The Walt Disney Company's massive expansion plan for its west coast theme park complex has cleared another hurdle.
On Monday evening, the Anaheim Planning Commission voted 5-1 to approve a proposed $1.9 billion expansion plan for Disneyland Resort. Dubbed "DisneylandForward", the project would see Disney investing nearly two billion dollars in hotels and theme park expansions surrounding the current footprint.
In public meetings and on the website DisneylandForward.com, Disney has shared its vision for the project. Both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure would likely expand to the west across what is now S. Disneyland Drive. New Disneyland attractions would be added to what is currently the guest parking lot for Disneyland Hotel. Disney California Adventure would expand into the current Simba lot with attractions surrounding the Pixar Pier hotel.
Disney has proposed adding 2-3 lands to each of the parks, with 'Tangled', 'Peter Pan', 'Zootopia', 'Frozen' and 'Toy Story' mentioned as possible themes. Concept art and other proposed details can be found at DisneylandForward.com.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has repeatedly voiced a desire to bring a land or experience themed to the 'Avatar' films to Disneyland. An expansion to the Downtown Disney shopping district is already in progress. Portions of Downtown Disney including the AMC Theater and original Earl of Sandwich location were demolished back back in 2017-2018 as Disney prepared to move forward with construction on a new 700-room hotel on the property. Hotel plans were later cancelled amid a dispute with city council.
The new Pixar Pals parking structure opened back in 2019, adjacent to the existing Mickey & Friends garage. These plans would also see the addition of a third parking structure across Harbor Boulevard across from the current bus drop-off point.
According to information shared online by third parties during planning meetings, there has been discussion of Disney Vacation Club and Anaheim's Transient Occupancy Tax, suggesting that Disney intends to bring another DVC destination to the west coast as part of this expansion.
The new development would bring added tax revenue and jobs to the Anaheim area. According to the Los Angeles Times, the agreement would have Disney committing $30 million to affordable housing in the area, $40 million for street and transportation improvements and $10 million for sewer upgrades.
The plan is expected to go before the Anaheim City Council in mid-April for final approval.
Visit LaughingPlace.com for a recap of the recent planning meeting.
