Innovative DisneylandForward Project Approved by Anaheim City Council
In the early 1900s, Anaheim, California, was a rural community with endless rows of orange groves. Of course, that all changed when Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, and transformed the town into one of the world’s most well-known tourist destinations.
Now, Disney has set out to transform the city again with an ambitious project called DisneylandForward.
Multiyear Public Planning Effort to Enhance Disneyland
DisneylandForward is a “multiyear public planning effort” by Disney to bring new lands, attractions, hotel rooms, entertainment, and more to Disneyland. The project aims to evolve the way people are entertained today by combining theme park experiences, entertainment, shops, restaurants, and hotels into one immersive and seamless experience.
Approval by Anaheim City Council
DisneylandForward cleared a major hurdle toward becoming a reality when the Anaheim City Council voted 7-0 to approve the plan.
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, the unanimous vote by the city council suggests that these additional steps are likely to be a formality.
Disneyland of the Future
The DisneylandForward project aims to bring innovative developments similar to those seen in other Disney parks to Disneyland. With Tokyo DisneySea’s Fantasy Springs expansion, Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen, Shanghai Disneyland’s “Zootopia”-themed land and Toy Story Land, and Walt Disney World’s Tron Lightcycle/Run serving as inspirations, DisneylandForward promises a bright future for the park.
Enhancing the Guest Experience
While Disney has not yet announced specific details about the lands and attractions planned for the DisneylandForward project, the company aims to create immersive and innovative experiences for guests, similar to those found in other Disney parks around the world.
Impact on Jobs and Tourism
DisneylandForward is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Anaheim, including the creation of more jobs and increased tourism to the area.
Disney’s Commitment to Anaheim
If approved, Disney has pledged to fully fund the project and invest a minimum of $1.9 billion in theme park lodging and experiences within the first 10 years. Additionally, Disney plans to make significant contributions to the city of Anaheim, including funding for affordable housing projects, city park improvements, and improvements to traffic flow, pedestrian circulation, and safety. The company will also continue their mentorship and career development program for Anaheim residents.
DisneylandForward – A Long-Term Plan
While DisneylandForward is an ambitious project with exciting potential, visitors should not expect to see immediate major changes during their next visit. The project is a long-term growth and development plan that spans the next 40 years. However, there are already exciting experiences to look forward to, such as the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the recently opened Pixar Place Hotel.
Throughout the years, Disneyland has continued to grow and evolve, staying true to Walt Disney’s vision that the park will never be completed. With DisneylandForward moving ahead, the future of Disneyland is poised to be more magical and imaginative than ever before.
