Anaheim officials are considering a proposal to introduce a gate tax on Disneyland and other large entertainment venues, such as the Honda Center, to address the city’s financial challenges. The city council plans to discuss the potential tax, which aims to generate new revenue without burdening local residents, at a public meeting on Tuesday (October 29).
City Councilwoman Natalie Rubalcava, who proposed the discussion, emphasized the need for new revenue sources to address a significant budget deficit of over $60 million. According to Voice of OC, the city previously relied on bonds and one-time funds to fill the gap. Rubalcava stated, “We are growing but our budget is not growing, unfortunately. And we cannot continue to just depend on TOT (hotel bed taxes).”
The gate tax proposal comes after a major corruption scandal involving Disneyland Resort interests, which were found to have considerable influence on city policymaking. Despite this, the idea of a gate tax has been consistently opposed by Disneyland and other resort businesses, which have historically backed city council campaigns financially. Disneyland executives recently announced ticket price increases, which has sparked criticism from some residents who argue that the company should contribute more to the city’s finances.
The proposed tax is expected to be debated further, with the possibility of placing it on the November 2026 ballot for voter consideration. According to Voice of OC, Rubalcava and other city officials are seeking comprehensive details to ensure an informed decision-making process.
The Walt Disney Company has not commented on the proposal. However, spokesperson Suzi Brown previously stated that investing in the Disneyland Resort is the best way to generate consistent revenue for Anaheim. The city council’s decision on the gate tax will likely have significant implications for Anaheim’s financial future and its relationship with Disneyland Resort interests.
Recent Comments