At The Walt Disney Company’s Annual Shareholders Meeting on Thursday, CEO Bob Iger made it clear that Disney has no intention of building new theme parks in the foreseeable future. The announcement came after a shareholder asked Iger if the company was considering expanding into new international destinations for future Disney Resorts.
Although the meeting primarily celebrated the company’s progress over the past year, the announcement regarding future theme parks was significant. Many Disney fans have wondered whether the company will announce new parks, especially as Universal Orlando Resort prepares to open its new gate, Epic Universe. However, in response to questions about potential new international Disney Parks, Iger explained that Disney is focusing on expanding existing destinations rather than venturing into uncharted territory with new parks.
Disney Parks fans had hoped for expansion into new international markets, similar to the past successes with Tokyo Disney Resort, Shanghai Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris Resort, and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. However, the company’s focus is shifting. Iger made it clear that Disney’s future plans do not include the construction of new theme park resorts.
This shift in strategy comes as Disney continues to invest heavily in improving and expanding its existing parks. Disneyland Resort, for example, is preparing for its largest expansion ever with the “Disneyland Forward” project. Meanwhile, Walt Disney World Resort is undergoing its own transformations, with major updates underway at multiple parks, including the development of a Disney Villains land at Magic Kingdom and a Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Iger also addressed the question of resort-style destinations like Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii. While he acknowledged that visitors “love” the Aulani resort, he confirmed that there are no plans for similar resort-style destinations in the near future. Instead, Iger reiterated Disney Cruise Line’s commitment to expanding its fleet with seven more ships, allowing Disney to bring its unique brand of storytelling to more guests around the world.
While the news disappointed some fans hoping for new parks, there is still much to be excited about regarding Disney’s future developments. Disneyland Paris is reimagining Walt Disney Studios Park into the expansive Disney Adventure World, which promises to bring new experiences to visitors. Tokyo Disney Resort recently introduced Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea, drawing rave reviews and attracting thousands of visitors daily. Shanghai Disneyland’s Zootopia (2016) land has also been a hit since its debut.
Despite the decision to forgo new parks, Iger’s remarks about the ongoing and upcoming projects at Disney’s existing parks show that the company is far from slowing down. Iger stated that Disney has “more projects underway around the world than at any time in our history,” signaling that even without new theme parks, Disney’s expansion plans are far from finished.
If Disney were to build a new resort, where should they put it? Share your ideas with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
