From Texas to Brazil: The Battle for Disney’s Next Park Is Getting Personal

Disney is officially heading to the Middle East—but that might only be the beginning. When Disney CEO Bob Iger announced the company’s plans to open Disneyland Abu Dhabi, fans around the world had plenty to say. Some were thrilled by the idea of the brand reaching new audiences, while others raised eyebrows over the chosen location, citing everything from cultural restrictions to the sweltering climate of the United Arab Emirates.

But even as the dust settles from that bombshell announcement, a new debate is heating up. Now, everyone—from hardcore Disney fans to theme park industry insiders—is buzzing about where Disney might plant its next flag. And the conversation is no longer just about business. It’s become personal for fans in places like Texas, Brazil, and Australia, all of whom feel their country—or state—is the most deserving of that coveted castle.

Abu Dhabi Sets the Stage for Bigger Battles Ahead

Before diving into the next potential battlegrounds, it’s worth pausing on Abu Dhabi itself. The park is going to be Disney’s first in the Middle East and will be built on the ever-growing Yas Island, which is already home to big-name attractions like SeaWorld and Ferrari World.

One of the things that makes this project stand out? It’s not Disney footing the bill. Much like Tokyo Disney Resort, local partners—in this case, the Miral Group—are handling the heavy lifting. Disney is lending its creative muscle and operational know-how, but the company isn’t investing its own cash to build the park.

And here’s where things get even trickier: the park will be mostly indoors. Given the region’s brutal summers, this isn’t exactly a surprise, but it does mark uncharted territory for Disney’s Imagineers. How do you create the grandeur of a Disney castle and Main Street, U.S.A. while keeping everything under a roof? That’s the puzzle they’ll have to solve.

And while the projected opening is still many years away—most are betting on sometime between 2032 and 2036—that hasn’t stopped speculation over where Disney could expand next.

Texas vs. Australia: More Than Just Rumors Now

Texas has been floating around the rumor mill for ages, but things are starting to feel a little different this time. The state has everything Disney might want: wide-open spaces, a booming tourism sector, and an ever-growing population. Plus, it offers a chance to bridge the geographical gap between the company’s California and Florida resorts.

There’s also a bit of pride at play here. When the American Heartland theme park broke ground in Oklahoma—right on Texas’ doorstep—it felt to some like a challenge. Could Disney afford to sit back while others moved into its territory?

Still, Disney’s kept quiet about any plans for Texas. It’s all whispers and what-ifs at this point.

Meanwhile, Australia is still holding onto hope. Disney fans there have been dreaming of a park for decades, and you can’t really blame them. It would not only serve Australia’s Disney-loving population but also give the company a strategic foothold in the Pacific.

The problem? Australia comes with some serious logistical headaches. It’s far from Disney’s existing hubs, the cost of building there would be steep, and the country’s population—while passionate—is smaller than other major markets. For those reasons, Disney’s always pulled back before any serious plans could materialize.

Brazil and South Korea Throw Their Hats In the Ring

While Texas and Australia are the fan favorites, they aren’t the only places in play.

South Korea has quietly emerged as an underdog. Seoul is one of the most visited cities in the world, and its government has been looking for ways to ramp up tourism. There were talks between Disney and South Korean officials years ago, but they fizzled. Could those discussions find new life now that Disney is venturing into new markets again? It’s certainly possible.

And then there’s Brazil. Disney’s popularity in South America is off the charts, and a park there would tap into a fanbase that’s been begging for it for years. But as always, Brazil’s economic and political instability makes it a tough sell.

India, too, is often thrown into the conversation. On paper, it makes the most sense—growing middle class, massive market, huge appetite for global brands. Yet, despite the potential, Disney’s kept India at arm’s length, likely due to the country’s challenging infrastructure and bureaucracy.

For Now, It’s All Speculation

Here’s the thing: Disney isn’t tipping its hand. Beyond Abu Dhabi, there are no confirmed plans for another park anywhere on the planet. And after a rocky few years of overambitious projects, Disney’s leadership is playing it safe.

That hasn’t stopped the speculation—or the passion. For fans in Texas, Australia, Brazil, and beyond, this isn’t just about where the next castle goes. It’s about pride, representation, and the dream of seeing Mickey, Minnie, and friends in their own backyard.

Where will Disney head next? Only time will tell. But judging by the intensity of the debate, wherever it lands, expect a lot of emotions—and opinions—to come with it.