- Disneyland announced a $2-billion plan to transform its Anaheim resort into a mixed-use destination, with new attractions, hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- The plan, called City Streets, would redevelop the parking lots and unused land around the theme park, creating a pedestrian-friendly urban district that connects Disneyland, California Adventure, and Downtown Disney.
- The plan is part of Disneyland’s long-term vision to compete with other theme parks and entertainment venues, as well as to address the changing preferences and expectations of its guests.
Why it matters: Disneyland is the largest employer and taxpayer in Anaheim, and its resort is a major driver of tourism and economic activity in the region. The City Streets project would create thousands of jobs, generate millions of dollars in tax revenue, and enhance the appeal and accessibility of the resort.
The big picture: Disneyland has been facing some challenges and opportunities in recent years, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced the park to close for more than a year; the expansion of the Marvel and Star Wars franchises, which added new attractions and characters to the park; and the rise of online and streaming entertainment, which increased the competition and innovation in the industry.
By the numbers:
- The City Streets project would cost $2 billion and take 10 years to complete, according to Disneyland.
- The project would add 1.5 million square feet of new development, including 1,000 hotel rooms, 200,000 square feet of retail space, and 300,000 square feet of entertainment space, according to Disneyland.
- The project would create 10,000 construction jobs, 5,000 permanent jobs, and $150 million in annual tax revenue, according to Disneyland.
What they’re saying:
- “City Streets is a bold and exciting plan that will transform our resort into a world-class destination that offers something for everyone. It will enhance the guest experience, create new opportunities for our cast members, and benefit the Anaheim community,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, in a statement.
- “City Streets is a welcome and timely proposal that will boost our city’s recovery and growth. It will bring more visitors, jobs, and revenue to Anaheim, and support our vision of a vibrant and diverse urban core,” said Harry Sidhu, mayor of Anaheim, in a statement.
- “City Streets is a disappointing and troubling plan that will worsen the traffic, noise, and pollution in our neighborhoods. It will favor Disney’s profits over the public’s interests, and undermine our efforts to protect our quality of life and local democracy,” said Jose Moreno, president of Anaheim Communities for Responsible Expansion, in a statement.
What’s next: The City Streets project requires the approval of the Anaheim City Council, which is expected to review and vote on the plan later this year. The project also faces some opposition and criticism from some residents, activists, and unions, who may challenge or delay the plan.
