LA Examiner

Tag: disneyland

  • Disneyland’s Autopia to Embrace the Electric Future by 2026

    Disneyland’s Autopia to Embrace the Electric Future by 2026

    Image credit: Unsplash

    Disneyland, a leader in entertainment and innovation, recently announced a significant shift for its iconic Autopia ride in Anaheim: the transition from gasoline engines to fully electric vehicles by 2026. This decision marks a pivotal move in the park’s approach to environmental sustainability, highlighting a future where electric mobility is front and center in the public consciousness.

    The beloved Autopia attraction, which opened in 1955 as a key feature of Tomorrowland, has long celebrated the automobile as a symbol of futuristic travel. However, as environmental concerns have grown, the ride’s gasoline-powered engines have become increasingly at odds with contemporary values of sustainability and clean energy. The Walt Disney Co. has now pledged to update this attraction to reflect a more environmentally friendly ethos.

    Following a campaign by electric vehicle activists, who urged Disney to abandon hybrid models in favor of purely electric vehicles, Disneyland spokesperson Jessica Good confirmed the park’s commitment to complete electrification. “Electrification means fully electric—it does not mean hybrid or any other version of a gasoline combustion engine,” Good stated. The change aims to enhance the guest experience by eliminating exposure to harmful exhaust fumes and aligning with broader environmental goals.

    This transformation of Autopia is not just about adopting new technology; it’s also about setting a narrative for the future. As Zan Dubin, a leading electric vehicle advocate, expressed, the switch represents a “huge victory” for climate activism. This sentiment underscores the impact of sustained public advocacy and the role of influential entities like Disney in shaping public perceptions and practices regarding sustainability.

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    The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) at Autopia comes at a time when transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Transitioning to electric vehicles is seen as a critical step towards reducing these emissions. However, it is acknowledged that this alone will not solve all environmental issues. Concerns remain about the ecological impacts of lithium mining for batteries, the socio-economic implications of urban planning, and the need for broader systemic changes towards sustainable living.

    Disney’s decision also reflects a growing trend in the entertainment industry, where companies are increasingly recognizing their role in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. By integrating themes of clean energy and sustainability into its attractions, Disney not only entertains but educates its audience about the importance of environmental stewardship.

    Looking forward, the reimagination of Tomorrowland offers an opportunity to showcase these themes more broadly. Suggestions for the new Tomorrowland include integrating sustainable technologies like solar panels and induction cooking into its infrastructure, enhancing public transit accessibility, and featuring educational content on environmental issues.

    The transformation of Autopia is expected to serve as a beacon for other corporations and attractions worldwide, illustrating the power of industry leaders in influencing public opinion and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. It’s a compelling chapter in Disney’s ongoing narrative—one that aligns entertainment with the urgent environmental imperatives of our time.

    As Tomorrowland prepares to turn a new leaf, it repositions itself not only as a place of nostalgic reverence but as a dynamic showcase of what the future can and should look like in the age of sustainability. The journey of Autopia from a celebration of gasoline-powered cars to a herald of electric vehicles encapsulates a broader shift in societal values—from consumption to conservation. This is more than a ride update; it’s a signpost to the future, resonating deeply with an increasingly eco-conscious public.

  • Anaheim Residents Concerned About Disneyland’s Proposed Development Plans

    Anaheim Residents Concerned About Disneyland’s Proposed Development Plans

    Image credit: Unsplash

    A proposed $1.9 billion investment to expand Disneyland has created some anxiety in the Anaheim community surrounding the park. At a public forum on Wednesday, April 10, area residents were given their final chance to voice concerns before the Anaheim City Council’s upcoming vote on the project.

    Even More of “The Happiest Place on Earth”

    Disney’s proposed $1.9 billion investment, which has been called DisneylandForward, targets a 50-acre parking lot near Harbor Boulevard for development. The area would be used for new theme park attractions. The deal also includes the purchase of three public streets by Disney, including Magic Way, which city officials have said is used by as many as ten thousand cars per day. The nearby Hotel District would also be replaced as part of an effort to fill the surrounding area with new hotels and restaurants, as well as entertainment, shopping, and further attractions.

    As part of the proposal, Disney must also invest $100 million in the city of Anaheim, money slated for streets, parks, and affordable housing.

    Low Wages and High Traffic for Anaheim

    In addition to the community members who entered the meeting to voice their concerns, many more protested outside the meeting. Among the community’s concerns was traffic, which has already been a problem for many in the area surrounding the park. The plan proposes bringing as many as 15 million new tourists to the area, as well as creating jobs for 14 thousand more workers. Community members also voiced concern for the low wages of the jobs being created.

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    Community activists have criticized that only $30 million of the money going to Anaheim will be used for affordable housing. They pointed to a similar project planned for construction near Florida’s Walt Disney World, where $350 million has been set aside for affordable housing.

    The Project Impact Report drafted for the proposal agreed that it would cause increased noise, as well as greenhouse gas emissions and other factors that would impact air quality in the surrounding area.

    Long-Term Economic Impacts

    A Disney-backed study presented potential economic benefits that the expansion could bring over a five-year period, including an additional $30 million in affordable housing, as well as $8 million for area parks and $40 for street upgrades.

    “We have been working with the City and our neighbors for over three years and have followed the process the City has laid out for this Project,” wrote Suzi Brown, Disneyland Resort’s Vice President of Communications, in a Thursday email. “It has been thorough and transparent, and we are ready to move forward and need to start planning for our future.”

    Anaheim City Spokesman Mike Lyster argued in favor of the idea, saying, “Our city will grow. Our residents deserve good quality services; we need funding for that… Tourism is our primary way to do that.”

    The plan is a long-term investment by Disney. While Wednesday represented the last chance that the community had to voice their opinions about the project, the decision will lead to a lengthy period of construction. The DisneylandForward project is meant to be completed over the course of four decades. The vote is set to take place on Tuesday, the 16th of April.