Anaheim is one of the leading theme parks for Disney
An ambitious proposed expansion of Disneyland in Anaheim, California, has advanced in the long regulatory approvals process with the Anaheim City Council granting a preliminary approval for a measure that would allow the project to proceed.
According to a press statement and news reports, the Anaheim City Council has voted in favor of the project, known as Disneyland Forward, after what an 8-hour public hearing.
However, the project, valued at USD 1.9 billion, still needs a final approval in vote in the city council, scheduled for May. According to Disney, the proposed expansion includes a 40-year agreement that 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 USD 30 million building affordable housing, as well as USD 8 million on city parks and will continue workforce programmes in Anaheim.
When speaking to the city council during the hearing, Ken Potrock, President of Disneyland Resort called the Disneyland Forward as the resort’s legacy project.
“We are ready to bring the next level of immersive entertainment to Anaheim. We are committed to starting right away,” Potrock told the city council during the hearing.
Disneyland, however, has not revealed specific plans surrounding experiences that would be included in the expansion. It also recently announced plans for an 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.
