Anaheim planning commissioners have voted to approve a massive $1.9 billion expansion proposal by Disney known as Disneyland Forward.
During Monday’s planning commission meeting, Disney pitched its plans for growing its theme park offerings within its existing 490-acre footprint by utilizing updated zoning regulations.
The proposed expansion would include new attractions, shops and restaurants within current Disneyland Resort property utilizing undeveloped areas at the resort.
The proposal would allow theme park attractions to be built alongside hotels on the west side of Disneyland Drive, along with building attractions, shopping, dining and entertainment where the Toy Story Parking Area at Katella Avenue and Harbor Boulevard stands today.
The Disneyland Forward plan would also add expanded parking east of the resort and new parking northeast of the theme parks, as well as potential footbridges across Harbor Boulevard and Disneyland Drive, according to the city.
The entertainment giant would also buy Magic Way, a 1,150-foot road on the west side of the resort, from the city as part of the project proposal.
Many residents and business leaders expressed their support of the project during a planning committee workshop in October. Disneyland is crucial to Anaheim’s economy, with visitors generating more than half of its yearly tax revenue, the city says.
Still, some Anaheim raised concerns about Disney buying Magic Way since some drivers use the road to bypass traffic.
Other opponents say the city needs more housing to accommodate an influx of workers, although Disney has vowed to build housing to address those concerns.
Disney announced its expansion intentions in March 2021 and has hosted multiple informational meetings and events for the public since 2022.
While Disney hasn’t officially announced how the theme park expansion will materialize, many Disney fans have theorized that Disneyland could get lands inspired by “Tangled,” “Frozen” or “Zootopia,” along with other properties.
The city says it’s unclear what could be built if zoning regulations were updated to allow for Disney to expand, but any projects would still have to undergo review by the city planning board.
On Monday, the planning commission approved the proposal by a vote of 5 to 1.
The proposal now advances to a vote by the Anaheim City Council, which is expected to take place Tuesday, April 16.
