Major Disney Construction Could Hint at a Much Bigger Secret in Anaheim

It starts like any big Disney project: blueprints, renderings, construction dates, and plenty of PR buzz. But behind all the official details, a growing number of Disney fans and insiders are convinced this time — something else is going on.

This isn’t just about a few new rides or a bigger parking lot.

Could Disneyland be preparing to open an entirely new theme park — its first in California since Disney California Adventure debuted over two decades ago?

A New Disney Gateway Into Disneyland

Set to break ground in fall 2026, a sweeping new infrastructure development is headed for the east side of Disneyland Resort. The plans call for:

• Over 6,000 new parking spots

• Dedicated shuttle and rideshare areas

• A streamlined vehicle entrance from Disney Way

• Onsite security screening

• And a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard connecting to a new “arrival experience”

NEW: The upcoming Avatar-themed land will be built near the Hollywood Backlot area at Disney California Adventure Park. To make way for this new experience, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! will permanently close in early 2026. – @ScottGustin on X

NEW: The upcoming Avatar-themed land will be built near the Hollywood Backlot area at Disney California Adventure Park. To make way for this new experience, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! will permanently close in early 2026. pic.twitter.com/sImdcXXhCm

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) June 6, 2025

Disney describes this as a much-needed solution to crowding and traffic in and around the resort. But others see it as a foundational piece — one that looks suspiciously like it’s meant to support more than just the existing two parks.

And that suspicion only grows stronger when you take into account where it’s being built… and what’s being cleared to make it possible.

The Attractions That Sparked a Theory

Disney also confirmed two major new experiences are coming to Disney California Adventure, each built around some of Disney’s most beloved stories:

• A Coco-themed ride, inspired by the Oscar-winning film, will begin construction in fall 2025, located behind Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier.

• An Avatar attraction is in development and will take over the Hollywood Backlot, replacing Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!, which will permanently close in early 2026.

Though timelines remain vague, these announcements have reignited the fan community’s curiosity about Disneyland Forward — a multi-year planning and zoning initiative that reimagines how the resort could expand beyond its current borders.

NEW: A 6,000-space parking structure featuring a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard and a new esplanade experience is coming to Disneyland Resort. Construction will begin in fall 2026.

– @ScottGustin on X

NEW: A 6,000-space parking structure featuring a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard and a new esplanade experience is coming to Disneyland Resort. Construction will begin in fall 2026. pic.twitter.com/nJmX00OcaW

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) June 6, 2025

Officially, Disney says these additions are part of that initiative. But fans believe the scope goes far beyond a few new attractions.

What the Fans Noticed — and Why It Matters

In the wake of the Coco ride announcement, fans on social media started doing their own detective work. One user pointed out that placing the entrance to the Coco attraction at the current parade gate would cut off a main access point to the expansion zone highlighted in past Disneyland Forward concept art.

Their theory?

With Coco entrance being where the Parade gate is today blocks the entrance to the DCA portion of the Disneyland Forward expansion space. I 100% believe that the DCA and DL plots for expansion is for Disneyland’s 3rd Theme Park and not for expansion of the existing parks. – @Ryanthemepark on X

With Coco entrance being where the Parade gate is today blocks the entrance to the DCA portion of the Disneyland Forward expansion space.

I 100% believe that the DCA and DL plots for expansion is for Disneyland's 3rd Theme Park and not for expansion of the existing parks. pic.twitter.com/ImLAwAg2vu

— RyanTheme Park (@Ryanthemepark) June 6, 2025

The pieces line up. The pedestrian bridge leads to a new arrival area — not to the current esplanade. Parking is being shifted east. Major backstage areas are being reclaimed. And attractions are being relocated or demolished to make way.

Disney hasn’t said a word about a third park. But historically, they’ve remained silent on new park announcements until permits are secure and plans are locked in. Could this be history repeating itself?

Why a Third Theme Park Makes Sense Right Now

Let’s look at the larger strategy. Disneyland Resort pulls in millions of visitors each year — more than it was ever built to handle. California Adventure’s footprint has grown, but there’s only so much space. Disneyland Forward has opened the door for creative land use — and with hotel capacity and tourism spending on the rise, a third gate may be the best solution.

Here’s what a third theme park could offer:

• Brand-new IP lands (think Zootopia, Encanto, Black Panther, or even Frozen)

• A chance to decentralize crowds between three parks instead of two

• Revenue growth via multi-day ticket purchases and hotel bookings

• A revitalization of Anaheim’s local economy

Add in the fact that Walt Disney Imagineering has been quietly hiring for major expansion projects — and it’s easy to see why fans think this could be the start of something colossal.

What’s Really Coming to Disney in California?

Disneyland won’t confirm or deny the rumors. To them, this is just smart growth: smoother arrivals, better traffic flow, and exciting new rides.

But to fans paying attention to every construction permit, satellite image, and public meeting — the signs feel unmistakable.

If the pattern holds, the next few years could deliver not only new attractions, but a transformational shift in what the Disneyland Resort is. Something that redefines the resort in a way not seen since Walt’s original dream opened in 1955.

Is a third theme park actually in the works?

No one at Disney is saying it out loud. But they may have already started building it.