Anaheim council vote on DisneylandForward proposal getting closer

This is really great reporting, and an example of why local journalism matters.

Despite some close-local residents, it seems like there's a lot of upside to the proposal. For those objecting, the park has been around probably longer than they have, which is one of those "why did you move there" situations. The city gets an awful lot of this.

An immersive hotel/theme park experience? Are they bringing back the Star Wars hotel??

Jeff:

...the park has been around probably longer than they have, which is one of those "why did you move there" situations

This always comes to mind when I see Facebook posts on community pages for neighborhoods around Magic Kingdom. So many always have a complaint about traffic, after-hours fireworks testing, loud noise, etc. What did they think was going to happen?

Fortunately we don't get any of that in mine (fireworks as I type this!), but then there are a lot of cast members too. We're also in that weird area that tourism traffic doesn't spill into because, well, there's no reason for it to. I remember when this neighborhood went up, the developer specifically called the fireworks out as an amenity or perk of sorts.

Disneyland employees who work as Disney characters looking to join a union.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/04...index.html

“Disney has stated its goal for the project is to support “the ongoing transformation of the Anaheim resort into a multi-day destination resort for use by Southern California metropolitan area residents, as well as visitors from around the world.” That goes along with the industry trend of getting more visitors to stay on-site at hotels because they will spend more money versus locals, Gerner said.”

^^^^^^^^
the above from the linked story is interesting. I’ve been to Disneyland four times in the past 30 years or so. At times, it definitely had the feel of a local/six flags type of crowd more than the family crowds of the Florida parks

Oh, there’s no doubt. I’ve also been to DL 4 times and its reputation as a local hangout came clear each time. And that makes sense- the area grew up around the park which put it smack in the thick of metro LA and its huge population. And one might say that Orlando had its glow up due to WDW and for the most part (the Putzoni’s excluded) it’s visitors travel in for their vacation then leave. Metro LA is around 20 million while the entire state of Florida is near 29 million.

City Council approved the proposal.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/w...-109340628

When you look at what Disney is doing in Anaheim to try and piece together a patchwork assemblage of land (not unlike what Universal has been challenged with in Florida) it reminds you just how visionary Walt was when he acquired 28,000 acres of swamp. That was, maybe, one of the boldest moves in corporate American history.

I'd better start saving now to take the grandkids there. ;)

Jokes aside, I'm looking forward to the west side expansion, and even the electric Autopia, and Avatar boat ride, even though I'm not into Avatar. I wonder if it will be a big splash boat ride like Jurassic Park?

janfrederick:

Avatar boat ride, even though I'm not into Avatar. I wonder if it will be a big splash boat ride like Jurassic Park?

Honestly, the Avatar boat ride at Animal Kingdom was really disappointing to me. Pretty boring. Glad I didn’t have to wait 2 hours for it.

You didn't like the skinny Smurf?

It's one of the best looking worst attractions at Disney. I remember having it as one of our Fast Passes for the day but it was first thing in the AM so we walked on just like everyone else. Just when I thought the ride was actually going to get started it wasn't the next phase of the ride but the station... I had the same feeling on Seven Dwarves. Hi hoooooooooooooooo and there's the station...

Jeff:

You

LOL

i can’t believe the amount of time, energy and money they probably spent on it and this was all they came up with? Obviously it looks good, but the overall ride experience is very blah.

now the other Avatar ride is absolutely amazing and the detail in the world itself is incredible.

but I guess it’s a big time “people eater” for younger guests and people who don’t do thrill rides.

The_Orient_of_Express:

i can’t believe the amount of time, energy and money they probably spent on it and this was all they came up with?

Or that was the plan all along for the reason you state later in your post. Ya'll notice how this is the norm now for new lands/expansions? They build one marquee attraction along with a smaller, less thrill option. Fantasyland got Mine Train and Mermaid, Toy Story got Slinky Dog and Swirling Saucers, Galaxy's Edge got RoTR and Smugglers Run, and of course what Avatar got Flight of Passage and Na'vi River Journey. I don't pay attention to the parks outside of Orlando so I can't speak for them but I would bet this is the way of life for all future lands.

Avenger's Campus got WEB Slingers and...cancelled Quinjet.

The_Orient_of_Express:

I guess it’s a big time “people eater”

I feel like the line for it is always super long and I don't think it's because of the demand. #capacity

Ooof. My kids STILL talk about how bad that boat ride at AK is. They'd rather stand in an hour line to walk up the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse.