Rumors of a possible third Disney theme park in California are heating up after newly filed permits in Anaheim sparked fresh speculation that the entertainment giant could be laying groundwork for a major future expansion.

Recent Anaheim permit filings tied to construction, demolition, and infrastructure work near Disneyland’s Toy Story Parking Area and the proposed eastern gateway project have fueled fan theories that Disney could eventually add a third gate alongside Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, according to permits viewed by SF GATE.

The filings are connected to Disney’s broader DisneylandForward initiative, a long-term expansion plan approved to give Disney greater flexibility in developing its Anaheim properties.

While DisneylandForward does not specifically confirm a third park, the rezoning measure allows Disney to expand theme park attractions, hotels, retail, dining, and entertainment into areas previously limited by older land-use restrictions.

That flexibility has led Disney fans and industry watchers to speculate that the company may be positioning itself for a larger-scale project in the years ahead.

Disney has not announced any official plans for a third California theme park, and current permits largely center on infrastructure improvements rather than direct theme park construction.

Still, permit activity related to parking, transportation, and resort access has reignited long-running rumors about what Disney’s next move in Anaheim could be.

Disney has previously described DisneylandForward as a framework for future “growth and investment,” designed to help the resort evolve with changing visitor demand.

If Disney were to pursue a third gate, the project would likely require years of planning, major financial investment, and additional approvals.

For now, the permit filings appear to be more about enabling future flexibility than confirming an immediate new park, according to Laughing Place.

Even so, any substantial Disney expansion in Anaheim would carry major economic significance, potentially bringing new jobs, tourism revenue, and expanded entertainment offerings to Southern California, reported SF GATE.

Until Disney provides official confirmation, the latest permits are likely to keep speculation alive as fans closely watch whether Anaheim could someday become home to a third Disney park.

In 2024, the company touched on its expansion plans and recalled the words of Walt Disney at the opening of Disneyland on July 17, 1955:

“Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”