When Disneyland makes big moves, fans take notice. But this time, they’re not just excited — they’re suspicious.
Disney has announced a sweeping infrastructure project that includes a new parking structure, transportation hub, and pedestrian bridge connecting guests more directly to the parks. It’s being sold as a fix for traffic congestion and guest flow. But some believe the real story lies underneath the surface.
Could this be the first step toward Disneyland’s biggest expansion in decades — possibly even a brand-new third theme park?
The Official Word: A Much-Needed Arrival Overhaul at Disneyland
Set to break ground in fall 2026, the new project will be built on part of the existing Manchester cast member parking lot on the resort’s east side. According to Disney, the new development will include:
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A 6,000-space parking structure
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Areas for shuttles and rideshare drop-offs
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Onsite security screening, moving checks away from park entrances
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A new vehicle entrance off Disney Way
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And a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard, leading to an entirely new arrival plaza
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 says the project will ease parking backups and improve the guest experience from the moment visitors arrive. But the scale — and strategic location — have many questioning what Disney isn’t saying.
New Attractions Confirmed — And One Saying Goodbye
Alongside the infrastructure update, Disney shared details on two major additions coming to Disney California Adventure.
The first is a Coco-themed attraction, set to begin construction in fall 2025. It will be located near Paradise Gardens Park, using space that’s currently off-limits to guests.
Then there’s the Avatar experience, which will take over the Hollywood Backlot area. As a result, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! is scheduled to permanently close in early 2026.
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.
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
Both attractions are still in early development, and Disney hasn’t provided opening dates. But these additions are just part of a much larger puzzle — one fans have been trying to solve since the announcement of the Disneyland Forward initiative.
The Fan Theory Gaining Momentum
Within hours of the announcements, Disney fans were already speculating. One post that gained traction pointed out that the placement of the Coco attraction entrance would likely block a key access point to the expansion land outlined in the Disneyland Forward proposal.
Their conclusion?
“This isn’t just expansion. I think this is the beginning of a third park.”
And they’re not alone.
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
When you stack up the timing — a pedestrian bridge leading to a newly developed arrival zone, backstage areas being cleared, the removal of an entire attraction — it starts to look like more than coincidence.
Disneyland’s layout is tight. Any significant land reallocation has to be carefully planned, especially if it involves routing tens of thousands of daily visitors in new directions. This parking project seems too strategic, too complex, to exist solely for guest convenience.
Why a Third Park Isn’t Just a Fantasy
Let’s step back and look at the business case.
Disneyland is bursting at the seams. Even with Disney California Adventure helping absorb crowds, both parks are often packed, especially during peak seasons. A third park would immediately reduce pressure on existing attractions while offering a new reason for guests to extend their stays — and spend more money.
A third park could also:
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Showcase unused or underused IPs like Encanto, Zootopia, or Frozen
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Spread guests across three gates, allowing for better crowd management
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Strengthen Disney’s position against competing Southern California attractions
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Fuel local tourism and job growth, further boosting Anaheim’s economy
With Disneyland Forward already laying the groundwork with city planners and zoning changes, this isn’t just fan-fiction. It’s an increasingly viable possibility.
So… Is It Happening at Disneyland?
Officially, no. Disney hasn’t confirmed anything beyond the announced attractions and infrastructure upgrades.
But the writing may be on the wall — or in this case, on the blueprints.
Massive parking expansions, backlot removals, new arrival corridors, and backstage area conversions are rarely just about logistics. For fans who’ve followed Disney’s patterns over the years, this feels familiar. Before Disney World’s Animal Kingdom was announced, for example, similar “backstage” activity quietly set the stage for what was to come.
Whether the third park theory proves true or not, one thing is clear: Disneyland isn’t just thinking about tomorrow’s lines and parking headaches. It’s thinking about what the next generation of the resort could look like.
And something big may already be on the way.
