From Where We Are

Disney’s 1.9 billion dollar expansion

New attractions, hotel rooms, and other entertainment will be added

Castle with tourists taking pictures
Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, Calif. (Photo courtesy of Jae C. Hong for AP News)

Disney’s Forward project is expected to be completed over the next 40 years. The project would increase zoning from 292 acres to 389 acres.

According to SoCal News, Disney officials want to build new park attractions next to hotels west of the theme park and Disney California Adventure.

Part of this proposal calls for Disney to pay $40 million to buy Hotel Way, Magic Way, and roadways surrounding Disneyland. Anaheim residents say this expansion may impact the community, most specifically traffic in the area.

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

On social media, California governor Gavin Newsom said: “It’s no mistake this expansion is in CA — our values of equality, decency, and freedom help make up Disney’s magic.”

With the council’s preliminary vote approval of the expansion plan, the procedural vote is expected to take place on May 7. If approved, the project would require 30 days for changes.