Disneyland on Monday won approval from Anaheim city officials for plans to expand its resort in California over the next four decades.
Anaheim's Planning Commission reviewed and approved the multi-billion dollar Disneyland Forward project that aims to expand the California theme park and bring more rides, hotels, and entertainment to the area. The approval was given after a six-hour meeting involving Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock, Disney cast members, and several detractors.
Disneyland will now seek approval from the Anaheim City Council, which is scheduled to vote on the expansion on April 16, as reported by Deadline.
If the council approves the plan, the development agreement will last until 2064. It is estimated that Disney would spend about $2.5 billion on the expansion.
It is important to note that the expansion would not increase Disney's 490-are footprint. It also would not change what Disney is allowed to build on its land. However, it could permit Disney to put new attractions on its 50-acre parking lot.
"What we'd like to do is develop differently. Right now, things are zoned for hotels or for parking. We'd like to make it a more integrated experience because we know that's what our guests are looking for," Suzi Brown with Disneyland told FOX. "It means you might have a hotel right next to an attraction, and it really allows us to bring lands that are more immersive."
What Expansions Does Disney Have Planned?
Disney heads have not publicly disclosed the attractions they plan to add during the expansion. Potrock said the company aims to build "integrated experiences" like Zootopia in Shanghai, Frozen in Hong Kong, and Star Wars Galaxy's Edge in Anaheim.
A copy posted on DisneylandForward.com also teased the possibilities of Frozen land and attractions inspired by Tangled and Peter Pan for the original park, as well as Zootopia, Tron, and Toy Story for Disney's California Adventure.
"With DisneylandForward and more flexibility within our existing properties, new lands and adventures like those underway at Tokyo DisneySea and Shanghai Disneyland could inspire new experiences here," the copy noted.
Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger also recently teased plans to add an Avatar-themed land to its California location.
