Impact Study Released for Disneyland Expansion

The theme park giant is one step closer to adding new sections to its Anaheim empire.

1 minute read

September 18, 2023, 11:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Writing in The Mercury News, Brady MacDonald describes the environmental impact study released by the city of Anaheim as it weighs approvals for an expansion of the Disneyland parks. The two sites, one located on a former strawberry farm-turned-Disney parking lot, would remain within the company’s existing 500-acre property. “The DisneylandForward plan envisions two pedestrian bridges over Disneyland Drive and up to three over Harbor Boulevard that would connect to a 17,000-space eastside garage along Disney Way that would be the world’s largest parking structure.”

The study reveals that the biggest impacts would come from air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise. “Air quality would be significantly and unavoidably impacted during the construction phase and park operations of any Disneyland Forward project, according to the EIR.” Required mitigation measures would include sound buffers, water conservation measures, and energy efficiency initiatives.

MacDonald adds, “Transportation and traffic were not considered major issues in the EIR in part because Disneyland, Caltrans and Anaheim overbuilt resort area streets, intersections, freeways and interchanges in recent years.

Friday, September 15, 2023 in Mercury News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

6 hours ago - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

7 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today