Disneyland Forward, an initiative by the Walt Disney Company to expand its original theme park, has received unanimous approval from the Anaheim City Council. The $1.9 billion expansion plan, slated to unfold over decades, marks a significant milestone for the project.
The decision follows an eight-hour public hearing, where residents, Disneyland employees, and officials from neighboring cities voiced both support and concerns regarding the proposal.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has confirmed upcoming attractions, including an Avatar-themed area inspired by James Cameron’s World of Pandora, as part of the Disneyland Resort. During a presentation at Disney Imagineering, Iger emphasized leveraging both physical land and intellectual property to create value for shareholders. This signals Disney’s intention to capitalize on its rich portfolio of IPs to enhance the park’s offerings.
Among the IPs potentially incorporated into Disney’s Anaheim plans are Frozen, Tron, Zootopia, and Tangled, indicating a diverse range of thematic possibilities. The company aims to draw inspiration from successful ventures like Tokyo DisneySea and Shanghai Disneyland to introduce novel experiences to Disneyland.
Disneyland’s Big Expansion Gets the Green Light from Anaheim City Council (Credits: Concho Valley Homepage)
Over the years, expansions at Disneyland have faced challenges due to limited available land, with neighboring companies acquiring surrounding areas. Despite constraints, previous expansions such as Disney California Adventure and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge have creatively utilized existing spaces. With Disneyland Forward, Disney intends to acquire additional zoning flexibility by purchasing three roadways surrounding the resort.
The approval of Disneyland Forward marks a significant step towards realizing Walt Disney’s original vision for the park, overcoming historical hurdles, and opening doors for future expansion. By investing in infrastructure and leveraging its iconic IPs, Disney aims to enhance visitor experiences and maintain its position as a leading entertainment destination.
Originally featured on Gizmodo, the article highlights the evolving landscape of Disneyland and the strategic initiatives undertaken by the Walt Disney Company to shape its future.
