rumor has been floating around for as long as I can remember. I know when I started researching our family's first trip in 2000 I read stuff about a 5th park back then.

[Griffin]

I say this everytime I hear a rumor about another park, I wish they would first make better the parks/spaces they already have.

For instance, there are 2-3 buildings in Epcot that are wasted space, that are not being used for rides/attractions...

[Shell_of_the_South]

Originally Posted by Griffin

I say this everytime I hear a rumor about another park, I wish they would first make better the parks/spaces they already have.

For instance, there are 2-3 buildings in Epcot that are wasted space, that are not being used for rides/attractions...

I agree with you 100%. I don't want another gate, I'd rather have new attractions at the existing parks (to help justify the ticket prices!)

[jimmymac]

These rumors always seem to coincide with Universal getting a headline. Coincidence? Fix what's already there

[fluttercat]

I'll believe they are opening a new park when it actually opens. Not when they break ground. Plans can change. Once it is open and people are visiting it then I'll believe it.

[DVCBird941]

I also would rather they do something with the space at the existing parks before they do a new park.

[MattUGA]

Fifth park isn't happening for at least a decade.

[Dave Marx]

Let's see... Would Disney be worried that Blackstone Group would start bussing guests between Universal and Busch Gardens Tampa? ::: snort ::: They'd probably cackle with glee over the money UniversalBusch would be spending to make it happen. The bus ride along I-4 or I-Drive between Universal and Sea World will also be a real winner. Simply put, owning a geographically scattered group of parks in a heavily built-up area isn't ever going to be the same as the WDW experience. Will they be able to sell passes good for all four parks? Sure. Will that make a huge dent in Disney's business? Not too likely. Folks who come for two weeks, (like Brits) are already likely to visit all eight major parks (nine, when you add KSC). Families who come for one week? The discounts on Universal/Busch would have to be pretty juicy to swing significant attendance away from Disney, and Disney would still have plenty of ways to trump the competition's offer.

There's the old theory that Disney has to match anything Universal or Busch does in order to stay competitive. I really think that ship has sailed. Back when Disney had just two parks, maybe. With WDW Resort in its current configuration? Not any more. Disney never built an "answer" to IOA - they simply added more thrill rides to the existing parks. Disney never built the equivalent of Discovery Cove. Yet the people keep coming to Disney, and growth at the other parks lags Disney's growth curve. Disney Studios has managed to out-flank Universal Studios. Animal Kingdom undoubtedly reduced the number of Orlando vacationers willing to drive to Tampa. Universal/Busch would probably have to open their own 5th gate in order to up the ante significantly, and Disney might be willing to sit back and see if the competition chokes on the investment.

I'm not saying Disney can afford to be complacent, but as others have noted, there's still plenty of room for Disney to add more/upgraded attractions to the existing parks, new incentives that can cut the legs out from under any competing discount offers, etc. By comparison, building new theme parks is probably gross overkill.

Finally, the real best-kept Disney secret is that, if Universal/Busch puts on a heavier marketing push, Disney will also get more business on the coattails. Maybe Universal/Busch manages to attract more visitors to Orlando, or encourages them to spend more days visiting. You really think they'll come to Orlando and not do Disney, or cut back on the number of days they spend at Disney parks? Not as long as Disney keeps giving folks new reasons to visit the existing parks.

While Disney certainly could try to out-maneuver the competition by opening so many parks that nobody has time to go anywhere else, Disney also has to consider efficient operation of those parks. Remember, not so many years ago, all the moaning about Epcot's relatively poor attendance? Imagine what would happen if similar-sized crowds were spread over five, six, or seven major parks. Essentially, Disney has to attract 20% more visitors in order to operate five major parks at the same efficiency they operate the current four. That's a pretty tall order. And a 6th major park? That might have to wait until Las Vegas disappears under a deluge of fire and brimstone. Disney will certainly build more parks if and when conditions justify it, but I really, really doubt a merger of the Universal and Busch park operations would be the motive.

[Disday]

I agree with the theory that Disney might build more parks to keep people from trying other Florida parks not on property. I'm not saying they would, but if they did, it would be thoroughly researched. I know some will say how they think that DAK was a disappointment because it doesn't have 12 mil. or more guests per year like MK, but it's still one of the most popular parks in the country. It almost seems like any new park that is added to WDW is guaranteed gold. As for the 5th park, it's not a matter of if they will ever add one, it's about When.