Disneyland Moves Closer to Expansion Plans as Anaheim City Council Approves $1.9 Billion Project

By Madz Dizon

Apr 17 2024, 22:22 PM EDT

Disneyland Moves Closer to Expansion Plans as Anaheim City Council Approves $1.9 Billion Project — APRIL 24: People walk toward an entrance to Disneyland on April 24, 2023 in Anaheim, California. Disney will lay off several thousand workers this week amid an overall push by the media giant to cut 7,000 total jobs in an effort to save $5.5 billion in costs. Mario Tama/Getty Images

The Anaheim City Council unanimously approved the Disneyland Forward plan in the early hours of Wednesday.

The plan, which involves a $1.9 billion investment and spans multiple decades, aims to expand Disneyland.

Council Approves Disneyland's 40-Year Expansion Plan

The unanimous decision was reached this morning following an extensive eight-hour public hearing that began on Tuesday evening.

Throughout the hearing, various individuals including Anaheim residents, Disneyland cast members, and officials from neighboring cities shared their perspectives on the benefits and challenges of the plan.

However, there will be a second council vote in May to finalize Disney's plan.

Disney's Southern California parks may soon offer visitors the chance to explore the enchanting snow-covered village of Arendelle from "Frozen" or the lively and animal-filled city of "Zootopia." This exciting park expansion plan has been approved by the Anaheim City Council.

In the proposed DisneylandForward Project, the company aims to invest $1.9 billion in the development of the property over the next 10 years. The purchase of streets from the city of Anaheim, including Hotel Way, part of Clementine Street, and Magic Way, will cost a total of $40 million.

Included in the proposal is a $30 million commitment from Disney for affordable housing across Anaheim.

This budget allocation covers funding for parks, as well as improvements to streets and transportation. Disney is also projecting the creation of approximately 9,000 construction jobs.

The proposed plan aims to enhance Disney's offerings in Anaheim by allowing the company to relocate parking to a new multi-story structure and redevelop the existing lot.

Disneyland Expansion Set to Undergo Final Vote

Additionally, it would enable Disney to make other changes to optimize the use of its properties, ultimately enhancing the overall experience with new rides and entertainment options.

The proximity of Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and the Downtown Disney shopping area to freeways and residential areas in the city is crucial for the company's ability to consistently develop significant new attractions.

The proposal, which aims to enhance the theme park by using available land and creating additional hotel rooms, is set to undergo a final City Council vote on May 7.

Disneyland's plan would enable the addition of more attractions, lodging, and entertainment options without the need to expand the theme park, according to Deadline.