Anaheim, California — The Anaheim City Council has recently given its final approval to Disneyland Forward, Disney’s $1.9 billion expansion plan for the iconic Disneyland Resort. This significant multi-decade project aims to revitalize Walt’s original park and enhance the overall visitor experience. Following a unanimous vote in April, the approved changes, including zoning adjustments, are set to take effect within the next 30 days.
Under the Disneyland Forward plan, there will be new mixed-use developments and the transformation of 57 acres of parking and unused land. Artist renderings provided by Disney showcase two major developments adjacent to the current parks: one located near the Disneyland Hotel and another near California Adventure. These areas, currently designated for parking, will be repurposed for new attractions and experiences.
The expansion project also includes the possibility of introducing a new Avatar-themed area at Disneyland, inspired by the existing Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney World in Florida. Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed excitement about the potential for guests to explore new adventures within Walt’s original theme park, hinting at the introduction of Avatar-themed attractions.
During a lengthy Anaheim City Planning Commission meeting, residents raised concerns about the lack of specific details regarding the attractions and experiences planned for Disneyland Forward. The company’s website mentions potential additions like Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan lands, as well as elements from Zootopia, Tron, and Toy Story. However, Disney has not made any concrete commitments to these ideas.
With a focus on expanding its flagship park, Disney aims to address the higher costs impacting Disneyland’s financial performance, including labor expenses. Despite growing attendance and per capita spending, the park has faced challenges in maintaining revenue growth, prompting the need for strategic investments like Disneyland Forward.
As part of a larger $60 billion investment cycle in Parks and Experiences, Disneyland Forward marks the first step in Disney’s ambitious plans for the future. The project includes commitments to affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and community investments in Anaheim, promising significant economic benefits for the city upon completion.
Residents and stakeholders in Anaheim can expect to see enhanced revenue opportunities and the creation of new experiences at Disneyland as the Disneyland Forward project progresses. Disney’s long-term vision for the park aligns with its commitment to innovation and delivering memorable experiences for guests of all ages.