Anaheim Shelves Disneyland Gate Tax to Explore Other Revenue Options

Overview

• The City Council declined in October to send a 3% admissions levy to voters and postponed further debate to a later meeting.
• Anaheim faces a $63 million budget shortfall and is pursuing bonds and a potential parking‑garage sale instead of a ticket tax.
• City staff estimated a 3% tax on Disneyland admissions could have generated between $83 million and $134 million annually.
• Mayor Ashleigh Aitken urged against the levy in an op‑ed, warning the city should not "bleed" its key economic partner.
• Councilmember Natalie Rubalcava revived the idea before asking to table it hours ahead of an initial meeting, and the proposal could be revisited.