Disney Reportedly Shelves Plans for Second Shanghai Theme Park
The reported pause follows layoffs at Walt Disney Imagineering and could reshape how the company directs its $60 billion Experiences investment.
Overview
- Puck reported that Disney has indefinitely shelved work on a long‑rumored second theme park at Shanghai Disney Resort, and the company has not publicly confirmed that decision.
- Reports tying the pause to staffing cite an October 28 Los Angeles Times story and a California employment filing that identified 159 permanent layoffs at Walt Disney Imagineering’s Glendale office.
- Multiple outlets say many of the eliminated Imagineering roles had been working on the unannounced project, though the underlying concept—nicknamed Project Atlas in leaks—was never officially announced by Disney.
- Disney is continuing other confirmed Shanghai investments, including a Spider‑Man themed land under construction and the Shanghai Disney Enchanted Star Hotel set to open December 16, 2026.
- The development changes how Disney may allocate its 2023 pledge to spend roughly $60 billion on Experiences, and the cuts will directly affect Imagineering staff and the timeline for future large‑scale park projects.