Anaheim approves 'Disneyland Forward' theme park expansion plan

'Disneyland Forward' plan approved by city council

The nearly $2 billion plan won approval from the Anaheim City Council.

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Anaheim City Council on Wednesday approved the multi-billion-dollar DisneylandForward project that will expand the theme park and bring more rides, hotels, and entertainment to Anaheim.

Another vote is scheduled again on May 7, with any changes related to the expansion plans to be implemented 30 days after that.

Last month, Anahaeim's Planning Commission voted to approve the project after several public workshops held over the past few months.

"When Disneyland grows, Anaheim thrives," Mayor Ashleigh Aitken said in a statement. "Last night's vote to approve the DisneylandForward Plan will benefit Anaheim for decades to come. The plan will provide important funding to the City of Anaheim to build affordable housing, enhance parks, and improve infrastructure."

Mayor of Anaheim discusses Disneyland Forward expansion

Just a day after the Anaheim City Council approved the Disneyland Forward expansion, Mayor Ashleigh Aitken joined FOX 11 to talk about the benefits of the expansion to the city and its residents.

Aitken also said the project will create thousands of new jobs and allow Disney to further improve their guest experience.

"Our city has a special and unique relationship with the Disneyland Resort, which began in the 1950s and continues to this day. Disney's commitment to partner with Anaheim and invest billions of dollars is a win for our community," Aitken said.

The project calls for allowing more theme park attractions alongside hotels on the west side of Disneyland Drive and theme park attractions alongside new shopping, dining, and entertainment to the southeast on what is today known as the Toy Story Parking Area. There's even talk of new themed lands and a possible third park.

'Disneyland Forward' vote in Anaheim today

Anaheim City Council is expected to approve the Disneyland Forward expansion plan tonight.

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Additionally, the project calls for more parking east of the theme parks, as well as potential foot bridges across Harbor Boulevard and Disneyland Drive.

As part of a proposed development agreement, Disney would commit to investing a minimum of $1.9 billion in theme park, lodging, entertainment, shopping and dining within 10 years of any approval.

The project also includes $30 million from the company for affordable housing within five years, $8 million for parks in the city in the first year, $40 million from Disney for street and transportation upgrades, and $10 million for sewer improvements along Katella Avenue.

City officials said while the project is still in its early stages, they are looking into "an updated mix of uses, rather than a specific new land, attraction, or other use," adding that if the new zoning is approved, individual projects would still need to be reviewed by the city planning committee.

According to the company, Disney Parks has over 1,000 acres of land for possible future development to expand theme park space across its existing sites – the equivalent of about seven new Disneyland parks.

The project "would provide more flexibility to develop a wider range of attractions, hotel accommodations, restaurants and shopping opportunities, which would support the long-term growth of the Disneyland Resort and enhance the success and vitality of the Anaheim Resort," officials said in a staff recommendation of the plan.

To learn more about DisneylandForward, tap or click here.

City News Service contributed to this report.

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