ANAHEIM, Calif. (January 14, 2008)– The Walt Disney Company has unveiled a significant multi-year expansion plan for the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The build-out includes major new attractions at Disney’s California Adventure, including a new “Cars Land,” inspired by the hit Disney•Pixar animated film Cars.  The expansion will also offer an array of new private-event options for groups.

“Disney’s California Adventure has been popular for group events since it opened in 2001,” said Robert Donahue, director, resort sales and services for the Disneyland Resort.  “This expansion underscores Disney’s commitment to the meetings industry, as we continually include group perspectives in the development of new projects.”

The expansive program will reach throughout Disney’s California Adventure and will open in phases.  The first phase will introduce the groundbreaking new World of Color nighttime spectacular that will include private viewing options for up to 9,000 people. An amazing new Little Mermaid attraction follows in 2011, and in 2012 three new attractions will premiere in a new 12-acre Cars Land featuring the world of Radiator Springs.

Disney Imagineers also plan to bring “more of Walt Disney” into Disney’s California Adventure, as the park celebrates the hope and optimism of a California that attracted Walt Disney to this land of opportunity in the 1920s.  Guests entering the theme park’s new entrance Plaza will be instantly immersed in the world that inspired Walt during his early days as an animation pioneer. The new, interactive Walt Disney Story attraction will set the stage for the unfolding story of Walt that will permeate the park. 

Extensive landscaping, new retail and dining will create an even richer environment throughout the park in ways that reinforce guests’ connection with Walt. The expansion will increase options available for private group events as well, whether it’s a networking event or dessert party in conjunction with one of the new attractions or a private showing of Disney’s World of Color, a new night-time spectacular.

Multi-Day, World-Class Meeting Destination

The recently announced expansion continues a transformation that began in 2001 when Disneyland park became a multi-day destination resort encompassing two theme parks, three convention hotels and the Downtown Disney nighttime entertainment district. 

“Our latest expansion aligns with our broader strategy to provide groups with an all-encompassing meeting experience that they can only get at Disney, whether that’s association meetings that deliver record-breaking attendance, high-profile corporate meetings or unforgettable incentives,” Donahue added.

Enhancements Coming to Disney’s California Adventure

Meeting professionals familiar with Disney’s California Adventure know that it’s ideal for private events of all types and sizes.  The park offers an array of thrilling attractions that can serve as centerpieces for private events.  Planners also can take advantage of world-class live entertainment, including the Broadway-caliber show, Disney’s Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular. 

Here’s a look at what the recently announced expansion will add to the line-up:

Paradise Pier

Paradise Pier will host major new attractions beginning with the new Toy Story Mania!, This interactive adventure opened in June and takes guests for a ride into a high-energy 4-D carnival midway hosted by Toy Story characters.  Woody, Jessie, Buzz, Hamm and the gang come to life in amazing ways, immersing guests in the rich stories of the Pixar blockbuster Toy Story films.  Toy Story Mania! and the dynamic area surrounding the attraction are available for private events.

In 2011, Paradise Pier will open another entirely new attraction based on Disney’s classic The Little Mermaid.  Leading-edge animation and special effects will surround guests with magnificent scenes and magical songs from the timeless, animated classic. 

Disney’s World of Color Nighttime Spectacular

Disney’s World of Color will bring new nighttime excitement to Paradise Pier.  This nightly panorama of spectacular water effects, colorful lighting and music will bring Disney animation to life with an entirely new creative and technical approach. A new viewing area is being developed which will accommodate up to 9,000 people.  Private viewing locations will be available for groups as will show buy-outs.   

Cars Land

The expansion will culminate in 2012 with an entirely new, 12-acre addition: Cars Land.  Playing to America’s love affair with automobiles, the new land will immerse guests in a world inspired by the hit Disney•Pixar movie, Cars.

Radiator Springs Racers, a major “E-ticket” attraction, will place guests in the middle of the amazingly detailed, dimensional Cars world of Mater, Lightning McQueen, Doc and Sally.  Guests get a quick race briefing from Doc and Lightning, and then find themselves in a race around hairpin turns and steep banks.

In addition to Radiator Springs Racers, Cars Land will offer two additional immersive attractions.  These will feature the Luigi and Mater characters from the movie.  Cars Land represents an unprecedented level of collaboration between Pixar Animation Studios and Disney Imagineering to create this extensive new area.  The new land will substantially extend the total area of Disney’s California Adventure park and provide new settings for private group functions.

For more information about bringing a meeting or convention to the Disneyland Resort visit disneylandmeetings.com or call 714-956-6556.

The Disneyland Resort is Southern California’s premier meeting destination and is home to three dedicated convention hotels, two world-famous theme parks and Downtown Disney – a nighttime entertainment complex. More than facilities, the Disneyland Resort offers a host of benefits known as the Disney Difference. These include Disney Institute professional development programs, private group events in the Disneyland Resort theme parks, customized Disney entertainment, special theme park meeting/convention tickets, and Disney’s unsurpassed creativity and service.