Disneyland recently bought three parcels of land not far from its California Adventure theme park, potentially freeing up space for Marvel or "Star Wars" theme parks, fans hope.
"People have put two and two together and they know that something cool could be coming down the line," said Robert Niles, a Disney expert and founder of Themeparkinsider.com,
the Los Angeles Times reported.
The Walt Disney Co. closed the deal on the Carousel Inn and Suites on South Harbor Blvd in March, and purchased two large office buildings on Manchester Avenue in Anaheim. Combined, the land those buildings occupy totals roughly 15 acres, and is valued at about $60 million.
After the purchases came to light, Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown explained that "with the resort’s continued growth resulting in additional cast members and a record number of guests, this property will help to support additional infrastructure needs, including warehouse and office space and parking."
While the newly purchased property might not be ripe for converting into a theme park, many Disney, Marvel, and "Star Wars" fans hope that moving some of the administrative employees and infrastructure will free up room within the parks for more magical rides, shows, and more.
Those hopes are not unfounded, as
Fortune reported that Disney "has promised the city of Anaheim that it will invest $1 billion in the California Adventure theme park by 2024" and "said any expansion plans will live within the resort’s current footprint."
As part of the agreement, Anaheim will not charge the resort an entertainment tax for the next 30 years.
Disney acquired Marvel Entertainment Inc. in 2009 and Lucasfilm in 2012.