We continue to show dynamic growth at our parks and resorts around the world, and our recent expansion at several of our destinations has resulted in thousands of jobs being created.
Walt Disney World Resort is home to our latest project nearing completion. As the most popular land in our most popular park, Fantasyland, in Magic Kingdom Park, is in the midst of its largest-ever expansion. Since the expansion broke ground in 2010, up to 700 construction jobs have been created in the Central Florida area. Additionally, 800 jobs are expected to open up over the next two years as new attractions and experiences open to guests.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, also at Walt Disney World, supported up to 800 construction jobs and when fully operational next month, will employ 750 cast members to deliver exceptional guest service to visitors staying at the resort.
On the west coast, the June opening of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street marked the completion of a five-year journey that has added more favorite characters and stories to Disney California Adventure park at Disneyland Resort. The expansion added 3,000 new jobs over the past few years, and the resort has generated an estimated $19 billion in economic activity since the project was announced.
Also this summer, Hong Kong Disneyland debuted Grizzly Gulch, a new land that takes guests into the Old West, Disney-style. It’s the second — and largest — of three planned themed areas and represents our commitment to investing in and developing the resort as an iconic tourism destination. At completion next year, Hong Kong Disneyland will have increased in size by approximately 25 percent, adding hundreds of new jobs.
As we continue to grow, not only are we excited about developing unique entertainment experiences for guests around the world, but we remain committed to having a positive economic impact on the communities in which we do business.