Anaheim City Council Gives Final Approval to Disneyland Expansion

Disney’s three-year effort to get the go-ahead to grow its theme parks in Anaheim received final approval from the City Council, the Orange County Register reported. The City Council unanimously approved the project at its April 16 meeting, while the second vote, which was required to finalize the changes to the city’s zoning that the project asks for, was also unanimous. The adopted changes will go into effect in 30 days.

It’s a 40-year agreement that outlines where and how new development can take place. The largest areas for new development will be parking lots west of Disneyland Drive in the resort area and at the Toy Story parking lot on Harbor Boulevard. A new 17,600-space parking garage will be built near the 5 Freeway to accommodate the expected growth in visitors.

Disney must invest at least $1.9 billion into its theme parks in Anaheim by 2034 as part of the approved agreement, the Register reported. Although Disney has not said when it might start construction and what might be developed, it has hinted that building an “Avatar”-themed land was a strong possibility. Disney CEO Bob Iger said in March that with more flexibility for where the company can develop, it could increase the size of Disneyland by 50%.