Menu

Disney World’s Future at Risk, Move to Mississippi Possible

A bustling street scene at a theme park decorated for a festive celebration. People of all ages walk, sit, and interact while surrounded by colorful buildings adorned with orange and yellow decorations. Some individuals wear festive attire or themed clothing.
Credit: Nicholas Fuentes, Unsplash

Walt Disney World Resort has long been a centerpiece of tourism and family entertainment in Central Florida. However, recent studies indicate that rising sea levels pose a significant threat to the Sunshine State.

Positioned close to the coast and with an extensive network of wetlands, the Disney park’s location makes it vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The inundation of low-lying areas could lead to extensive property damage and operational challenges as flooding increases from increasingly dangerous hurricanes and tropical storms, forcing the resort to consider alternative measures to safeguard its future.

animal kingdom tree of life

Credit: Stephanie Klepacki, Unsplash

Recent data suggests that portions of coastal Florida could see increased flooding as sea levels rise. Not only does this affect the immediate region, but it also raises concerns about the broader environmental impacts, including near Walt Disney World Resort.

In analyzing the potential impacts of climate change, the outlook for Walt Disney World Resort is concerning. Predictive models indicate that by the end of the century, parts of Central Florida may experience a surge in severe weather events and oppressive heat. Such conditions could disrupt Disney park operations, forcing closures or limiting access to guests during peak travel seasons.

Walt Disney World Resort Fans Offer Alternatives to Central Florida

Tower of Terror

Credit: Jess Colopy, Disney Fanatic

As concerns about the future of Walt Disney World Resort intensify, some fans have begun to propose relocating the park to a different state. Redditor u/R83h31 started a recent discussion about climate change among Disney Parks fans:

Based on climate change, experts say that Florida will be inhabitable in “XX” years.

What state do you think Disney would move to?

I would think they’d go for a Great Lake State as a safe investment; and bonus if it were Minnesota…. Ya know Minnie puns?

What are your thoughts?

A large, spherical geodesic dome with a triangular pattern surface stands tall under a clear blue sky. Water fountains surround the base, spraying jets of water upward. Palm trees and a sunshade structure are visible in the foreground.

Credit: Disney

Mississippi and Alabama emerged as potential alternatives, offering distinct environmental advantages. The state boasts lower risks associated with flooding and has access to vast stretches of undeveloped land where a new Disney park could be built sustainably. From u/Stormwindadventures:

“Should it reach a point where Disney has to ‘move’ (aka abandon much of) WDW, they’ll very likely choose another southern state like Alabama or Mississippi since there’ll likely still be cheaper land than other options, plus those will have a more year-round friendly climate than states above Tennessee.”

Another proposed location for the relocation of Walt Disney World Resort is Texas, where Universal Studios is currently building a family-friendly theme park. The potential for expansion in Texas presents a unique opportunity for different types of themed experiences, integrating Disney’s innovative spirit with regional cultural influences.

“The answer is Texas,” said u/FelixEvergreen. “They wouldn’t go somewhere they couldn’t be open all year.”

Still, others argued that Walt Disney World Resort would never move and that theme parks would be the least of humanity’s worries by the time it was necessary.

A large crowd of people gathers near a fairy-tale style castle under a dramatic, cloudy sky. The scene captures a bustling theme park atmosphere with green trees and colorful decorations in the background.

Credit: That Dis Family

“Disney World is 92 feet above sea level,” u/Search4UBI wrote. “The bigger problem will be is that if lower elevations get lost to rising seas, there may be nowhere to go as major cities around the world at lower elevations see their populations relocate. Even if Florida becomes uninhabitable for other reasons, some of the areas closer to the equator will have likely been evacuated for a generation or more.”

If Walt Disney World Resort had to leave Central Florida, where would you put it? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments.

About Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.