Walt Disney World is a place of constant change and evolution. Over the years, the resort has introduced new attractions, resorts, and dining experiences that have redefined what it means to be “enchanted” by Disney magic. Could Walt Disney World be about to get even bigger and better? Here are the 10 expansions fans are dreaming about!
As Walt Disney himself famously said, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible,” and much of the resort’s success can be attributed to Disney’s ability to make the seemingly impossible a reality. There’s always room for growth, and here are some exciting ideas that would elevate the magic to the next level.
10. More Ice Cream Options
Who doesn’t love ice cream, especially on a hot Florida day? Disney is already famous for its sweet treats, but adding more ice cream options across the parks would be a welcome change. Imagine an expanded ice cream cart offering a variety of flavors from classic vanilla to exotic seasonal blends.
Themed ice cream experiences, like a “Frozen” stand featuring Elsa and Anna-inspired cones, would give visitors even more ways to cool down. Plus, with so much walking around the parks, guests will always appreciate a cool, refreshing break with their favorite treat!
9. Parking Garages for the Theme Parks
If you’ve ever returned to your car in the middle of the day, you know how hot the interior can get, and how frustrating it is to find a spot. Disney Springs’ parking garages are a fantastic solution to this problem, and it would be great to see something similar at the theme parks.
Expanding parking structures could solve several challenges at once:
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Reducing the heat: A garage structure would help shield cars from the harsh Florida sun.
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Improving guest flow: Parking garages are more space-efficient, freeing up more land for future expansions.
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Enhancing the guest experience: No more long walks from distant parking lots, especially when you’re ready to head home after a long day.
8. The Return of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans. When it was removed from Magic Kingdom to make way for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, it sparked a huge outcry. The “Save Mr. Toad” shirts remain popular in the parks to this day!
Despite its closure in 1998, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride continues to hold a special place in Disney fans’ hearts. A reboot of this quirky, beloved ride would be a fantastic way to introduce the magic of Disney to new generations while delighting longtime fans.
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A nostalgic reboot: Bring back the beloved ride in a refreshed, modern version while maintaining its zany charm.
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A new generation of fans: A ride like Mr. Toad’s could add a touch of nostalgia and uniqueness that new guests might never have the chance to experience otherwise.
7. More Nightclubs Across Property
Though Walt Disney World is often seen as a family destination, there’s also a growing desire for more adult-only entertainment options. Pleasure Island used to cater to this demographic with nightclubs and live shows, but its closure left a gap in the resort’s offerings for the 21+ crowd.
Adding a few more nightclubs or lounge areas would allow Disney to recapture some of that nighttime magic.
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Strategic locations: Adding nightclubs or lounges near the resorts or in the Disney Springs area would give adults a place to unwind after the parks close.
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Diverse entertainment options: Think of cabarets, comedy clubs, and live music that can be enjoyed well into the night.
6. More Interactive Queues
Disney’s interactive queues have already become a fan favorite, and there’s potential to expand this innovative concept further. Instead of simply waiting in line, guests can immerse themselves in interactive experiences that make the time pass faster.
Here are some ideas for future interactive queues:
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My Disney Experience integration: Imagine completing an interactive puzzle on your phone, and seeing something special happen as you approach the ride.
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Additional features: Incorporating fun elements like video games, trivia, or character interactions could take queues to a whole new level.
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Restrooms in queues: For particularly long waits, adding restrooms in the queues would be a huge benefit to guests, especially on popular rides.
5. Immersive Themed Resorts
Disney previously created magic with Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, but the possibilities for immersive resorts are endless! Guests love staying at Disney resorts that transport them to another world, and an entire resort built around a favorite Disney theme would only enhance the experience.
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Pirates of the Caribbean Resort: Guests could stay in a pirate ship-inspired room, eat in a pirate tavern, and experience treasure hunts around the property.
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Monsters, Inc. Resort: Picture a hotel that takes you straight to Monstropolis, where you can interact with beloved characters like Mike and Sulley.
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Alice in Wonderland Resort: Imagine stepping through a “rabbit hole” into a fantastical world full of whimsy and adventure, with gardens and rooms that look like they came straight from the movie.
4. Additional World Showcase Countries
EPCOT’s World Showcase is a favorite destination for park-goers, but there’s always room for more countries to be represented. While rumors of a new country or two often circulate, it’s time for Disney to take action and expand the World Showcase to showcase even more cultures from around the globe.
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New country additions: Guests could explore places like Brazil, Spain, or Switzerland, each with unique dining experiences, attractions, and cultural exhibits.
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Expanded festivals: More countries would provide additional opportunities for festivals and cultural celebrations throughout the year, enhancing EPCOT’s reputation as a global experience.
3. Rare Character Meet-and-Greets
There are certain Disney characters that are rarely seen in the parks, making them extra special when they do appear. Imagine a “Character of the Month” program where a rare character pops up for a limited time, announced well in advance.
Fans would flock to the parks to meet their favorites, and Disney would delight both local passholders and visitors from all over.
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Monthly character changes: Disney could rotate rare characters in specific locations every month, giving guests a chance to meet them during their visit.
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Advanced announcements: By revealing which character will be available ahead of time, guests can plan their visits around meeting their favorite rare characters.
2. A Really Big Roller Coaster
Walt Disney World has plenty of family-friendly coasters, but there’s a growing demand for a thrilling ride that appeals to those seeking a bigger adrenaline rush. With Universal Studios and SeaWorld already offering larger, more intense rides, Disney could enhance its offerings by building a coaster that rivals those in terms of thrill and innovation.
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Location for the new coaster: It could be located in an area like World Discovery or a newly designed section of the resort.
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Themed to perfection: Imagine a huge, intense roller coaster that’s tied to a beloved Disney franchise like The Incredibles, Guardians of the Galaxy, or even a Star Wars adventure.
1. A Fifth Theme Park
The idea of a fifth theme park at Walt Disney World has been rumored for years. With all the land available at Walt Disney World, there’s certainly space to add a new park that could take Disney World to even greater heights.
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A park with limitless possibilities: Whether the theme is based on a new Disney franchise or an entirely original concept, the new park could bring fresh attractions, dining experiences, and entertainment options.
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More thrills, more magic: The fifth park could feature massive roller coasters, bring back Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and have an abundance of ice cream stands, all while providing enough space for guests to spread out and enjoy new experiences.
The Future of Walt Disney World: More Magic on the Horizon
The possibilities for expanding Walt Disney World are endless. Whether it’s adding more immersive experiences, bringing back fan-favorite rides, or creating entirely new themed resorts, there’s always room for innovation and magic at the parks.
With Disney’s proven ability to imagine the impossible and bring it to life, it’s exciting to think about what the future of the resort will hold. Until then, we can only dream of these magical expansions and continue enjoying the wonderful experiences Disney already provides!
Which of these expansions are you most excited about? Do you think Disney will build a fifth theme park? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
