Disney's plan to expand Disneyland by building new restaurants, hotels and park attractions was approved unanimously by the Anaheim City Council Wednesday.
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The plan to invest at least $1.9B over 10 years in growing the park on land Disney already owns is the company's first major investment in the park since the 1990s, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Disney plans to redesign Disneyland and its adjoining, related attractions, including Downtown Disney and California Adventure Park, to create a more "immersive" experience, according to the LA Times.
Hundreds of residents who felt strongly about the proposed project attended the meeting. Supporters touted the job-creation benefits of the new attractions and hotels, which would be added on the western side of Disneyland Drive and at Katella Avenue and Harbor Boulevard, the LA Times reported.
Hotel taxes are Anaheim’s largest source of funding, according to the LA Times.
Those pushing back against the plan worried about the impact of the new additions. Although Disney doesn't plan to grow beyond its current footprint, its plan involves the privatization of some public roads, according to the LA Times. Traffic concerns came up often among opponents.
The council’s vote provides initial approval of the expansion plan, according to the Times. A second, procedural vote is expected May 7. Following that approval, the plan would go into effect after 30 days.
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