Anaheim Considers a 3% Disneyland “Gate Tax”
Disneyland Resort finds itself in the middle of another Anaheim political battle, as lawmakers consider whether a new gate tax should be implemented to help the city close its budget deficit.
The gate tax, which was proposed by City Councilwoman Natalie Rubalcava, would see Disneyland customers pay 3% more. The proposal also included an additional 10% parking tax.
The new taxes could generate $164 million annually for Anaheim.
Photo: Natalie Rubalcava
“It really is my responsibility to ensure we have a properly funded general fund for the residents of Anaheim, including the people who work for our city,” Rubalcava said at Tuesday’s council meeting (via Voice of OC).
Anaheim Lawmakers Defend Disney
Following Rubalcava’s proposal, other Anaheim lawmakers quickly jumped to Disney’s defense. Mayor Ashleigh Aitken noted that the proposal would disproportionately target Disneyland, just as the resort is set to generate billions for Anaheim through its Disneyland Forward expansion.
Disney
Councilwoman Natalie Meeks similarly argued that Disneyland is already paying enough.
“They’re paying their fair share, and now we’re suggesting punishing them for that, and saying, ‘no, you need to pay more because we need money over here for other things that you have nothing to do with,’” she said. “That just philosophically doesn’t feel right to me,”
Photo: Spectrum News
By the end of the debate, lawmakers had rejected the gate tax. They did, however, vote 5-2 to reconsider revenue-generating ideas at a later date.
Disney Has Previously Opposed Similar Measures
While Disney did not comment on Rubalcava’s recent proposal, they have previously opposed a gate tax.
Photos: Voice of OC
The most recent proposal would only apply to venues that hold 20,000 people. In Anaheim, that means Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and Angel Stadium would be affected by the new tax. Angel Stadium, however, has a provision in its lease that would see it reimbursed. That would essentially leave Disney to foot the bill.
Disney
For now, however, the idea doesn’t seem to have much momentum.
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