Theme Parks, Homes and Dollars: How Disney’s New Plans Shape Local Real Estate

Disney is using its biggest attractions to stir up housing markets across the U. S. When a theme park gets bigger, it brings more jobs, tourists and money into the area, which in turn pushes up house prices and encourages new rental projects. The company’s latest moves show how careful planning can turn a single location into a real estate catalyst. In Anaheim, the city council approved a decade‑long plan called DisneylandForward. The initiative lets Disney expand its existing 500‑acre campus without buying more land, adding new rides, shops and a parking tower. Experts say the extra jobs and increased visitor flow will make nearby neighborhoods more desirable, raising home values even further. The median listing price in Anaheim now sits at about $912, 000—nearly half a million dollars higher than it was six years ago. Disney’s growth comes with a $30‑million pledge for affordable housing. That money is aimed at building rental units and helping first‑time buyers get into the market, a move that could keep the city from turning too expensive for everyday residents. Rumors of a third park in Downtown Disney are still unconfirmed, but insiders think it is a logical next step once the current expansion settles.Across state lines, Disney is busy in Orlando. After a public spat with the governor, the company secured approval for a $17 billion expansion of its 25, 000‑acre resort. The plan adds hotels, dining space and new parks that will bring even more visitors to Central Florida. Housing demand remains steady thanks to the region’s tourism engine, and the median home price there is now about $375, 000—up 24% over six years. International buyers, many of whom love Disney, continue to flock to the area. Texas is emerging as a new frontier for theme‑park developers. Universal’s upcoming Kids Resort in Frisco, TX, is set to open this summer and is already spurring interest among local families. The city’s median listing price has jumped 39% in six years, outpacing the state average. Analysts predict that new attractions will fuel demand for both long‑term homes and short‑term rental properties, though residents worry about traffic and congestion. Across all these markets, the pattern is clear: expanding theme parks create jobs, draw tourists and boost real estate activity. The challenge for cities is balancing growth with affordability and quality of life.