1
Credit: Inside The MagicFor decades, the “Third Park” rumor has been the Holy Grail of Disneyland fandom. While Walt Disney World in Florida boasts four distinct gates, its West Coast sibling has remained a two-park resort since Disney California Adventure opened in 2001.
However, as we move into January 2026, the dream of a third theme park in Anaheim is no longer just “Blue Sky” speculation. Thanks to the monumental approval of the Disneyland Forward initiative and a committed $1.9 billion investment, the pieces are finally falling into place for the most significant expansion in the history of the Disneyland Resort.
Here is a look at the evidence, the blueprints, and the speculation surrounding Disney’s massive California expansion.
Disneyland Forward: The Blueprint for 3.0
The foundation for this expansion is Disneyland Forward, a multi-decade land-use planning effort that the Anaheim City Council officially greenlighted. As reported by SFGate, this isn’t just a request for a new ride; it is a complete rezoning of Disney’s existing 500-acre footprint.
The project allows Disney to bypass outdated 1990s zoning laws that strictly separated “theme park,” “hotel,” and “parking” zones. Under the new rules, Disney has the flexibility to build immersive lands and attractions on land it already owns—specifically, the massive Toy Story Parking Lot and the areas surrounding the Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel.
This flexibility is the smoking gun for a third park. By blurring the lines between the existing parks and new development areas, Disney has created a “blank canvas” where a third gate—or a massive expansion that effectively functions as one—can finally take shape.
The $1.9 Billion Commitment
Disney isn’t just asking for permission; they are putting their money where their mouse is. As part of the Disneyland Forward agreement, Disney has committed to spending at least $1.9 billion on theme park, entertainment, and lodging development in Anaheim over the next decade.
According to the Daily Mail, this investment is part of a larger $60 billion global push for Disney Parks. In Anaheim, that money is expected to go toward “integrated” experiences. Imagine walking out of your hotel room directly into a land themed after Avatar or Zootopia—that is the level of immersion this $1.9 billion is designed to buy.
Speculated Lands: What’s Coming to Anaheim?
While Disney has been careful not to officially label the new development as “The Third Park,” the concept art and teasers released during the planning phase have given us plenty to chew on. Based on current trends and successful international projects, three major franchises are leading the speculation:
1. The World of Avatar
Disney CEO Bob Iger has already confirmed that an Avatar experience is “in the works” for Disneyland. While many assumed this would be a single ride, the scale of the Disneyland Forward land suggests a full-scale “Pandora” similar to the one in Florida—but potentially featuring new locations from The Way of Water.
2. Frozen’s Arendelle
With World of Frozen seeing massive success at Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, bringing Arendelle to California is a safe bet. The Disneyland Forward blueprints reveal potential for high-capacity water rides and “mountain” backdrops that perfectly fit the Frozen aesthetic.
3. Zootopia
The recent opening of Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland has provided a template for a high-tech, urban “mammal metropolis.” Given the franchise’s popularity in the U.S., it is a prime candidate for the rezoned parking lot areas.
The “Third Park” vs. “Integrated Expansion”
The biggest question remains: Will it be a separate gate with its own turnstiles, or an “extension” of Disneyland and California Adventure?
The SFGate report highlights that the new zoning allows for “mixed-use” development. This could mean a “Disney Springs West” style entertainment district that seamlessly blends into the theme park lands. Some analysts believe Disney may move toward a “park-less” resort model where the entire 500-acre property is an interconnected web of experiences, potentially accessible via a single high-tier ticket or “Premier” resort stay.
When Will Construction Begin?
As of January 2026, we are in the “pre-construction” phase. Disney has already begun logistical shifts, including the development of new parking structures to replace the lots designated for theme park use.
Insiders expect the first major ground-breaking for a “Disneyland Forward” project to occur by late 2026 or early 2027, likely starting with the Avatar development. If a third gate is genuinely in the cards, it would likely be timed to coincide with a significant milestone, such as the Disneyland 75th Anniversary in 2030.
Final Thoughts
Disneyland is no longer land-locked; it is “idea-locked.” With the legal hurdles cleared and $1.9 billion ready to be spent, the next decade will transform Anaheim into a destination that could finally rival the scale of its Orlando counterpart.
Whether we call it “The Third Park” or “Disneyland Forward,” the “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” is about to get a whole lot bigger.
Which land do you want to see most in the Disneyland expansion? Pandora, Arendelle, or Zootopia? Let us know in the comments below!