In the early 1900s, Anaheim, California, was a rural community with endless rows of orange groves. Of course, everything changed when Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955 and turned the town into one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
Now, Disney has set out to change the city again with an ambitious project called DisneylandForward.
DisneylandForward is a “multi-year public planning effort” to bring new lands, attractions, hotel rooms, entertainment and more to Disneyland; as a result, it will bring more jobs and tourists to Anaheim. DisneylandForward overcame a major hurdle to become a reality this week when Anaheim City Council voted 7-0 plan approval.
Disney still faces a second procedural vote on May 7 and a 30-day waiting period before it can officially break ground on any new developments. However, Wednesday morning’s unanimous vote essentially made these additional steps a formality.
On the DisneylandForward website, Disney argues that the project is needed to “evolve the way we entertain today and combine theme parks, entertainment, shops, restaurants and hotels into one experience.” across Disney properties moving forward.”
Related: The best Disneyland hotels in and near the park
The DisneylandForward project will not expand Disney’s current footprint. Instead, it would change current zoning rules and give Disney more flexibility to build theme parks, hotels, retail, dining and entertainment venues on land that Disneyland already owns. owned or operated, as seen in the map above.
Disney has yet to reveal any lands or attractions they hope to build if DisneylandForward comes to fruition. However, they did share that the aim is to bring innovative, exciting developments similar to those underway at other Disney parks to Disneyland.
Disney specifically pointed to Tokyo DisneySea’s Fantasy Springs expansion, which includes “Tangled,” “Peter Pan” and “Frozen” themed experiences; The Frozen World of Hong Kong Disneyland; Shanghai Disneyland’s “Zootopia” themed land and Toy Story Land; and Walt Disney World’s Tron Lightcyle/Run are possible inspirations for the future of Disneyland.
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Related: TPG goes behind the scenes as Disney reveals $60 billion for the future of its theme parks
The developments mentioned above are part of Disney’s $60 billion decade-long plan to develop theme parks, cruises and other experiences. Of course, that includes Disneyland; however, there are certain projects that Disneyland cannot move forward with unless DisneylandForward is approved due to the current zoning plan.
So far, Disney has offered one carrot: a brand new “Avatar”-themed experience at Disneyland. It has yet to announce where the experience will be, what attraction(s) will be built, or even when it might open. However, it did share concept art and a call to greenlight DisneylandForward on a recent project. blog posts.
“We are excited about the stories our guests will be able to experience at Walt’s original theme park destination once DisneylandForward is approved,” Disney Experiences President Josh D’Amaro wrote in the post. – including the chance to experience all-new Avatar adventures with a visit to Pandora.” .
If approved, Disney will fully fund the project. The company has committed to investing a minimum of $1.9 billion in theme park accommodations and experiences over the first 10 years of the deal. Disney has also promised significant investments in the city of Anaheim, including a $30 million contribution to fund affordable housing projects within the first five years of DisneylandForward, and $8 million to improve city parks. streets in Anaheim and $85 million to improve traffic flow, pedestrian circulation and safety; it will also continue Disney’s mentoring and career development program for Anaheim residents.
Disney will also pay $39.6 million to the city of Anaheim to assume maintenance and management of Magic Way and two smaller sections of road – roads that primarily serve Disneyland guests and actors. This will improve pedestrian access to Disneyland and reduce traffic in the area.
Don’t expect to see major changes at Disneyland on your next visit even if DisneylandForward is approved. While some projects may come to fruition sooner than others, DisneylandForward is a plan for growth and development spanning the next 40 years.
However, if you visit early, you may experience something completely new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (opening later this year) or stay at the recently opened hotel Pixar Place Hotel.
When Disneyland opened in 1955, Walt Disney famously said: “Disneyland will never be finished. It will continue to grow as long as this world has imagination.” Disneyland has certainly evolved over the years, but if DisneylandForward moves forward, Disneyland could change in magical ways that even Walt could not have imagined.
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