Disney has made a significant investment of over $115 million to acquire Yamaha’s extensive headquarters in Orange County, coinciding with Yamaha’s plans to shift its U.S. operations from California to Georgia.
The transaction, finalized on September 23, saw Walt Disney Parks and Resorts US Inc. purchase the 25-acre Cypress facility for $115.29 million, as indicated by public records. The property, located at 6555 Katella Ave., is approximately seven miles from Disneyland Resort’s Simba parking area.
Disney stated that there are no immediate plans to convert the site into another theme park attraction. The acquisition aims to support long-term operational needs as the company continues to grow and adapt to changing business requirements.
The campus is intended to accommodate “back-of-house operations,” which refer to non-guest-facing activities such as laundry and costuming. This move comes in stark contrast to Yamaha’s announcement in March about their relocation to Kennesaw, Georgia, marking an end to nearly five decades in Cypress. While Yamaha transitions, they will lease the property until December 31, 2028, as part of their “structural reforms” aimed at enhancing profitability.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp quickly took the opportunity to promote his state in light of Yamaha’s shift, criticizing California’s business environment while emphasizing Georgia’s appeal for job creators. He remarked that, “This is another loud and clear testament to what we offer job creators from around the world. To any other California-based companies looking for a better home, we’ll give you plenty of reasons to keep Georgia on your mind.”
For Disney, this acquisition represents a substantial expansion of operational real estate close to its Anaheim resort. The acquired campus features nearly 279,000 square feet of industrial, flex-warehouse, and office space, spanning an entire city block bordered by Katella Avenue, Holder Street, and Yamaha Way. The property also has three access points, and Yamaha was represented in the sale by Avison Young, which had marketed the campus as a prime industrial redevelopment opportunity.
