ANAHEIM, Calif. (CN) — Disneyland will be adding new rides, shops and hotels as part of a $1.9 billion plan to expand the popular theme park, even as the Anaheim theme park's character performers made moves toward unionization on Wednesday.
The project known as DisneylandForward will also allocate millions of dollars for the city of Anaheim for infrastructure, public safety and affordable housing.
California Governor Gavin Newsom touted the economic benefits of the expansion, saying in a written statement, "Disney is making it clear that California is its home because we provide the welcoming and supportive environment where businesses want to expand and create more jobs. We look forward to cultivating more Disney magic and building opportunities for all as this investment drives billions of dollars in revenue for our state and local communities.”
According to Disney, the plan will create 7,800 jobs during the four years of construction, and more than 3,600 operational jobs once the expansion is complete.
The Anaheim City Council unanimously approved the zoning changes that will allow Disney to go forward with a $1.9 billion plan to expand Disneyland on Tuesday.
First built in 1955, there have been no major changes to the theme park's zoning plan since the 1990s. According to the old plan, hotels, parking and attractions were all segregated in their own districts. Disney wants to not only expand its flagship park, but to have the flexibility to build a mix of hotels, spas, restaurants, rides and "immersive experiences" in the same vicinity.
Many of these features already exist in other Disney theme parks. For example, last year, the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort opened a new section called "Frozen World," based on the hit musical "Frozen" and its sequel, which includes rides, shops and a restaurant.
But not everyone is so happy with the happiest place on earth. In addition to the local community's concerns about traffic, parking and noise pollution, Disney cast members have been calling for better pay and better treatment.
On Wednesday, 1,700 workers who play characters and perform in parades filed with the National Labor Relations Board for union representation.
"We love the work we do," the cast members wrote in a letter to Disneyland. "We are proud to be a part of one of the greatest legacies in modern entertainment. Magic United invites The Walt Disney Company to voluntarily recognize our union and work with us to enhance an essential aspect of Walt Disney’s vision for his theme park — the transcendent magic of live entertainment.”
“Our goal is to make ‘the happiest place on Earth’ a little happier,” said Kate Shindle, who is acting as the union's bargaining representative, at a press conference.
Disney has not responded to the cast members' call to unionize. Unless the company agrees to recognize the union, an election will be held at the Disneyland resort sometime this year.
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