For months, the Disney fan community has been buzzing with one big question: is the company planning to break ground on a brand-new theme park in Texas? The speculation kicked into high gear after Universal announced its Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, set to open in 2026 with attractions based on Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, Jurassic World, and more. Many assumed Disney wouldn’t let Universal dominate the Lone Star State without firing back.
Now we finally have Disney’s answer—and it might surprise you.
Disney Clears the Air
Disney has officially put the rumors to rest. The company confirmed it has no plans to build a Texas park or any new regional resorts. Instead, Disney is going all-in on its two U.S. crown jewels: Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. Billions are being invested into new attractions, expansions, and overhauls designed to keep both resorts on top of the theme park world.
This choice makes sense when you consider Disney’s history. Smaller regional projects like DisneyQuest in Chicago or the planned-but-never-built Disney’s America didn’t pan out as hoped. The company seems determined to focus on its largest, most successful resorts rather than gamble on unfamiliar territory.
Expansions at Magic Kingdom
So, what exactly is Disney doing with all that money? At Magic Kingdom, guests can expect two headline additions. First, Cars Land—modeled after the beloved version at Disney California Adventure—will bring Radiator Springs to life in Florida. Then, something fans have been requesting for decades: a Disney Villains land. With dramatic, Art Nouveau-inspired architecture and attractions centered around iconic bad guys, this expansion promises a completely new flavor of magic.
Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Transformations
Animal Kingdom is also getting a massive makeover. DinoLand U.S.A. will be replaced with Tropical Americas, a land celebrating the cultures and landscapes of Central and South America. Anchoring the area will be an Encanto attraction, where families can step into the magical Madrigal casita, along with an Indiana Jones retheme of the DINOSAUR ride.
Meanwhile, Hollywood Studios continues its Pixar push with a new Monsters Inc. expansion, letting guests explore Monstropolis with Mike and Sulley.
Disneyland Joins the Party
Over in California, Disneyland isn’t being left behind. The resort is preparing for a major new land inspired by Avatar, bringing the successful concept from Walt Disney World’s Pandora to Anaheim.
Why No Texas?
While some fans may be disappointed, Disney’s choice to skip Texas is rooted in practicality. Building a new resort from scratch requires enormous resources and logistics. By expanding Orlando and Anaheim, Disney strengthens its existing global icons while still offering plenty of new reasons for families to visit.
In short, Disney won’t be competing with Universal in Texas—but it is making sure Walt Disney World and Disneyland stay the ultimate destinations for theme park fans.
