Disneyland's $1.9 Billion Expansion Plans Clear Major Hurdle

A sprawling $1.9 billion expansion of Disneyland in Anaheim, California has just made it one step further in the approvals process.

According to KTLA 5, the Anaheim City Council has given preliminary approval for a measure that would allow the project to proceed.

The council voted in favor of the project, known as Disneyland Forward, after what was a lengthy 8-hour public hearing. However, the project still faces a final city council vote in May.

The proposed expansion includes a 40-year agreement that KTLA 5 says “would guide where and how future developments would occur, allowing for new attractions, shops and restaurants to be built within areas of the resort that Disney already owns and operates.”

Plans include constructing new park attractions, shopping, dining and entertainment. The project also involves Disneyland buying some streets from the city of Anaheim, including Magic Way, Hotel Way, and part of Clementine Street. Disneyland hopes to convert Magic Way into a pedestrian walkway.

As part of the proposed expansion, Disney has committed to spending millions of dollars on improving infrastructure in the area, including on roads. The entertainment giant has also promised to spend about $30 million building affordable housing, as well as $8 million on city parks and will continue workforce programs in Anaheim.

When speaking to the city council during the hearing, Disneyland Resort president Ken Potrock dubbed Disneyland Forward the resort’s “legacy project.”

“We are ready to bring the next level of immersive entertainment to Anaheim,” Potrock said. “We are committed to starting right away.”

Disneyland representatives however, have not revealed specific plans surrounding experiences that would be included in the expansion.

Fans of the park are hoping for rides and lands focused on “Tangled,” “Zootopia,” and “Tron,” among others. Still other fans would like to see expanded areas for “Peter Pan” and possibly “Toy Story.” 

Disneyland also recently announced plans for and overhauled Downtown Disney District. As part of Downtown Disney District’s west-end expansion, the California theme park is planning to add a new Parkside Market, which is a collection of four diverse culinary concepts from Levy Restaurants, all under one roof. The area will also become the home of an all-new, two-story Earl of Sandwich location.

 

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