Disney is seeking approval from local officials to expand its Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, California over the next four decades. The proposed $1.9 billion, 10-year plan would not increase Disney's current 490-acre footprint in Southern California, but would allow the company to develop new attractions. Disney's senior vice president of global development and finance, Rachel Alde, expressed excitement about the possibility of creating immersive experiences based on popular stories like "Wakanda," "Coco," "Frozen," and "Zootopia."

The expansion would involve transforming a 50-acre parking lot into a space for new rides and entertainment options, while moving parking for Disneyland to a multistory structure. This development would help Disney create new areas similar to the successful Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge attraction that opened in California in 2019. The company aims to provide visitors with unique and engaging experiences, similar to the interactive activities found at Shanghai Disneyland Resort, such as the “Hot Pursuit” ride inspired by the animated film "Zootopia."

The city of Anaheim's planning commission is scheduled to review the proposal, which must be approved by the city council before taking effect. Disney's California theme parks are a major tourism draw for the region, with Disneyland being the second-most visited theme park in the world in 2022. The expansion plan would also require Disney to invest in street improvements, affordable housing, and other infrastructure in the city.

This would be the first major change to Disney's California theme parks since the 1990s, when the company transformed its original park into a resort hub. The proposed expansion aims to enhance the visitor experience and create new opportunities for storytelling and entertainment at Disneyland.