ANAHEIM, Calif. —

For years, the narrative has been the same: Disneyland’s footprint is so small, and so constricted by its neighborhood setting, that it can’t expand. That’s true — beloved lands and attractions have been sacrificed in the name of new offerings. But it’s also partially untrue. The Disneyland Resort owns a lot more space than just what’s currently guest facing. The issue: For decades, strict zoning mandates imposed by the city of Anaheim have meant the company hasn’t been able to use that land strategically.

Changing that zoning was the whole point of DisneylandForward, an ambitious planning proposal that Anaheim approved last year. It redistricted the company’s existing property, allowing for larger-scale developments. So far, a new “Avatar”-themed land, “Coco” ride

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