Disneyland Resort is set to enter a new chapter with the DisneylandForward initiative. This monumental step forward has been given the green light by Anaheim’s city council, marking a significant phase in the resort’s evolution.
Introduction to DisneylandForward
Ken Potrock, President of Disneyland Resort, announced the exciting news, sharing that after three years of collaborative efforts with city staff, neighbors, and the local community, DisneylandForward has received final approval. This initiative signifies not only a huge expansion project for Disneyland Resort but also promises a future filled with new innovative entertainment experiences, job creation, and new revenue streams for Anaheim.
New Lands and Attractions
DisneylandForward aims to bring novel experiences to Disneyland Resort. The project seeks inspiration from exciting new lands and adventures in development at Tokyo DisneySea and Shanghai Disneyland, with hopes of replicating their success.
For instance, guests might soon be able to visit Arendelle, the home of Elsa and Anna from ‘Frozen’, or embark on Rapunzel’s “best day ever” in a charming forest overseen by her tower. Perhaps they could even journey to the middle of Pixie Hollow, where Tinker Bell and her fairy friends reside, or follow the Lost Boys down a river in Neverland.
New Entertainment
DisneylandForward also looks to introduce some of Disney’s most advanced and immersive entertainment to California Adventure Park. This could include attractions currently under construction at other Disney parks around the globe.
For example, the Zootopia attraction at Shanghai Disneyland, which uses state-of-the-art technology to bring the fan-favorite movie and its characters to life, or the TRON Lightcycle Run roller coaster, a high-speed race for survival that exists in both Shanghai Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Park in Florida.
Possible Map & Legend
A Disney Entertainment Destination
With updated approvals, Disneyland Resort could transform into an all-round entertainment destination, much like Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. The property could house restaurants, hotels, live music venues, shops, ticketed shows, and theme park experiences, catering not only to resort guests but also locals and conventioneers.
Parking & Transportation
To support future development over the next few decades, DisneylandForward plans to significantly invest in transportation, parking, transit, and pedestrian safety measures to improve mobility throughout The Anaheim Resort. The vision includes a new parking destination on the east side of The Anaheim Resort, complete with pedestrian bridges for enhanced entrance accessibility for hotels and businesses along Harbor Boulevard. Disney also plans to work with local businesses and the city to promote public transit and ride-sharing for cast and guests.
A Legacy of Innovation and Creativity
The DisneylandForward initiative is a testament to nearly seven decades of pioneering immersive experiences. Since the opening of Disney California Adventure Park, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Downtown Disney District in 2001, Disneyland Resort has solidified its status as Southern California’s premier vacation destination. Recent expansions like Cars Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Avengers Campus, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, and the reimagined Pixar Place Hotel highlight the resort’s commitment to innovation.
A Future Fueled by Imagination
With this approval, Disneyland Resort is poised to harness decades of creativity and storytelling to introduce new, thrilling experiences for guests. The project, backed by an initial investment of $1.9 billion over the first ten years, anticipates generating approximately $15 million annually in revenue for Anaheim from each $1 billion invested. This financial influx will support vital community services, including fire and police, parks, and libraries.
Commitment to Community and Workforce Development
DisneylandForward also encompasses a unique benefits package aimed at supporting the Anaheim community and its residents. It includes substantial investments in affordable housing, parks, traffic improvements, pedestrian safety, and workforce development programs. The initiative is expected to create over 4,500 operational jobs and nearly 9,000 construction jobs within the first ten years, enhancing the lives of current and future cast members through benefits such as affordable healthcare, childcare, mentorships, training, and educational assistance.
Conclusion
The DisneylandForward initiative represents a significant milestone in the history of Disneyland Resort, setting the stage for new adventures and storytelling magic. It underlines a continued commitment to growth, community partnership, and the timeless vision of Walt Disney that Disneyland will never be completed as long as there is imagination left in the world. This new chapter not only promises to enrich the Disneyland experience but also to foster economic growth and social development in Anaheim, ensuring that the best days of Disneyland Resort are indeed still to come.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
