ANAHEIM, California – The Anaheim City Council has given its initial approval for Disney’s proposed $1.9 billion expansion plan, which aims to bring new attractions to the Southern California parks. The plan includes transforming areas like the snow-covered hamlet of Arendelle from “Frozen” and the bustling metropolis of “Zootopia” into immersive experiences for park visitors over the next 10 years.
Following an eight-hour meeting on Tuesday night, the City Council voted unanimously, 7-0, in favor of the DisneylandForward Project. However, a final vote for the project’s approval is scheduled for May, marking a significant step in the proposed development that could reshape the iconic Disney parks.
As part of the expansion plan, Disney plans to acquire streets from the city of Anaheim, including Hotel Way, part of Clementine Street, and Magic Way, with an investment of $40 million. Additionally, the company has committed $30 million towards affordable housing in Anaheim, along with funding for parks, street improvements, and transportation enhancements, potentially creating 9,000 new construction jobs.
While the expansion does not increase Disney’s footprint in Anaheim, it paves the way for the company to introduce new rides and entertainment by redeveloping existing properties, relocating parking to a new multi-story structure, and making other strategic changes. This move is essential for Disney to continue offering substantial attractions in the midst of freeways and residential areas surrounding Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and the Downtown Disney shopping area.
During the public comment section of the meeting, concerns were raised about Disney’s intentions to convert a public street into a pedestrian walkway and add a crosswalk on a neighboring street. Some community members expressed mixed feelings, with one individual mentioning a sense of betrayal over the sale of Magic Way and questions about the impact of tourist influx on local streets.
Ken Potrock, president of the Disneyland Resort, emphasized Disney’s commitment to bringing a new level of immersive entertainment to Anaheim through this expansion. Over the years, Disney has made significant investments in attractions like Cars Land, Pixar Pier, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, and Avengers Campus, solidifying its position as a major player in the theme park industry.
This development marks the first major change Disney seeks for its California parks since the 1990s, reflecting the company’s dedication to evolving its offerings to meet the changing demands of visitors. As the plan awaits final approval in May, the potential for a transformed park experience looms on the horizon, with uncertainties about which stories Disney will feature in the new development. If approved, the plan is set to take effect on June 7, ushering in a new era of Disney magic in Southern California.