Disney to expand Disneyland

ANAHEIM, Calif., March 22 (UPI) -- Disney executives are engaged in legal sparring with the city of Anaheim, Calif., while strongly hinting they will upgrade Disneyland into Disneyworld West.

The entertainment company teamed up with other business leaders this week to advocate a referendum that would require a citywide vote on any proposed changes to the city's resort district zoning, The Los Angeles Times said Thursday. The move comes after Disney went to court last month to head off a residential project that was to include affordable housing.

Disneyland President Ed Grier acknowledges that changes are "around the corner" but won't discuss specifics. The company has given sneak previews to city officials behind closed doors.

"It is very, very important for us," Grier said. "I don't think that can be underestimated. ... There's much more of an opportunity for us here."

The company has been buying up nearby land, sources told the newspaper, because it wants to build time-share units, luxury hotels and cruise options -- in addition to new rides and other attractions to the West Coast theme park.

"It's about changing Anaheim into Orlando -- making this into a national and international tourist space," said Jim Hill, a blogger who keeps an eye on Disney.