Disneyland has filed the permits that could kickstart the path to a third installment of their popular California destination.
The beloved theme park initiated construction authorization for their brand new 6,000-space parking structure in Anaheim, ushering in a new era for the city and the park.
The much-needed addition will include security screening and a pedestrian bridge leading parkgoers to Downtown Disney.
Disney called it a ‘necessary’ step to welcoming guests to ‘new experiences’ that will be added in years to come.
‘These enhanced parking, transit and arrival offerings are the first step in our next phase of construction, creating the infrastructure necessary to prepare for future growth and to welcome more guests as new experiences are added,’ the company wrote on their website.
Not only will the transportation center provide guests with thousands of new parking spaces, it will connect them to Harbor Boulevard and Disney Way.
Multi-year construction on the parking hub will begin in the fall.
This is just another step in DisneylandForward, a $1.9 billion plan to improve the park, which fans hope will culminate in a brand new themed area.
Permits for a new parking structure in Disneyland has led to speculation that an additional park may not be far behind
Disneyland announced their new $1.9 billion initiative in May 2024 which will offer major changes to the parks
Disneyland is home to just two parks across its 550 acres: Disneyland and California Adventure.
By contrast, Disneyworld in Florida has four and sprawls almost 30,000 acres.
SFGate reported that more parking was a non-negotiable to free up the space for the much-speculated-upon addition.
The outlet theorized that a new parking structure would allow them to retire other parking areas, like the Toy Story parking lot at Downtown Disney.
That could mean expansion for the shopping and recreational area.
Downtown Disney connects the current parks, transportation centers and hotels to one another. More space there opens up the perfect spot for the gate to a brand new park.
Join the debate
Should Disneyland focus on bigger expansions or improve the existing parks for current visitors?
Disneyland’s new project ‘unlocked a roadmap for incredible potential opportunities that will fuel the growth of Disneyland Resort and the City of Anaheim for years to come’
DisneylandForward’s original plan included rezoning Disney-operated land for ‘extended use.’
According to the website, the project ‘unlocked a roadmap for incredible potential opportunities that will fuel the growth of Disneyland Resort and the City of Anaheim for years to come.’
In early renderings, the company characterized now rezoned land as ‘a new kind of Disney Entertainment.’
It teased new hotels, entertainment, dining, attractions and, yes, theme parks, per the Anaheim City website.
But fans are still sceptical that the elusive third park will ever come to fruition.
Plans for DisneylandForward included an extended Avengers Campus
‘Who said anything about a 3rd park! They literally said they are adding on to both existing parks!!,’ one Reddit commenter said.
‘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…,’ another added.
‘Hot take: This thing isn’t happening and doesn’t need to happen,’ a third chimed in.
DisneylandForward was official approved in May 2024. The years-long project was officially underway as of June 2025.
The $1.9 billion, multi-year project will also include a brand new Coco-themed ride
While much of the details are heavily speculated, Disney has already confirmed major changes.
The company’s overhaul included updates to Avengers Campus and Disneyland Hotel.
DisneylandForward featured plans for a new ‘Coco’-themed ride and ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ area.
They also announced that the beloved Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! ride is slated to close in early 2026.
The Daily Mail contacted Disney for more information.