Disneyland Announces Massive Expansion Plans Including Third Theme Park and More with DisneylandForward
I absolutely love reporting news like this! Just today, Disneyland has announced DisneylandForward that lays out expansion plans for the California Resort that include a new theme park, addition of several new “lands” and attractions, new entertainment district, parking expansion, and more!
Zootopia Land currently under construction at Shanghai Disneyland
Image Credit: Disney
Disneyland Park
With DisneylandForward, Disney will take inspiration from new lands and attractions coming to Tokyo DisneySea for the future of Disneyland Park at the Disneyland Resort. This includes the following:
- Frozen Land: When Frozen Land opens at Tokyo DisneySea, Guests will be able transported to Arendelle, the home of Elsa and Anna, and take part of an exciting boat adventure as well as a restaurant in side of the castle.
- Tangled Land: Once complete, Rapunzel’s tower will overlook a charming forest where Guests board gondolas to the lantern festival to live Rapunzel’s “best day ever” with Flynn! A restaurant where Rapunzel made friends with a band of thieves in the move is also featured.
- Peter Pan: This new area inspired by Neverland will feature two attractions. One that, with the help of Tinker Bell, will take Guests on a boat ride following the Lost Boys down a river. The other attraction takes Guests on a journey to the middle of Pixie Hollow where Tinker Bell and all of her fairy friends live. A new restaurant with amazing views inspired by the Lost Boys’ iconic hideout will also be offered.
TRON Coaster coming to the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World
Image Credit: Disney
Disney California Adventure
Also included in DisneylandForward is the transformation of Disney California Adventure Park to be home to some of the world’s most technologically advanced, immersive, and cutting-edge entertainment, taking cues from the following projects that are currently underway or completed at Disney Parks around the world:
- Zootopia coming to Shanghai Disneyland
- Toy Story Land currently at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World
- Tron Lightcycle Run coming to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World
Concept art of Third Theme Park expansion at Disneyland
Image Credit: Disney
New Immersive Theme Park
The OCRegister is reporting that the Disneyland Forward plan calls for an “Immersive Theme Park” expansion on the westside – where Downtown Disney and the Lilo and Stitch parking lots are currently located – will be constructed. This Disneyland third gate would be located among both the Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel.
Looking at the concept art, one will see a mountain landmark that is surrounded with water and other buildings. There is also a “mountain ridge” separating the new park from hotels on the other side of the property.
Concept art of new shopping and entertainment district coming to Disneyland
Image Credit: Disney
New Shopping, Retail, and Entertainment District
With a new theme park being built where Downtown Disney is currently located, the DisneylandForward plans call for a new shopping, retail, and entertainment district to be built as part of the eastside expansion of the Disneyland Resort. Disneyland says this area would be similar to the uber-popular Disney Springs area at Walt Disney World. It would be the perfect location for locals, conventioneers, hotel and Disneyland Resort Guests to enjoy a variety of restaurants, hotels, live music, shopping, shows, and much more.
Concept art of new parking area coming to Disneyland
Image Credit: Disney
Parking & Transportation Expansion
With all of this expansion, Disney vows to invest in transportation, parking, transit, and pedestrian safety measures to improve mobility throughout the Resort.
A new parking area will also be created on the east side of the Disneyland Resort which would result in a pedestrian bridge with upgraded entrance accessibility for hotels and businesses located along Harbor Boulevard.
Photo: DisneylandForward.com
The timeline for the DisneyForward expansion is a few decades. Disney is closely working with the City of Anaheim to help rebuild following the economic devastation caused by the pandemic.
Disney originally submitted plans back in the 90s for expansion ideas and will be requesting now to move forward with the plans and more flexibility from the city.
Hold on to your Mickey ears! Today, the Disneyland Resort announced plans to expand their theme park, retail and parking offerings in Anaheim. https://t.co/dnBtavAWad
— Visit Anaheim (@Visit_Anaheim) March 25, 2021
Jeanette Lomboy, Walt Disney Imagineer, had this to say about DisneylandForward: “Because of the current rigid district structure, we just need more flexibility. We’re excited about the possibilities and ready to dream. Believe me, we have not shortage of ideas, content or stories to tell or build.”
Image Credit: Disney
Currently, both Disneyland Parks are slated to reopen April 30 with Disney’s Grand Californian opening April 29, 2021. Tickets and hotel reservations will open any day now.
Make sure to keep it here with MickeyBlog for all the latest breaking news surrounding the DisneylandForward project!
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