Disney’s $1.9 Billion Expansion Project Takes Huge Step Forward After Drama-Filled Meeting

Disneyland expansion just took a MAJOR step forward!

Monday, March 11th, 2024 was a big day for DisneylandForward, Disney’s decade-plus $1.9 billion investment plan to expand the Disneyland Resort area with new entertainment, attractions, restaurants, and lodging. After hours of debate and drama, the plan received majority support and will move forward toward city council approval.

The DisneylandForward plan went before the Anaheim Planning Commission Monday night and, after over six hours of discussions, a motion to recommend the plan to the Anaheim City Council was approved.

The motion won with five votes in favor, one vote against, and one vote absent. Getting to the vote was a lengthy process full of intense dialogue, however.

After Disney held its presentation, public discourse predictably went on for a few hours with several Disney Cast Members and current employees, such as Disney audio designer Jeremy Rynders and Disneyland V.P. of Events and Broadcast Production Chris Sheppard, taking the podium in support of the planned expansion. There was also plenty of opposition from locals, but the most noteworthy opposition to the plan came from District 4 Commissioner LuisAndres Perez.

Perez was the most vocal commissioner of the evening and was at one point criticized by District 3 Commissioner Michelle Lieberman for “offensive” behavior. Perez frequently asked Disney representation questions other commissioners deemed to be off-agenda and not related to Disney’s proposed plan.

Perez reiterated his love for Disneyland several times, even referring to his Magic Key pass and park reservation he was missing to attend the meeting. Ultimately, however, he filed a motion to postpone the vote for two weeks, but it only garnered one extra vote and failed before the motion to recommend DisneylandForward to the Anaheim City Council passed. Perez was the lone “no” vote.

The entirety of the meeting and vote can be viewed here.

DisneylandForward has floated the idea of Zootopia, Frozen, Tangled, Tron, and more themed lands/attractions coming to the resort in addition to plenty of other resort improvements.

The plan has now cleared a major hurdle and is on the verge of becoming a reality. The Anaheim City Council is expected to vote on DisneylandForward next month on April 16th, 2024.

We’ll continue to bring you updates on Disneyland’s expansion plans as well as all the latest Disneyland news, so stay tuned right here at AllEars to stay in the know!

An ‘Avatar’ Land Could Be Part of Disney’s NEW $1.9 Billion Expansion Project

With Disneyland expansion on the horizon, which proposed idea has you the most excited? Share your thoughts below!