Disney Buys Anaheim Land, Triggers Speculations Of Creation Of 'Star Wars' Theme Park

By Lovely Pao | Aug 07, 2015 05:55 AM EDT

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The Walt Disney Co. has acquired three areas of land nearby its Anaheim resort, triggering speculations that the estate would open up a future park development involving the creation of Marvel's superhero characters or a "Star Wars" theme park.

This came after Disney set a record profit in the quarter of June, but its profit missed for the first time in two years expectations from Wall Street.

As consumers switched to cheaper "skinny packages" or disregard cable together, Disney has felt the effects. However, growth in higher program sales income from SVOD distribution and growth in affiliate fees partially helped offset the revenues. New deals with satellite and cable firms gave Disney the choice to make several business moves, according to Sentinel Republic.

Income for the quarter went up by 13 percent to $2 billion and segment operating income elevated by 15 percent to $472 million.

Disney said its movie studio improved earnings once more, with the release of "Avengers: Age of Ultron" verifying the continued stability of Marvel's superhero label.

Suzi Brown, spokesperson for Disney, commented on the purchase of the Anaheim land, "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."

That being said, the speculations that were ignited by Disney's acquisition of Marvel in 2009 and Lucasfilm in 2012, owner of the whole "Star Wars" franchise, may not push through after all.

As per Yibada, "Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens" will be released in December and has kept the fans in anticipation since the last "Star Wars" movie was seen a decade ago.

The three parcels of land, totalling about 14.7 acres, as per Los Angeles Times, are joined and sit across Disney California Adventure to Harbor Boulevard.

Keep the force with you though, because Disney officials have promised to Anaheim city that they will bankroll at least $1 billion in the theme park by 2024, under a compromise that guarantees the city will not charge for the next 30 years an entertainment tax on the resort.

Last March, Disney Chairman and Chief Executive Robert Iger told shareholders that the company has arranged for a park development but has not revealed any more details.

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