In a significant move, the Anaheim City Council has given the green light to the ambitious DisneylandForward project, marking a pivotal moment in Disneyland’s development trajectory. The decision, made during a session on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, saw overwhelming support with 7 votes in favor and none opposed.
This initial approval sets the stage for further deliberations, as the council is set to reconvene on May 7 to finalize the project’s fate. If the council ratifies DisneylandForward during the subsequent meeting, the proposal will spring into action within 30 days.
Street Purchase
In addition to endorsing DisneylandForward, Anaheim officials are mulling over the transfer of Magic Way to Disney, with the entertainment giant pledging a substantial $40 million to buy Magic Way, Hotel Way, and a segment of Clementine Street.
Long Road
The road to this milestone has been paved with extensive community engagement and administrative processes. After a series of public workshops spanning from October 2023 to February 2024, the Anaheim Planning Commission paved the way for approval on March 11. Subsequently, the baton was passed to the Anaheim City Council following an illuminating community informational open house held on April 10.
The Way Forward
DisneylandForward outlines an ambitious investment plan, with Disney earmarking a staggering $2.5 billion to expand the Disneyland Resort. Notably, $1.9 billion is slated for expenditure within the first ten years. Furthermore, the proposal allocates $30 million toward affordable housing initiatives, $10 million for sewer enhancements along Katella Avenue, and $8 million to improve Anaheim parks.
Once granted full authorization, DisneylandForward will grant Disney the latitude to strategically develop new lands, resort hotels, and more within its existing footprint. Among the tantalizing prospects is a proposed “Avatar” experience, teased with the release of concept art at Disney’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders earlier this month.
While specific IPs or attractions are yet to be confirmed, Disney has hinted at the potential inclusion of experiences inspired by a plethora of beloved franchises including “Tron,” “Tangled,” “Peter Pan,” “Black Panther,” “Coco,” “Frozen,” “Toy Story,” and “Zootopia.”
Excited that DisneylandForward expansion is a step closer to reality?