In a press briefing given on Thursday, Walt Disney Imagineering’s Jeanette Lomboy revealed plans for a new phase of expansion for Disneyland entitled 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 no shortage of ideas, content or stories to tell or build. What we do know today is that guests need and want more. In order to give guests what they want, we need more flexibility here in Anaheim. Guests are demanding immersive integrated experiences that are not singular in their uses. We no longer think of uses as separate. Retail, dining, entertainment, theme parks and hotels are all part of the same experiences in the same place. And we need the space in our lands to create story-rich environments.”~Jeanette Lomboy
The plan calls for a new look at plans originally drawn up and approved in the 1990s. The new proposal calls for a theme park expansion on what is now the Lilo and Stitch parking lot near Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel.
According to the OC Register, “the west-side site bounded by Katella Avenue, Walnut Street, Magic Way and Disneyland Drive as more of a theme park expansion and than a new “third gate.”
Also incorporated into the plans is the usage of both the AMC Theater and ESPN Zone located in the Downtown Disney District. The expansion would also see the usage of a 56-acre parcel of land to the east that has long been discussed as a possible third theme park. The area would include a hotel, along with shopping and entertainment, as well as additional parking near Disney Way.
The OC Register points out that the plans have quite a process to proceed though with the City of Anaheim in the days ahead, and that it could possibly be two years before final plans are set.
This story is currently breaking, and as further details are revealed, we’ll be sure to update this article.
Source: OC Register
