Disney Predicts Major INCREASE in Resort Attendance, “Construction by 2045.”

Disney World needs more hotel rooms. But we’re not just asking; we’re confirming. According to an updated planning document, The Walt Disney Company now has the necessary space, demand, and approvals to proceed with additional hotel rooms at Disney World.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, formerly known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, is a special taxing district that acts with the same authority and responsibility as a county government. What makes this district unique is the location it manages; the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District handles Walt Disney World’s municipal services like power, water, roads, fire protection, and more. Now, a 2045 Comprehensive Plan has been updated to meet the state requirements, and the Planning Board unanimously voted to approve the plan. In the next two decades, the existing parks and resorts could greatly expand.

 

The 2045 Comprehensive Plan includes data on future development that may occur in Disney World by 2045. There is an increment max of one more major theme park and two minor theme parks, as well as an increment max of around 13,000 new hotel rooms and an increment max of 18 more holes of golf. You can see the potential for new entertainment, hotels, and resorts in the map below.

Now, as we mentioned, there is real potential for new hotels in Disney World. Demand is expected to increase over the next two decades as Disney debuts new attractions, entertainment, and experiences. According to the new 2045 overnight guest population data, an estimated 139,461 people will stay overnight in a Disney World hotel, up from the estimated 102,183 guests in 2025.   

The planning document states, “On an average day in 2023, the District accommodated about 85,000 overnight guests in its resorts. Because the demand for accommodations within the District frequently exceeds the supply, additional hotels and resort units will be [under] construction by 2045.” If Disney is able to develop new resorts and secure an 85% occupancy rate, we could see thousands of additional visitors in Disney World by 2045.

The future land use planning document also detailed the history of Disney’s existing land.  Between 2011 and 2024, an additional 5,885 hotel rooms opened while 1,384 were demolished or extensively remodeled. This includes resorts, like Disney’s Riviera Resort, and hotel additions like the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

An additional 1,240 hotel rooms are currently under construction, with 250 approved for construction. Further details strongly imply that almost 1,000 new rooms are planned for Lakeshore Lodge, a new Disney World resort near Wilderness Lodge.

The planning document states, “Infrastructure is in place for construction of a new resort on the former River Country water park site,” adding, “Currently approved construction plans include 974 rooms, bringing the total accommodations, including campsites, to 3,392. This project was on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but has recently restarted construction.”

All this information points to one thing: Disney wants to provide more places for people to stay on property. It is important to note that the 2045 planning proposal does not guarantee new parks, resorts, and attractions will arrive in Disney World over the next two decades; it simply confirms the infrastructure is in place (and approved) to do so.

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

NEW Report Shows Potential Disney World Park Expansions Over Next Two Decades

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