After a late night, full of many commenters, the Anaheim City Council voted to approve a measure for DisneylandForward, a massive $1.9 billion expansion proposal by Disney.
The Details
The Anaheim City Council approved the plan in a 7-0 vote as part of a meeting that started Tuesday night, April 16, 2024, with a vote taking place early Wednesday morning, April 17th.
The vote came after three and a half hours of public comment from 84 public speakers, with 57 in favor, 24 against, and three “without a clear, strong opinion on the plan.”
The Plans
DisneylandForward details how Disney wants to grow its theme park resort in Anaheim.
The proposal, which is a 40-year agreement, would guide where and how future developments would occur, and would allow new attractions, shops, and restaurants, to be built within current undeveloped areas at the resort that Disney already owns or operates.
It would also 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.
Disney would then expand parking east and build new parking northeast of the theme parks, along with potential foot bridges across Harbor Boulevard and Disneyland Drive.
Finally DisneylandForward would allow Disney to pay $40 million to Anaheim to buy Magic Way, Hotel Way and a part of Clementine Street from the city, a move some residents aren’t on board with because it would also allow Disney to transform Magic Way into a pedestrian walkway.
As part of a development agreement, Disney is required to invest a minimum of $1.9 billion in theme park, lodging, entertainment, shopping and dining within 10 years.
The development agreement also requires Disney to provide:
- $30 million for affordable housing in Anaheim, with $15 million in the first year and $15 million in five years
- $10 million: for sewer improvements along Katella Avenue
- $8 million for Anaheim parks within the first year
DisneylandForward also includes significant distance, traffic, noise and other protections to ensure whatever is built is a good neighbor.
What’s Next
DisneylandForward has one more major hurdle to jump before Disney can start acting on its plans.
The Council’s vote provides initial approval of DisneylandForward with a second, procedural vote expected at the next meeting on May 7, 2024.
If approved at that time, the plan would require another 30 days for changes to take effect.
In a statement released following the vote, Ken Potrock, president of the Disneyland Resort, said, “We are thrilled that the City of Anaheim has agreed to work together on this legacy project, and excited for the city council’s initial approval of DisneylandForward as we move to the final vote in May. We look forward to our bright future together.”