The Truth: Is Disneyland Moving To Las Vegas? Debunking The Viral Relocation Rumor And Revealing Disney's $1.9 Billion Plan

The viral rumor that Disneyland is packing up its bags and moving the entire resort from Anaheim, California, to the bright lights of Las Vegas, Nevada, is a complete fabrication. As of today, December 11, 2025, there are no official plans, statements, or credible reports from The Walt Disney Company to relocate the iconic "Happiest Place on Earth." This sensational story is a prime example of misinformation, and its source is a website explicitly dedicated to publishing satirical, or fake, news about Disney Parks. The reality is that Disney is doubling down on its commitment to Southern California, pouring billions into a massive expansion project for the existing Disneyland Resort. Rather than moving, the company is preparing to launch a "Next Generation" of theme park experiences in Anaheim, cementing its presence there for decades to come. While a small, new Disney-branded *attraction* is indeed coming to the Las Vegas Strip, it is a far cry from a full-scale theme park relocation.

The Source of the Rumor: Mouse Trap News Exposed

The sensational claim that Disneyland is moving to Las Vegas due to high California taxes or other operational issues can be traced back to a single, non-credible source: Mouse Trap News.

• Satirical Content: Mouse Trap News is an openly satirical website that labels itself as "The Moused Trusted Name in Disney News".
• Explicit Disclaimer: The site's own "About" page explicitly states, "The Mouse Trap is the world's best satire site. We write fake stories about Disney Parks stuff. Anything you read here is not true or real, but it's fun."
• The Hoax: The site published a story claiming Disneyland would close at the end of October to move its entire theme park "piece by piece" to a new location just outside the Las Vegas Strip. This is logistically impossible and was intended purely as a joke.
• Fact-Checking: Reputable fact-checkers, including Snopes, have repeatedly confirmed the satirical nature of Mouse Trap News, urging readers not to fall for their blatant hoaxes.

This type of clickbait rumor often gains traction because of genuine public curiosity about Disney's future growth and the allure of a new theme park destination. However, the official plans paint a completely different picture, one of massive investment in the current Anaheim location.

Disneyland's Real Future: The DisneylandForward Initiative

Instead of a move to Nevada, the Walt Disney Company is focused on the DisneylandForward initiative, a multi-year effort to secure approvals for a major expansion and modernization of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. This project is the clearest evidence that the resort is staying put.

Key Details of the DisneylandForward Project:

The DisneylandForward plan is not just a minor update; it's a comprehensive "blueprint to guide the next generation of creativity, development and growth" for the entire resort.

• Massive Investment: Disney is projected to invest a minimum of $1.9 billion into the resort over the first 10 years following approval. This colossal sum is allocated for new attractions, entertainment, and lodging options.
• New Theme Park Experiences: The plan allows for the potential development of new theme park space adjacent to the current Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. While not explicitly a "third park," it opens the door for significant, immersive new lands, similar to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or Pandora – The World of Avatar.
• Infrastructure and Lodging: The initiative includes plans for a new parking structure and transportation hub to improve guest flow, as well as the creation of new hotel rooms and retail spaces.
• Focus on Anaheim: The entire premise of DisneylandForward is to enhance the existing 500-acre property in Anaheim, integrating new attractions and hotels into the current footprint to create a more seamless and modern resort experience.

The scale and financial commitment of DisneylandForward make any rumors of a full relocation to Las Vegas (or Texas, which has also been rumored) completely unfounded. Disney's strategic and financial future for the West Coast is firmly rooted in Southern California.

What is Disney Actually Bringing to Las Vegas?

While a full-scale Disneyland theme park is not coming to Las Vegas, the Walt Disney Company is expanding its presence in the entertainment capital of the world with a smaller, but still significant, venture. This is likely the kernel of truth that the satirical rumors latched onto.

The Immersive Disney Attraction

Disney has partnered with Lighthouse Immersive Studios, the producers behind the successful *Immersive Van Gogh* experience, to develop a new type of attraction on the Las Vegas Strip.

• Not a Theme Park: This is an immersive, walk-through experience, not a traditional theme park with thrill rides and large-scale lands. It focuses on the art and music of Walt Disney Animation Studios.
• Focus on Animation: The attraction will leverage projection technology to bring classic Disney films to life in a unique, non-ride format.
• Strategic Move: For Disney, this move allows them to tap into the massive tourist market of Las Vegas without the immense cost, time, and logistical challenges of building a fourth domestic theme park. It’s a way to bring a "little piece of Disneyland Resort magic to Las Vegas" without moving the main resort.

This smaller-scale project is a smart business move that caters to the adult-focused Las Vegas demographic, offering a high-quality entertainment option. It should not be confused with the construction of a new multi-billion dollar theme park like Disneyland or Disney World.

Disneyland Relocation Rumors: A History of Hoaxes

The "Disneyland is moving" rumor is not new. The company's massive real estate holdings and the high cost of doing business in California have frequently fueled speculation about a potential move to lower-tax states. * The Texas Rumor: Rumors of Disneyland moving to Texas have also circulated, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, but were quickly debunked by news outlets. * The Florida Campus Saga: A more concrete, though ultimately canceled, plan involved the relocation of thousands of Disney employees from California to a new corporate campus in Florida. This plan was eventually scrapped, leading to lawsuits from employees who had already moved or sold their homes in anticipation. This event proves that while Disney is willing to shift corporate operations, it is a complex and often messy process, making the relocation of an entire theme park even more improbable. Ultimately, the California resort is a historical landmark and a cornerstone of the company's legacy, making its permanent relocation highly unlikely. The focus remains on DisneylandForward, Project Next Generation, and the continuous enhancement of the original "Happiest Place on Earth." For fans eager for new experiences, Anaheim is the only place to be.