Disneyland has its sights set on Thursday after the Anaheim City Council preliminarily approved Wednesday a measure for the theme park to expand, a project known as Disneyland Forward.
The $1.9 billion expansion plan includes adding new attractions, shops and restaurants over the next 40 years. The Anaheim City Council approved the measure unanimously 7-0 early Wednesday morning after an eight-hour public hearing that started on Tuesday.
The proposal heads for a final City Council vote on May 7 and would be subject to land-use modifications to pave the way for the Disneyland Forward plan to be begin 30 days later.
During the public hearing, Anaheim residents, Disneyland cast members, and officials from nearby cities spoke about the advantages and problems of the plan.
Part of the proposal calls for Disney to pay $40 million to buy Magic Way, Hotel Way and a part of Clementine Street from the city, roadways around Disneyland.
“The city is transferring responsibility for Magic Way because the road overwhelmingly serves the Disneyland Hotel, Disney employee parking and the south end of the Pixar Pals Parking Structure,” a news release from the city said.
The proposal is a guide for future developments at Disneyland, where and how the developments will be built, and designate areas within Disneyland that it already owns for expansion.