By: Disney Destinations
May 7, 2024
A message from Ken Potrock, President of Disneyland Resort:
Exciting news out of Anaheim – I’m thrilled to share that the city council has given final approval for DisneylandForward, and the next era of Disneyland Resort is about to begin!
We’ve worked closely with city staff, neighbors, and our local community over the past three years to make sure DisneylandForward is a win for everyone – I’m grateful the city council agrees and voted to work with us on this legacy project that will set up Disneyland Resort and the City of Anaheim for an incredibly bright future.
With updated land use approvals through DisneylandForward, we can build new entertainment experiences for our fans, create thousands of new jobs, and bring new revenue streams to Anaheim.
DisneylandForward Approval Kicks off Endless Possibilities
Almost 70 years ago, Walt Disney opened his original theme park and created a new standard of immersive experiences.
With the addition of Disney California Adventure Park, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Downtown Disney District in 2001, Disneyland Resort became the premier, multi-day vacation destination in Southern California.
Since then, we’ve continued to invest, bringing awe-inspiring expansions like Cars Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Avengers Campus, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, and our newly reimagined Pixar Place Hotel.
Now, it’s time for the next chapter in the legacy of Disneyland Resort. We’re ready to build on decades of innovation, creativity, and storytelling to bring new, exciting experiences for our guests. The possibilities are boundless, and I can’t wait to see what our Disney Imagineers dream up next!
The Vote for DisneylandForward is an Investment in Anaheim
We’ll be investing at least $1.9 billion in the resort in the first 10 years. Cal State Fullerton’s economic impact study projects increased revenues of about $15 million annually for Anaheim from each $1 billion we invest. This will help fund necessary community services, including additional fire and police, parks, and libraries.
Ken Potrock joins officials from the City of Anaheim and Jamboree Housing at the opening of Finamore Place, the city’s newest affordable housing development, which opened with support from Disneyland Resort in 2023.
As part of the resort’s Community Workforce Development Initiative, Ken Potrock meets with students from Anaheim Union High School District through the AIME (Anaheim’s Innovative Mentoring Experience) Program, which Disneyland Resort has participated in since 2019.
We’ve also committed to a unique benefits package for Anaheim and its residents, including $30 million for affordable housing, $8 million for parks, $85 million in traffic improvements and pedestrian safety, and continued investment in workforce development programs.
We’re honored to partner with Anaheim on this historic project and excited to move into this next chapter together.
DisneylandForward will bring over 4,500 operational jobs to Disneyland Resort — which is very exciting since more than 2,200 people apply for hourly roles every week — along with nearly 9,000 construction jobs within the first 10 years.
We are committed to making meaningful differences in the lives of current and future cast memberswith benefits like affordable healthcare and childcare for those eligible, opportunities for mentorships and training, and assistance toward educational goals – like the fully paid tuition we provide for hourly cast through our Aspire program.
Yes, our future is indeed bright.
For nearly seven decades, Disneyland Resort has made a unique, irreplaceable impact on hundreds of millions of guests from around the world. How exciting to know our best days are still ahead – I can’t wait to show you what’s to come.
“Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” – Walt Disney
