The Disneyland Resort, a cherished destination for generations of families, is poised to embark on an ambitious journey of transformation and growth. With the recent unanimous approval from the Anaheim City Council, the DisneylandForward project has taken a significant step forward, paving the way for a multitude of exciting new experiences and attractions. This groundbreaking initiative promises to redefine the boundaries of what a theme park can offer, blending the realms of imagination, storytelling, and cutting-edge technology in ways never seen before.

As the original Disneyland Park approaches its 70th anniversary, the DisneylandForward project represents a bold vision for the future, one that honors the legacy of Walt Disney while embracing the ever-evolving demands of modern-day guests. With a staggering $1.9 billion investment planned for the first decade alone, this expansion will not only enhance the existing parks but also introduce entirely new lands and immersive environments that will transport visitors to worlds they’ve only dreamed of.

Unlocking the Potential of Pandora

One of the most highly anticipated additions to the Disneyland Resort is the rumored Avatar-themed land, inspired by the groundbreaking film franchise from James Cameron. Concept art unveiled by Disney CEO Bob Iger during the recent shareholders’ meeting has set the imagination of fans ablaze, depicting a breathtaking landscape of floating mountains, lush foliage, and a vast, shimmering lake. While details remain scarce, it is widely speculated that this ambitious project will find its home within Disney California Adventure Park, potentially replacing the underutilized Hollywood Pictures Backlot area.

Guests can expect to be fully immersed in the wondrous world of Pandora, with the opportunity to embark on a thrilling boat ride reminiscent of the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, expressed his excitement about bringing this new adventure to Disneyland, stating, “We are eager to bring new stories to Walt’s original theme park destination following the approval of DisneylandForward. Guests will have the opportunity to experience all-new Avatar adventures in Pandora.”

Embracing the Magic of Frozen and Beyond

The DisneylandForward project also holds the promise of transporting guests to the enchanting realms of beloved Disney franchises. One such possibility is the introduction of a World of Frozen land, similar to the highly acclaimed attraction that debuted at Hong Kong Disneyland in 2023. Fans of the beloved animated film can look forward to immersing themselves in the icy wonderland of Arendelle, complete with iconic landmarks and thrilling rides. 

Moreover, the expansion plans hint at the potential for other beloved stories to come to life within the Disneyland Resort. Concept art accompanying the DisneylandForward proposal teases the possibility of a Tangled-inspired land, a Zootopia-themed area, and even a revival of the long-gone Tomorrowland attraction, the PeopleMover.

A Seamless Integration of Experiences

One of the core principles guiding the DisneylandForward project is the seamless integration of various elements, creating a cohesive and immersive experience that transcends traditional boundaries. The expansion plans envision a harmonious blend of theme park attractions, hotels, shopping districts, and dining destinations, all woven together in a way that enhances the overall guest experience. 

Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock emphasized this vision during the City Council meeting, stating, “We are ready to bring the next level of immersive entertainment here to Anaheim. We want to go beyond replacing and reimagining current attractions and lands. We want to bring new expanded experiences like Cars Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and Avengers Campus to the Disneyland Resort.” 

This integrated approach is exemplified by the proposed expansion of the Downtown Disney shopping and dining district, which aims to create an experience akin to the renowned Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. Guests can look forward to a vibrant array of unique restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment offerings, all seamlessly connected to the theme parks and hotels.

Revitalizing Existing Lands and Attractions

While the DisneylandForward project promises to introduce a wealth of new experiences, it also presents an opportunity to revitalize and enhance existing lands and attractions within the Disneyland Resort. One such possibility is the expansion of the beloved Toy Story Land, which could potentially draw inspiration from the highly acclaimed version found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. 

Additionally, the project may breathe new life into classic Disneyland attractions, such as the iconic Peter Pan’s Flight ride. Concept art suggests the potential for an expanded Peter Pan-themed area, complete with new experiences and immersive environments inspired by the timeless tale of the boy who never grew up.

A Commitment to Community and Sustainability

Beyond the exciting new attractions and lands, the DisneylandForward project also represents a significant commitment to the local community and environmental sustainability. As part of the agreement with the City of Anaheim, Disney has pledged $30 million towards affordable housing initiatives, $8 million for city parks, and $40 million for street and transportation upgrades. Furthermore, the expansion plans incorporate measures to mitigate environmental impacts, such as noise reduction strategies, traffic pattern reconfiguration, and the implementation of sustainable practices throughout the construction and operation phases.

Conclusion

As the Disneyland Resort prepares to embark on this transformative journey, the anticipation among fans and theme park enthusiasts alike is palpable. The DisneylandForward project represents a bold step into the future, one that promises to redefine the boundaries of what a theme park can offer. From the awe-inspiring landscapes of Pandora to the enchanting realms of Frozen and beyond, this expansion will transport guests to worlds they’ve only dreamed of, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

With a commitment to seamless integration, community engagement, and environmental sustainability, the DisneylandForward project stands as a testament to Disney’s unwavering dedication to innovation and guest experience. As the Happiest Place on Earth prepares to unlock a new era of immersive entertainment, one thing is certain: the magic is just beginning.

An interactive water feature in the ocean section of Journey of Water Inspired by “Moana” at EPCOT is currently closed and blocked off.

Journey of Water Inspired by “Moana”

Rolling planters run in front of the interactive water feature, which is where guests jump up and down to send the water back up to the sky. A Cast Member stood in front of the planters to direct guests around the area.

There are multiple entrances into the water feature, all blocked by planters. Scrim fills in the gaps between rockwork and planters.

Behind the planters, we saw no water running. Usually, streams of water jump over the pathways.

We don’t know exactly why or for how long the water feature is closed.

See this and other interactive water features in our video of Journey of Water Inspired by “Moana” below:

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Disney has added more lights and speakers along the Disney Springs lake ahead of the premiere of “Disney Dreams That Soar.” The new drone show will run from May 24 through September 2, 2024.

‘Dreams That Soar’ Construction

Earlier this month, crews installed fence posts along the lake next to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. The fence posts are now connected with chains or ropes.

In the grass on the resort side of the fence are several short elements, possibly speakers or lights.

The fence runs all the way around the lake past a construction site on the West Side of Disney Springs.

In Disney Springs, more speakers have been installed along the walkways next to the lake. These will play the show’s soundtrack to guests viewing the show.

These speakers are in pairs on top of pillars. The first several were installed in late April.

They run between the Aerophile balloon and the nearby Sassagoula Steamboat Co. dock.

There are also more speakers in the fields past the Cirque du Soleil theater, near the Strawberry parking lot.

These towers are surrounded by planters.

Disney shared a first look at “Dreams That Soar,” which features flying characters like Baymax, Peter Pan, and Dumbo. It will be performed twice each evening from May 24 through September 2.

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