Disney Can Take ALL My Money If This Project Actually Happens

In March of 2021, Disneyland made some major moves in the launch of DisneylandForward, a new initiative that could result in potential theme park expansions at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

Welcome to Disneyland!

If the proposed park expansions come to fruition and we actually see some of what Disney is proposing in their concept art, we’re ready to hand over every last penny in our pockets in order to visit!

What exactly was announced?

Let’s briefly recap exactly what DisneylandFoward is and is not.

Disneyland

The major news that broke in March was NOT a formal announcement of any sort of expansion. This project, at the moment, involves Disney reaching out to the city of Anaheim asking for more flexibility in their zoning and land use agreements.

If approved, Disney can use the land they currently own for more projects like theme park expansions, new hotels, new shopping or dining, or new entertainment.

Click here to learn more about what DisneylandForward is exactly.

What could be included in this expansion?

If DisneylandForward is given the green light, Disney is already prepared with several ideas of what could be included in the potential theme park expansions.

Pixar Pier at night

The possible lands that would be included in the theme park expansions at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure include Tangled, Peter Pan, and Frozen (already coming to Tokyo Disney Resort), as well as Zootopia (currently coming to Shanghai Disneyland). Much of this is based on the concept art that Disney shared as part of their pitch for DisneylandForward.

©Disney

A Zootopia-themed land like the one coming to Shanghai or a Tangled-themed land like the one coming to Tokyo is something that U.S. Disney fans could only dream about right now! A chance to visit the REAL Snuggly Duckling?! Visiting Zootopia?! This expansion would make these lands WAY more accessible (and FAR cheaper) if you only travel to the domestic parks!

What Things Could Be Inspiring New Spaces at Disneyland ©Disney

There’s also an elusive third plot of land where the Toy Story Parking Lot is currently located. This area is likely not large enough to yield a third theme park, but could instead be used for a new resort hotel, or additional shopping and dining.

Concept Art ©Disney

No matter what is included, any sizable expansion to the Disneyland Resort is a PRETTY big deal. Disneyland’s total land area is more confined than that of Disney World, in that there is very little room to grow. The arrival of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge was the biggest expansion to come to the Disneyland Resort since, well, the grand opening of California Adventure!

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Again, DisneylandForward as it currently stands is not an official announcement of what WILL come to Disneyland. Rather, Disney has pitched a series of possibilities should Anaheim allow for more flexibility in the current land zoning.

Click here for more answers to the biggest DisneylandForward questions!

When could we possibly see this (and thus give Disneyland all of our money)?

Now for some not-great-news: it may take a while before we see ANY of these lands come to fruition (if at all!).

Disney California Adventure

DisneylandForward needs to go through what will likely be a very lengthy approval process — it could take years before any of this is given the green light from the city of Anaheim, and then it could take even longer before ground is broken.

Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle

But look on the bright side — that gives us all PLENTY of time to save up money in our piggy banks so that if or when these theme park expansions do happen, we’ll be able to check it out for ourselves! We’ll keep a watchful eye on DisneylandForward and any developments coming out of the city of Anaheim!