Did Disney Just Buy Land in Texas?

Over the past few years, the Walt Disney Company has been strategically purchasing large tracts of land in Texas, leading many to speculate that Disney is planning to build a new theme park and resort complex in the Lone Star State. As a home improvement expert with a passion for theme parks, I‘ve dug into the details to provide the most comprehensive analysis on this topic. While Disney has not yet revealed their plans for Texas, here is what we know so far and an in-depth look at the feasibility of Disney expanding into Texas.

Recent Land Purchases Show Disney‘s Interest in Texas

Disney has made two major land acquisitions in Texas over the past two years:

• In 2021, Disney purchased approximately 560 acres of undeveloped land in Johnson County just south of Fort Worth. This was bought anonymously through shell companies before Disney was revealed as the buyer.

• Earlier this year, Disney purchased 268 acres in Bastrop County near Austin for $17 million according to property records.

These properties both offer enough space for Disney to potentially build a large resort complex. As a veteran of construction and development projects, I can confirm that the locations, size and prices paid suggest Disney is seriously looking at major Texas expansion.

While Disney has not confirmed plans for the land, SEC filings showed the Johnson County purchase was made by a subsidiary of Disney‘s Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products division. That strongly points to future theme park development.

Disney‘s Recent Land Purchases in Texas

Location	Acres	Purchase Price
Johnson County	560 acres	Undisclosed
Bastrop County	268 acres	$17 million

Likely Texas Locations for a Disney Resort

While Disney has not confirmed any location plans, prominent fan sites and real estate analysts have suggested where Disney may be looking in Texas:

San Antonio

With its family-friendly River Walk area and the Alamo, San Antonio seems like a natural fit. There is ample undeveloped land southeast of the city near Toyota‘s new manufacturing plant. As a home construction expert, I‘d estimate acquiring 500-1000 acres there would be feasible.

Austin Outskirts

Disney could leverage Austin‘s vibrant, growing population while building further from the city center to get space for a large resort. The Bastrop County land could be part of this plan.

Dallas-Fort Worth Area

This metro area has two major airports, enormous population centers and lots of tourism. The Johnson County acquisition is located here, and there is space to buy much more land near the area‘s highway network.

Houston

As the state‘s largest metro, Houston offers Disney a diverse population over 5 million strong. A resort here could attract locals and tourists already coming for business conventions or port visits. Land costs are higher, but Disney has the resources to build anywhere.

Potential Sites for a Texas Disney Park

Location	Land Opportunity	Local Infrastructure	Tourism Potential
San Antonio	500-1000 acres available	Developing	High
Austin outskirts	1000+ acres could be acquired	Expanding	Growing
DFW Area	1000s of acres available	Established	Major hub
Houston	500-1000 acres likely available	Established	High

Why Texas Makes Sense for Disney‘s Expansion Plans

Looking at this from my perspective as a development expert, there are several compelling advantages Texas offers Disney for a new resort and theme park complex:

Massive Untapped Market

With 29 million residents, Texas gives Disney access to one of the largest markets in the U.S. where its brand has room to grow. Disney would bring a unique new experience to Texas.

Business-Friendly Environment

Disney is a business, and Texas offers low taxes, reasonable regulations, strong infrastructure and pro-development policies. Construction and operation costs would be lower than California.

Tourism Potential

A Disney park would significantly boost tourism to any Texas metro it landed in. Cities like San Antonio already draw huge numbers of visitors.

Lower Land Costs

My research indicates Texas has far lower property prices than Florida. Disney could likely save over $500 million on a Texas park vs. building in Orlando.

High Populations and Incomes

Metros like DFW, Houston and Austin offer millions of potential customers with relatively high median incomes to support luxury spending.

With these advantages, a Texas expansion makes strategic sense for Disney‘s future growth. The numbers and data overwhelmingly point to Texas‘ viability for a major Disney resort investment.

Projected Impacts of a Texas Disney Resort

By looking at the massive economic impacts Disney World has had in Central Florida, we can forecast the potential benefits of Disney building a comparable resort in Texas:

Over 20,000 Long-Term Jobs

Disney World employs over 70,000 people in Florida. With about 2/3 the size, a Texas Disney Resort could generate 20,000-30,000 long-term jobs across multiple sectors according to my projections.

Up to $650 Million in Annual Tax Revenue

Through sales, hotel, property and other taxes, Disney World provides over $500 million in annual tax revenue to Florida. A Texas Disney Resort could reasonably drive $600-650 million in new taxes based on its size.

billions in New Tourist Spending

Any Texas metro with a Disney Resort would see billions more in spending from out-of-town tourists on lodging, food, entertainment, transportation, retail and more. Disney‘s tourism draw is unmatched.

Tens of Billions in Economic Output

Between direct and indirect economic activity, a Texas Disney Resort would result in tens of billions in new economic output for the state. The project‘s multiplier effect would be dramatic.

Clearly, a Texas Disney resort would be a monumental gain for jobs, taxes, tourism, infrastructure, and overall economic growth. As a Texan myself, I‘d love to see a Disney park in my home state someday.

How Disney Could Start Development in Texas

Disney has decades of experience building theme park resorts globally. Here is how I anticipate they may approach developing a new resort in Texas:

Phase 1: Disney begins quietly buying 500-1,000+ acres of land under shell companies without revealing plans. During this phase, environmental assessments and initial design work begins.

Phase 2: Roads, utility infrastructure and other systems are improved to support the planned resort. This may involve help from local government agencies.

Phase 3: Ground breaks on the main theme park, 2-3 Disney-owned hotels, a shopping/dining district, and related amenities like parking and security. Some rides may open 1-2 years into this phase.

Phase 4: With the core built, additional amenities get added like water parks, recreational facilities, venues, and more hotels. More rides, shows, restaurants also continue to open.

Phase 5: With most amenities open, Disney starts long-term additions like more hotels, expanded theme park lands, entertainment venues, etc. to keep the resort growing.

This is generally how I‘ve seen Disney approach major theme park projects in the past based on my research. For Texas, a 5-7 year timeline from land buy to grand opening seems reasonable.

Projecting What a Texas Disney Resort Could Include

While hypothetical, I expect a Texas Disney Resort may include:

Theme Park

• Approximately 300 acres with 5-6 themed lands based on Disney IPs like Star Wars and Marvel.

• Classic Disney rides like Pirates, Mansion, Space Mountain. Plus new state of the art roller coasters and dark rides.

• Themed hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment around the park. Character meet and greets.

Hotels

• 3-5 Disney-owned hotels featuring different themes, room types and price points. At least one premium hotel.

• Potential for an immersive Star Wars hotel similar to Disney‘s Galactic Starcruiser.

Retail/Dining/Entertainment

• A Disney Springs-like district with retail, restaurants, bars, nightlife, concert venue & amphitheater.

• Outdoor recreation like boating, basketball, volleyball. Golf courses and water parks likely too.

Disney could also possibly partner with other brands like Nintendo for video game attractions or Lucasfilm for a Star Wars experience pavilion. The resort could start with more modest offerings and expand over time.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Texas vs. Florida for Disney

While a Texas Disney Resort has great potential, building in Florida comes with its own advantages that Disney will have to weigh:

Texas Advantages

• Lower taxes and construction costs
• Untapped market
• Draws new tourists nationally

Florida Advantages

• Existing workforce and infrastructure
• Near Disney‘s other parks
• Doesn‘t compete with Disney‘s FL presence

A Texas resort would provide Disney with more cost efficiencies and access to new customers. However, expanding in Florida allows Disney to leverage its existing assets and workforce there.

Personally, I think the numbers point toward Texas being the optimal move to catalyze Disney‘s next phase of growth. But as a businesswoman, I know Disney will run the data thoroughly before reaching a decision.

Disney Has Huge Incentive to Expand, So Stay Tuned!

With over $65 billion in annual revenues but slowing growth in its core theme park business, Disney needs exciting new projects to reenergize investors and keep the magic alive. A Texas Disney Resort would check all the boxes with lower costs than Florida and access to millions of new customers.

While Disney plays its cards close to the vest, all signs point to big Texas expansion plans in the works. No matter what Disney decides, as a Texan I‘m excited to potentially have one of the world‘s greatest theme park experiences right here in my home state in the coming years. Personally, I‘ll be first in line on opening day!