Anaheim Approves DisneylandForward, Paving Way for Resort Expansion

May 08, 2024 in "Disneyland Resort"

Gallery / 1 Photo
DisneylandForward concept art

Posted: Wednesday May 8, 2024 8:50am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The Anaheim city council has approved the ambitious DisneylandForward project, signaling a new era for Disneyland Resort.

This project, which has been in development over the past three years in collaboration with city staff and local communities, is set to transform Disneyland Resort and bolster Anaheim's economy. The initiative will introduce new entertainment experiences, create approximately 13,500 jobs, and generate significant new revenue streams for the city.

DisneylandForward concept art

DisneylandForward will see Disneyland Resort investing at least $1.9 billion in the first decade. According to an economic impact study by Cal State Fullerton, every $1 billion invested by the resort is expected to increase Anaheim's revenues by about $15 million annually. This funding will support vital community services such as fire and police departments, parks, and libraries.

During yesterday's earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger said, "We're incredibly excited for the many potential new stories our guests could experience at Walt's original theme park, including the much-anticipated opportunity to bring Avatar to Disneyland."

AVATAR concept art for Disneyland

The project will also enhance local infrastructure and community services, with Disneyland committing $30 million for affordable housing, $8 million for parks, $85 million for traffic improvements and pedestrian safety, and ongoing investment in workforce development programs. This development not only promises to enrich Disneyland's legacy of innovation and creativity but also aims to make a profound impact on the local community and economy.

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truecoat8 days ago

We'll know soon whether Disney is moving the park out a bit, like Brickey speculates.

TheDisneyParksfanC810 days ago

Disney Irish24 days ago

Agreed, this is much more fun. :)

BrianLo24 days ago

It’s my favourite part of this fandom. And not actually arguing about finances and profit returns. 😂 Bring on the construction threads!

Disney Irish24 days ago

We're gonna have lots of fun with these construction projects when we get knee deep into them starting next Spring, lots of dates and timeline discussions going to be had over the next 5-6 years. :)

BrianLo24 days ago

Thanks, I got confused and tried to google the answer and edited my post. I had thought Spring. It does seem doable and probably the plan.

Disney Irish24 days ago

Fall 2026 is when construction starts for the new entry plaza, ie the EGW. Construction for Avatar "officially" starts when Monsters Inc closes in Spring 2026. So I think a Fall/Winter 2029 opening is possible to coincide with the Avatar 4 opening in December 2029.

BrianLo24 days ago

DAK only took slightly over 3 years (Jan 2014-May 2017). For a very similar infrastructure precursor project, the Rivers of America closed Jan 2016 for a 2019 Galaxies Edge debut. That said, Fall 2026 start puts it at a disadvantage.

MistaDee24 days ago

CoastalElite64 said: Hopefully: Avengers - Summer 2027 Coco - Spring 2028 Avatar - Summer 2029 Disneyland 75th - 2030 Apart from the seasons, your timeframe reads right to me. It wasn’t making sense that the EGW was yet to start. But the Coco move suggests the timelines jostled. It always seemed a bit too optimistic how far Disney was acting like the Pandora project was given development started blankly in 2023. I think a 2030 major Disneyland project is likely. Avengers - Summer 2027 Coco - Spring 2028 Avatar - Summer 2029 Disneyland 75th - 2030 this would be a best case scenario, I think this is probably more likely Avengers - Summer 2027 Coco - Spring 2028 new parade or show in Hyperion - Summer 2029 Avatar + Disneyland 75th - 2030 though the chatter that Avatar will be more like a mini-land than a full Pandora would make it easier to accomplish that 2029 opening date

Disney IrishJun 07, 2025

Yep, I highly doubt its going to expand beyond what is currently described in this project. As this structure has been essenstially approved since the 90s, as it was part of the original DSRP. The EGW was never going to replace the entire resort parking as you've described here. The biggest area that will be freed up for future DLF expansion by this new Pumbaa (I assume that is what it'll still be called) structure is the Simba lot. And I assume the CM parking will be part of this new structure as well, as that was part of the original plan. Again this is only 800 spaces short of the original project so I don't know where you getting the idea that its smaller than "needed".

BrianLoJun 07, 2025

Apart from the seasons, your timeframe reads right to me. It wasn’t making sense that the EGW was yet to start. But the Coco move suggests the timelines jostled. It always seemed a bit too optimistic how far Disney was acting like the Pandora project was given development started blankly in 2023. I think a 2030 major Disneyland project is likely.

BrianLoJun 07, 2025

There is capability for a phase 2, but is unneeded currently. The parking deficit will have been addressed by Pixar Pals and the Eastern Gateway. None of those other parking lots are being utilized this decade.

britainJun 06, 2025

Oh, you're right! I wasn't looking closely. I just saw we're in the Disneyland Forward thread, and you said something so I figured I should disagree. Signing off, have a nice Friday night everyone!

Disney IrishJun 06, 2025

Maybe we're talking about different things. We were talking about the possibility of more details on the Avengers Infinity Defense project for Avengers Campus being announced at Destination D23, not anything to do with the EGW project.