Could Disneyland Australia Finally Be Coming Down Under?

There's a plan in the works to bring the 'happiest place on earth ', aka Disneyland, to Australia, and excuse us if we are already wearing our mouse ears in anticipation!

Disneyland Australia will become the seventh Disneyland resort in the world if the plan is successful, joining other world-famous locations in Anaheim, Orlando, Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.

Could Disneyland Australia Finally Be Coming Down Under?

There have been many mumblings over the years of a Disneyland Australia, with many Australian business personalities putting their hands up to lend their support and even provide the location to build Disneyland Australia. 

The rumour mill is buzzing once more with talk of a Disneyland Australia as three new locations have been flagged as potential sites for this magical expansion. In September 2023, The Walt Disney Company announced plans to boost and broaden its parks and experiences, nearly doubling its capital expenditure to a whopping $60 billion over the next decade, eyeing international expansion.

The buzz is that the seventh Disneyland could be built in Melbourne, with previous suggestions including Werribee and Fishermans Bend. Now, three more locations have entered the mix.

Libertarian MP for South East Metro, David Limbrick, revealed to state parliament in May 2024 that after thorough research, he has identified Dandenong, Cranbourne, and Frankston as the top contenders for a new Disneyland Australia. Limbrick emphasised that the area is ideal for the "happiest place on earth," filled with families looking for fun activities. He also highlighted the convenience of Moorabbin Airport and ample open spaces connected by the Mordialloc Freeway.

Limbrick urged Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos to communicate to Disney that the community in south east Melbourne would warmly welcome the theme park, offering every possible assistance to make it happen.

Third Time's The Charm?

We know, we know. We've been burnt before by unfulfilled promises of an Australian Disneyland.

The Gold Coast theme park could have opened in the late 1990s with negotiations between the state government, Star Land Company, and Walt Disney.

The Sydney waterfront areas around White Bay and Glebe Island were also considered potential locations for a Disney Wharf concept. 

Both plans were scrapped as the risk and cost of bringing the Disney dreamland to life were just too large for both Disney and the respective Australian states.

Come on Australia, let's build a new Disneyland in Australia so we can all enjoy it!

More Fun Down Under

Hahndorf is a Slice of 19th-Century Germany Right Here in Australia
Dreamworld's Rivertown Includes the World’s First Turntable Rollercoaster
Australia's Wizard of Oz Precinct is Opening in 2024

 

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!