Disneyland Unveils 30-Year Blueprint for Theme Park Expansion in California

Mickey Mouse poses in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., on Aug. 27, 2019. (Joshua Sudock/Walt Disney World Resorts via Getty Images)

Disneyland officials revealed expansion plans for the next three decades to local Orange County businesses and leaders on May 17 at the OC Forum in Anaheim, putting forward details like tourism benefits, tax revenues, and employment opportunities.

The so-called DisneylandForward proposal was introduced in September 2021, following the theme park’s year-long closure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan includes adding a mix of theme park, hotel, retail, and dining on the eastern and western sides of the resort within its current footprint.

In this handout photo provided by Disneyland Resort, guests are waved to by workers as they take in the sights and sounds of Main Street U.S.A. at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., on April 30, 2021. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort via Getty Images)

“To put it simply, DisneylandForward sets the stage for significant and multi-decade investment in the future. This is the next generation of the Disneyland resort,” Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock told attendees, according to Orange County Register.

The expansion includes possible projects inspired by other Disney theme park plans around the world, including Tokyo DisneySea’s upcoming attractions from Disney movies, like Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan, according to DisneylandForward’s website.

Additionally, three other possible options in the plan include the upcoming Zootopia ride at Shanghai Disneyland in China, Tron roller coasters in Shanghai and Florida, and Toy Story Land also in Florida.

Additionally, company officials said the goal is to create a more integrated experience between the park, hotels, and retail.

According to Disney officials, the company is seeking increased flexibility from Anaheim regarding land use plans, which were first approved in the 1990s. The plan is expected to be heard by the Anaheim Planning Commission by the end of the year, and by the city council in early 2024.

According to a study by Anil Puri from California State University–Fullerton presented toward the end of the forum, the plan, if it moves forward, an average four-year construction period would create 4,500 jobs, generate $11 million in tax revenue, and contribute $1.1 billion to Anaheim’s economy, as reported by Orange County Register.

“When Disney invests, all boats rise, and everyone benefits,” Potrock said.

Walt Disney opened Disneyland in 1955.