Disney CEO Bob Iger says the company could build seven new full lands at its theme parks

Mar 05, 2024 in "The Walt Disney Company"

Posted: Tuesday March 5, 2024 1:51pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

At today's Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference, Disney's CEO Bob Iger spoke at length about the company's reorganization and positioning for future growth.

Much of the conversation was dominated by Disney+ and ESPN, but Iger spoke enthusiastically about the parks. "Parks and resorts is a wonderful story," Iger said. Trends for this quarter show that domestic and international parks and experiences business will probably deliver in the neighborhood of low to mid-teens in terms of operating income."

Continuing with the parks, Iger said the company has "entered into a phase where we can start building." He continued, "We have 1000s of acres of lands to develop, we could actually build seven new full lands if we wanted to around the world, including the ability to increase the size of Disneyland in California, which everybody thinks is kind of landlocked by 50%."

"You can look at every single location that we've got and there's land, opportunity, but most importantly, we have so much IP to mine that there's opportunity there to create experiences that we know people will love to have in our parks. So you look at our IP, you look at the land that we have, you look at the math, the demand that exists in the marketplace, and you look at the return on invested capital. It's a no-brainer to invest that way."

Disney has already presented "blue sky" concepts for new lands at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom, and we expect to hear more about those projects soon.

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    DCBakerJun 09, 2025

    In a new CNBC video on theme park investments by Disney and Universal, Michael Hundgen, Vice President Creative, Walt Disney World Portfolio at Walt Disney Imagineering, briefly talks about upcoming projects (video begins at the Walt Disney World discussion):

    TheMaxReboMay 19, 2025

    I think there is a lot more variety for quick service at WDW than Uni so easier to find some better/unique options (especially outside of MK) Though I think this shifts greatly once Epic is factored in as they seem to really have stepped up their food game there

    Agent HMay 19, 2025

    I’m assuming you referring to quick service in which case yeah I understand. We have one or two places we go to in each park that have food we like.

    James AlucobondMay 19, 2025

    I would agree at MK and probably HS, but not at AK and EPCOT.

    Agent HMay 19, 2025

    I’d say they’re about equal when it comes to quick service. ( pizza aside) if the buffet at cafe 4 was any indication though table service is significantly better at Disney.

    doctornickMay 19, 2025

    I definitely find WDW food generally better than Uni. WDW has plenty of mediocre places but - especially taking the resorts into account - has a lot of places that are good food on their own (beyond being able to say "good for an amusement park"). I mean, I wouldn't go to WDW with the intent of having the best food ever but it's generally good enough that it enhances a vacation rather than detracts from it IMHO.

    Chi84May 18, 2025

    I fairness, I’m not expecting a restaurant review but I would be interested in whether the poster is commenting on park food, resort restaurants, counter or table service, etc. While not inexpensive, I’ve always found the food at WDW to be pretty good.

    eddie104May 18, 2025

    Right. There are literally hundreds of places to eat on property. Some better than others of course but to just leave that comment with no context is silly.

    Chi84May 18, 2025

    Where did you eat?

    wendysueMay 18, 2025

    Just wrapping up our latest (and last) visit to WDW. It was just ok and that's not good enough for the price. I hope they invest some money in better food.

    DisoneMay 18, 2025

    While absolutely true I also meant it more tongue and cheek.

    NottamusMay 17, 2025

    I miss rides that close to be replaced, BUT it’s also awesome to have something new. We’ve all been on Dinosaur many times, and it’s one of my favorites - it will be in my memory - until the new ride. None of this pertains to Illuminations ROE. They never should have attempted a replacement. Upgrade? Sure.

    NottamusMay 17, 2025

    I miss rides that close to be replaced, BUT it’s also awesome to have something new. We’ve all been on Dinosaur many times, and it’s one of my favorites - it will be in my memory - until the new ride. None of this pertains to Illuminations ROE. They never should have attempted a replacement. Upgrade? Sure.

    TheMaxReboMay 17, 2025

    Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular was basically an opening day attraction (was supposed to be but was delayed) and that is still there And that is practically a new park with a new theme/vision.