Credit: DisneyFor months, theme park fans have been buzzing about the idea of Disney breaking ground in Texas. Speculation grew louder after Universal confirmed it would open a brand-new Universal Kids Resort in Frisco in 2026. With concept art showing lands based on Shrek, SpongeBob, Trolls, Jurassic World, and more, many assumed Disney might follow suit with a Lone Star State project of its own.
But now, Disney has officially answered the question. Disney is choosing to go head-to-head with Universal in a different way: by doubling down on its two existing resorts in the United States, Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California.
Disney’s Official Word
In response to the swirling rumors, Disney made its position clear. The company has no plans to build a park in Texas, nor is it pursuing any new regional parks. Instead, it’s pouring billions into its existing resorts, with new lands, expansions, and overhauls designed to keep Disney’s destinations fresh, competitive, and irresistible to families.
This strategy isn’t entirely surprising. Disney has experimented with regional projects before—think of DisneyQuest in Chicago or the never-realized Disney’s America park in Virginia—but those efforts didn’t become long-term successes. Today, the company is focused on maintaining and enhancing its crown jewels rather than testing smaller or riskier markets.
What’s Coming to Magic Kingdom
If fans were hoping for something new, they won’t be disappointed. Magic Kingdom is about to see some of the most significant additions in years, many of which are geared directly towards kids. A Cars Land expansion, modeled after the hit land at Disney California Adventure, is expected to bring Lightning McQueen and friends roaring into Florida. It’s a move aimed at capturing younger audiences while giving families a colorful, high-energy new space to explore.
Even bigger is the arrival of a Disney Villains land. Long requested by fans, this expansion will finally give Disney’s most iconic bad guys and bad girls their own stage. With Art Nouveau-inspired design and dark, dramatic theming, this land promises to be unlike anything Magic Kingdom has done before. It’s also a clear nod to Universal’s willingness to push the envelope with bolder ideas.
Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, DinoLand U.S.A. is being completely reimagined. Its replacement? Tropical Americas, a land that blends Central and South American influences into a vibrant, immersive environment. Anchoring the expansion will be an Encanto attraction, where guests can step inside the magical Madrigal casita. Alongside it, DINOSAUR will be transformed into an Indiana Jones adventure, bringing another beloved franchise into the park.
This expansion checks several boxes for Disney. It breathes new life into an underperforming section of Animal Kingdom, it leverages popular intellectual properties, and it ties into the company’s effort to appeal directly to kids and families. For parents with children who fell in love with Encanto, this addition could be a major draw.
Monsters Inc. at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios, which has already transformed in recent years with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, is preparing to add another Pixar favorite: Monsters Inc. Rumored attractions and experiences would let guests step into Monstropolis alongside Mike and Sulley, making it one of the park’s most family-friendly expansions yet.
This move continues a clear trend. Disney’s expansions are heavily leaning into properties that connect with children and young families, positioning the parks as the go-to choice for parents planning vacations. At the same time, older fans will still find plenty to enjoy, whether it’s the darker Disney Villains land or the thrill of an Indiana Jones ride.
Disneyland’s Role in the Strategy
Of course, California isn’t being left out of the equation. Disneyland has its own expansion plans underway, with the most notable being a new experience inspired by Avatar. That franchise proved its staying power at Walt Disney World’s Pandora – The World of Avatar, and bringing it west to Anaheim ensures Disneyland remains competitive with Universal Studios Hollywood, which has been thriving with attractions like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
Together, the expansions in Florida and California showcase Disney’s long-term strategy: keep its existing resorts as the gold standard for theme parks while rivals like Universal test out new ventures in places like Texas and Las Vegas.
Why Disney Is Skipping Texas
The decision not to pursue a Texas park may disappoint some, but it also makes sense. Building a new resort from scratch is a massive undertaking—not just in cost, but in infrastructure, staffing, and logistics. By contrast, investing in Orlando and Anaheim allows Disney to maximize existing operations while expanding their appeal to new generations of guests.
Disney’s parks in Florida and California already attract millions annually. Strengthening those destinations ensures the company can continue drawing families from across the globe, while also making it harder for competitors to lure guests away.
Universal’s Move Raises the Stakes
Universal’s Texas park is a bold move, especially since it’s targeting families with younger children. It will include a hotel and lands themed to kid-friendly franchises, making it a strong regional option for families in the central U.S. For many, it raised the obvious question: would Disney feel the need to respond in kind?
Now, the answer is clear. The company won’t be matching Universal in Texas, but it is countering the competition with expansions that keep its U.S. resorts dominant.
The Bottom Line
The rumors can finally be put to rest. Disney is not building a theme park in Texas. Instead, the company is leaning into massive investments at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, with new lands themed to Cars, Disney Villains, Encanto, Indiana Jones, Monsters Inc., and Avatar.
It’s a smart move that shows Disney knows its strengths. By enhancing its flagship resorts, Disney is both protecting its legacy and ensuring it has plenty of new magic to rival whatever Universal and others bring to the table.
Texas may not be getting a Disney park anytime soon, but fans planning trips to Florida and California will have more to look forward to than ever before.