Over the next five years, Disney has planned a complete overhaul of its Anaheim resort, including new attractions, entertainment and a 12-acre space called "Cars Land," based on the 2006 movie. The revamped resort promises to be more like Orlando's Disneyland, with an interactive "Walt Disney Story" attraction taking center stage at the park. Other new additions include a Little Mermaid attraction, a signature nighttime event and viewing area for 9,000, as well as enhanced landscaping and shopping and dining experiences. This is the second such renovation announcement for Disney World, following last month's groundbreaking of a 250-room expansion of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, with 50 rooms dedicated to the company's timeshare business, Disney Vacation Club.
"This expansion builds on a commitment we made more than a decade ago to create and grow the Anaheim resort area as a world-class tourist destination where guests would want to stay for more than one day," said Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier.
The new park will draw inspiration from the California Walt knew, Disney said, as exemplified by the inclusion of red trolley cars that will travel Main Street, reminiscent of the old Pacific Electric Railway. Likewise, the resort will pay homage to the present with Hollywood Pictures Backlot, which will serve as a venue for ticketed events featuring in-person interviews with directors, writers and animators. (JM)