New Report Indicates That Disney Considered Building a Hotel INSIDE Magic Kingdom
A new report from Gabrielle Russon at Florida Politics has revealed that, not so long ago, Disney was considering building hotels inside Magic Kingdom.
The eye-opening report stems from a 2024 deposition by Walt Disney Imagineering executive Todd Rimmer.
At the time, Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) were embroiled in multiple legal battles following the dissolution of the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
Disney’s Plans For Magic Kingdom Expansion
With tensions between Disney and the state of Florida playing out publicly, Rimmer was deposed and questioned about the future expansion of Magic Kingdom.
Those expansion plans would eventually lead to the development of the Cars-themed Piston Peak area and, later, plans for a Disney Villains land.
However, a closer look at Rimmer’s deposition reveals that Disney at least considered building in-park hotels as part of the expansion.
In 2024, the Imagineering executive noted that the project was “still under development” and “included new attractions and redevelopment of existing attractions and potentially new hotels.”
When pressed by CFTOD lawyer Nicole Moss, Rimmer clarified that the plans could have included hotels within the expansion area.
Ultimately, Disney scaled back its Magic Kingdom expansion plans, and no hotels will be constructed inside the park.
Photo: Disney
Still, the Florida Politics report confirms that Disney seriously considered the concept at one point.
Was Disney Countering Universal?
With Universal’s Epic Universe and its Helios Grand Hotel opening in 2025, it appears Disney may have explored the idea as a way to remain competitive.
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In the end, however, the concept was shelved.
As always, be sure to check back with MickeyBlog. We’ll continue to keep you updated on all the latest news coming out of Walt Disney World.
Photo: MickeyBlog
