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The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I'm a Disney expert who's visited 50 times – what to expect from their new Florida theme park from Fortnite to Frozen
WALT Disney World have filed plans to add a fifth theme park to their Florida resort - which is major news for families heading to Orlando. Disney is already big business in Florida, heavily contributing to the 75 million tourists who arrived in Orlando last year, so as a Disney expert, I took a look at what to expect from the new park. 7 7 As someone who has visited the theme parks in Florida more than 50 times, this is exciting news and could potentially change everything when it comes to theme park holidays - especially for Brits. Heading to Florida is not a cheap trip, with many families I speak to through my website saying they save up for ten years or more for a chance to visit. For some, a potential new theme park opening is brilliant news, as once you've booked and paid to get to the US, you'll be getting even more for your money. But, in reality, this means your Disney holiday will cost you even more, as a new theme park will likely mean a longer trip is necessary and even more cash needed for food, drinks and hotels. Ultimately, this is what Disney really wants - to welcome guests and keep them exclusively on their expansive resort, which already has four theme parks, two water parks, restaurants, a sports facility, a campsite and over 30 hotels. Walt Disney World is already Florida's unofficial city, bigger in size than Miami. So first-timers to the resort often have no idea what to expect and it can feel overwhelming. A whole new world As someone who first went to Walt Disney World at the age of eight and has returned almost every year since, I have seen every change made to the parks over 30 years, so I'm excited. With Disney acquiring franchises like Pixar, Lucasfilm, The Chronicles of Narnia and National Geographic, the potential for this new theme park is endless. With Universal Orlando Resort opening the new Epic Universe earlier this year, pressure has been on Disney to double down on the magic and make its next move. However, it's unlikely that we'll see the impact of that change for another ten years or more. Some reports are suggesting the 'fifth gate', an insider name for a completely new theme park, won't open until 2045! 7 7 My children are now five and eight, meaning they could be in their mid-twenties by the time it opens. I will be 60! However, I think things will move a lot faster. Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, is now the biggest theme park in the US, becoming a villain in Disney's long-running fairy tale. However, Disney still have some magic up their sleeve, with the announcement of the new Villains Land at Magic Kingdom. This land, based on Disney baddies such as Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty and Hades from Hercules, will add a new dynamic to the existing park and change the pace from cute characters and pretty princesses to a darker, more mischievous vibe. After first being announced in 2019, Universal Orlando officially opened Epic Universe in only seven years, which is fast for the creation and construction of a theme park and three themed hotels. Especially since work was halted during the pandemic. Using this as a guide, realistically, we won't see the gates open to the new Disney park until at least 2035. Disney fans can, however, look forward to a new area of the Magic Kingdom Park themed on Disney ' s Cars, called Piston Peak National Park and a re-themed Tropical Americas area at Disney's Animal Kingdom, inspired by the movies Encanto and Indiana Jones. This will happen much sooner, rumoured to be opening in 2027. This expansion itself will be the largest in Magic Kingdom's history, so there is plenty to get excited about in the short term. Like many other theme park enthusiasts and Disney fans, I have some ideas on what the new Disney park will feature. From cutting-edge tech and immersive, live-action encounters, these are my predictions on what we might get to experience at Walt Disney World in the next 10 years: Live-Action Land 7 The original Disneyland Park in California opened in 1955 and back then, attractions and lands were themed on classic animated movies, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and T he Wind in the Willows. Fast forward 70 years, and both the movies and the theme parks have come a very long way. Disney's live-action movies have made over $7bn at the box office since 2010, and franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean are only growing in popularity, with a new movie rumoured to already be in the making. So, it makes sense that Disney will want to have a modern, high-tech theme park, based on the most popular live-action Disney films, such as The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. Attractions are likely to be similar in style to the new, jaw-dropping Harry Potter and Battle at the Ministry at Epic Universe. I expect the attractions to be fully immersive, featuring state-of-the-art video projections that use the original actors, an animated queue line and a physical ride. Fortnite and Interactive Gaming One entertainment space that Disney Parks have not yet fully explored is the concept of immersive gaming. This is a dedicated theme park land, based on a video game, or games, that incorporates a gaming element into the lands, projections and rides. Think Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe or the Illuminations attraction, Villain Con Minions Blast at Universal Studios Florida, which lets guests play a larger-than-life physical game as they move through the attraction and compete with other guests in the park via the Universal app. In 2024, Disney announced they were collaborating with Epic Games, who own the worldwide phenomenon, Fortnite. At the time, Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive of The Walt Disney Company, said: "This marks Disney's biggest entry ever into the world of games and offers significant opportunities for growth and expansion. "We can't wait for fans to experience the worlds they love in groundbreaking new ways." Epic Games already works with Unreal Engine, a software developer, and Disney has hinted they will collaborate on an all-new games and entertainment universe. Unreal Engine was used in the creation of more than 15 Disney Parks attractions, including Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. So watch this space. Moana Water Park In the new development plans, Disney have requested space for the new theme park as well as two 'small' theme park spaces, which could very well be used for a new water park. Disney currently has two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, but neither is heavily themed on a particular Disney movie. Moana i s the most-streamed Disney movie on Disney+, surpassing 1.4 billion hours. The film, which is set on a fictional Polynesian island, would be ideal to create a water park around, but incorporating modern elements like a water coaster, as seen on The Disney Cruise Line, as well as pools and classic water slides. DisneySEA Florida 7 One of the most unique Disney parks in the world is Japan's Tokyo DisneySEA. This is an entire theme park, which sits alongside Japan's other Disney park, Tokyo Disneyland, and is themed solely on Disney movies that have a water element. This would be ideal after the success of Disney's live-action The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Finding Dora and Moana. Plus, Florida DisneySEA would be a totally unique addition to the existing Walt Disney World parks: Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. None of the existing parks have a specially-themed water area, so this would be a perfect addition. Plus, the plans include requests for an underground basement level. Could this be to build a lake and river that would need to be below ground, for visual effect and purification? Marvel Cinematic Universe Marvel is a hotly debated topic in the realm of Florida theme parks, with Disney's biggest rival in Orlando currently holding the rights to original comic book brands, such as Spider-man and Hulk in Florida. Universal Orlando Resort already has a world called Marvel Superhero Island, at their second theme park, Universal's Islands of Adventure. While Disney now own Marvel and can create commercial properties with the brand in Europe, Asia and on the US's West Coast, they are not permitted to use the Marvel brand in the east of the US, where Walt Disney World is located. However, since Disney's acquisition with Marvel in 2009, there are some loopholes to the rule. Marvel movies and characters that didn't exist when the intellectual rights were drawn up, are free to be utilised by Disney. That led to the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy : Cosmic Rewind in 2022. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is the highest-grossing film franchise of all time. There is no doubt Disney will want to create a modern theme park with this theme, which lends itself perfectly to the modern lands and attractions we have come to expect in the digital age. Rumours have been circulating for years that Universal will sell the Marvel brand back to Disney and re-brand their space at Islands of Adventure into something entirely new. This could lead to an entire Marvel Cinematic Universe theme park in the next 20 years, and that would thrill fans the world over. Animation World Showcase 7 Finally, the size of the proposed theme park at Walt Disney World could make way for a new version of EPCOT's World Showcase. This classic area of Disney's EPCOT park features pavilions themed on 11 different countries around the world. With diversity at the forefront of Disney's movie projects, this could lead to an animated Disney World Showcase at the new park, made from the fictional worlds of Disney's most popular films. The most obvious franchise would be Frozen. Hong Kong Disneyland opened Arendelle: World of Frozen in 2024, with a smaller version coming to Disneyland Paris next year. The picturesque, snow-covered fictional kingdom would be perfect if set around an Epcot-sized lake. Other animated film pavilions could include a Mexican-themed Encanto, Italian-inspired Luca, Machu Picchu from The Emperor's New Groove and San Francisco from Inside-Out - another huge, yet under represented Disney movie across the parks.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Universal seeks permission to build UK theme park near Bedford
Universal has formally submitted a planning permission request to the government for its first-ever UK theme company has asked the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for permission "to be granted by way of a Special Development Order (SDO)" at a site near Bedford.A Universal spokesperson said the request was for "an entertainment resort complex featuring a world-class theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation, as well as a range of retail, dining and entertainment uses".It added that the development would have a "transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy" generating nearly "£50bn of economic benefit and create 28,000 jobs". Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
New Disney plans revealed – and they include new ‘major theme park' in the US
DISNEY fans are thrilled to learn a brand new theme park could be set to hit the US. It would mark the creation of the fifth attraction as part of the franchise. Comprehensive Plan 2045, from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, understands plans are already in motion. Documents revealed there's a sprawling 400 to 500 acres ready for construction. It is thought there will be two smaller attractions in the form of water parks, around 147 acres each. Walt Disney World has not officially confirmed a fifth Florida theme park. Despite this plans show the park requested permission to build underground networks. These are usually used by staff and cast members to navigate around the site unseen. This news comes as Disney fans threatened to boycott the theme park. Uproar was sparked after the company revealed plans for a Cars land that would replace Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. Fans can mark the last day of Tom Sawyer Island on July 6, 2025. Outraged visitors expressed their frustrations on X, with one penning: "Canceling my trip in October and sadly, will never visit that park again." Disney announces brand new theme park "This is an abomination and a real disservice to all those who booked summer trips hoping to enjoy all this one more time," added another. A third agreed: "Never going back, I have a lot of happy memories there, and I'll keep them." "Huge mistake. Huge," and "Largest downgrade", echoed others. This comes as Disney revealed plans to open a brand new theme park - in Abu Dhabi. The huge new park will be in Yas Island, and a "groundbreaking resort destination" on the huge waterfront. Little-else is known about the theme park including how many lands and what rides it will include. However, it will have themed accommodation as well as dining and retail experiences, it has been confirmed. It states it will combine Disney's "iconic stories, characters and attractions" with Abu Dhabi 's culture and architecture. An opening date is yet to be confirmed. Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer at Walt Disney Company, said: "As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways." Josh D'Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences, added: "The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. "This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before." Yas Island is currently home to a number of other attractions including Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, once the largest indoor theme park. Inside are six themed zones, with 29 rides and experiences. Warner Bros Complex is the central land that celebrates the "Golden Age of Hollywood" with shops and restaurants. Guests can then choose between their favourite DC superhero, with both a Gotham and Metropolis land that have themed rides. Another land is Bedrock, a Flintstones themed land with a river ride and restaurants, along with Dynamite Gulch, and Cartoon Junction which is home to Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny and Scooby Doo. The last Disney theme park to open was back in 2016 in Shanghai. The very first Disney World opened in 1971, with Disneyland Paris opening in 1992. Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris is currently getting a €2billion transformation in 2025, including a glamorous new entrance called World Premiere. The park is also getting new Frozen, Tangled and Lion King rides - here's what you need to know. 1 .
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Report: Disney to introduce new US theme park
Published: Updated: Disney fans will be overjoyed to learn that Walt Disney World may be introducing a whole new kingdom. A fifth sprawling theme park is reportedly in the works, according to a new Comprehensive Plan 2045 from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The plans detail a reserved development capacity for a 'major theme park' and two 'minor theme parks' to be built over the next few decades. The new park at the Orlando resort could be expansive - mirroring the scale of other popular parks such as Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. The documents allotted 400 to 500 acres for the new park which would be Disney's first all-new gate in over 25 years. It is thought that the two smaller parks will be water parks, spanning an estimated 147 acres each. Disney fans have been eager for a new attraction since the last grand opening was Animal Kingdom way back in 1998. Walt Disney World has not officially confirmed a fifth Florida theme park - but has reached out for comment. In a map of the proposal, shared in the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District report, land has been earmarked for various uses. Among them was commercial, conservation, entertainment and hotels. The plan also revealed that the park has requested permission to build underground communication lines and facilities - known to be used by cast members to move around the parks. This latest venture comes after Disney World fans threatened to boycott the theme park after it unveiled the first major details on its upcoming Cars land. The Happiest Place on Earth announced last year that it would be getting rid of Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom's Frontierland to make way for a new Lightning McQueen-themed area. It has since revealed when it will officially be shut down - and the news has left hoards of Disney fans across the globe outraged. Tom Sawyer Island, as well as the Liberty Square Riverboat ride, will have its final day of operation on July 6, 2025. That means guests only have a little more than a month left to enjoy the serene island inspired by the stories of Mark Twain. Immediately, Disney park-goers took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their heartbreak over the announcement, and some even admitted that they no longer wanted to visit the park. 'Canceling my trip in October and sadly, will never visit that park again,' one user announced. 'This is an abomination and a real disservice to all those who booked summer trips hoping to enjoy all this one more time,' added another. 'Talk about timing. Thankful we enjoyed it recently.'
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I was dress-coded at Disney World... I was forced to spend $45 or leave entirely
A woman has sparked heated debate after claiming she was dress coded at the 'happiest place on earth.' Nicole Arena was visiting Epcot at Disney World in Florida last week with her husband when she claims she was told to put a shirt on over her white sports bra. Nicole, who had paired the top with long black leggings, shared the incident in a TikTok video, admitting she 'really didn't think anything of [the outfit].' 'Was so happy to be here that I didn't realize I was "improperly dressed" and would be forced to buy a $45 T-shirt or else I could not get on the ride I waited an hour for,' she furiously wrote on the video, showing a snap of the couple in activewear. 'There were many people at Disney wearing much less clothing than I was,' Nicole said indignantly. 'I had nothing showing other than my stomach and my arms, but you guys are acting like I went out naked,' she continued. 'Anyone who goes to the gym knows it's totally fine to walk around with a sports bra and leggings on,' Nicole fumed. 'I just went to Disney, how I would go to the gym.' While the Disney enthusiast was let into the park by security, she claims cast members refused her entry to an attraction, which led to her having to buy the shirt in order to stay and use the rides. But Nicole's video proved to be divisive - with some uses agreeing with the park that the outfit was inappropriate. 'I mean it's a bra. Of course you can't wear it to a family park. Be so for real. I am so happy they are finally cracking down,' cheered one fan. Someone else pointed out: 'I don't know why you thought it would be the exact same as the gym. Disneyworld is not the gym.' Another chimed in, telling Nicole: 'When did wearing bras in public become the norm? Oh wait, it isn't.' Others came to her defense, saying they don't see anything wrong with her outfit. 'Geez! I wouldn't have even thought twice about what you had on. Plus it's so hot,' someone else commented. 'As a Disney regular it really depends on who catches you. Some are super strict on the rules some art,' one regular commented. has contacted Disney for comment. Her video was divisive, with some uses agreeing with the decision the park made, and that they should have bee n told it's inappropriate to wear The official rules as per the website state visitors must wear: 'Proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times.' Last year, a British woman working at Disney World in Florida was accused of dressing like a 'stripper' after wearing skimpy shorts to work. Jessie Lee, 21, had been working across the Disney World Resorts in Florida over the summer as part of their cultural exchange program. However, after sharing a video of her red Disney outfit on TikTok, Jessie said her clothing divided opinion with some calling it 'inappropriate' while others said she was 'giving dads something to look at.' Jessie, a recent graduate, defended them as 'very on trend' and says haters are simply 'uneducated.' Footage shows Jessie sporting a red crop top with a pair of gingham bloomers posing around the park in various locations. The Disney enthusiast says she dressed in assigned Disney uniform during shifts but on her days off created her own themed outfits to wear at the theme parks.
