A photo tour of the Anaheim Resort District Hotel Construction from 1/22/2019

[Darkbeer1]

Life is finally calming down for me, so since I had to be at Convention Center for an meeting, decided to tour the area...

I was hoping to be able to show that the former Arena Inn eyesore has reopened as the Hampton Inn, but it was still getting last minute touches.

Also checked out the

Hilton Garden Inn/Home2Suites by Hilton combination Hotel.

The future Eastern Gateway Transportation Hub

The Element by Westin

The J.W. Marriott at Anaheim GardenWalk

The Cambria Hotel and Suites by Choice Hotels

Radisson Blu

Hampton Inn & Suites

Anaheim Public Utilities Water Pumping Facility

And The Westin.

Here is the route I took.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7336125

And the actual photo album.

https://darkbeer.smugmug.com/Anaheim-Resort-District-Hotel-Construction-Update-1222018/

Enjoy!

 

[trylon57]

So what are they building behind the Fairfield Inn and Camelot Inn? I thought those plans were cancelled.

 

[Darkbeer1]

So what are they building behind the Fairfield Inn and Camelot Inn? I thought those plans were cancelled.

Nothing YET, that is the Disneyland owned property for the Eastern Gateway Security Zone and new Transportation Hub.

Disney will be submitting a new request to the city's Planning Commission later this year. Basically the same plan with some adjustments to the bridge.

 

[Macro]

Disney will be submitting a new request to the city's Planning Commission later this year. Basically the same plan with some adjustments to the bridge.

Do you know if they intend to go ahead with the Eastern Gateway parking structure or just the transportation hub and security stuff? I figured that once they went ahead with the Cleo parking structure they'd put off building the Eastern parking structure for years.

 

[Darkbeer1]

The Disneyland Resort currently has a large shortage of parking space for guests, CM's and third party employees. While Cleo will address part of that, it doesn't fix the current need, let alone the increased demand for Galaxy Edge and Superhero land, which includes the expansion of DCA when they have access to the current Transportation Hub.

So yes, the Pumbaa Structure will be built.

The only change to the original plan will be to the bridge, which was not the best originally.

The problem 2 years ago was the fact the Planning Commission for the city was removed and replaced by a group picked by anti-Disney folks. Now with a new council, that will change. New commissioners will be appointed in March, and a rule change passed last meeting will prevent Dr. Moreno from re-appointing his shill.

So the pathway has been placed, and has been in the works for months, and why SOAR was key in winning the election in November.

 

[Darkbeer1]

Just drove by the Hampton Inn. Now open and full of guests and their vehicles.

Hooray!

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

I’m looking forward to the Eastern Gateway project happening. Is the monorail reroute still part of that plan, @Darkbeer1 ?

 

[Darkbeer1]

I’m looking forward to the Eastern Gateway project happening. Is the monorail reroute still part of that plan, @Darkbeer1 ?

Not sure, I have more info on the East side of Harbor, and what the city needs to approve.

I was at the Barton Park KABOOM playground build (OK, Play Space). The 11th one built in the city, and the 13th in Orange County, all paid for by Disney. It was a love fest. I had about 5 minutes of time with Mayor Sidhu and Josh D'Amaro, I can't even hint at what we talked about, but I will say it was a Love Fest and positive. And of course, a political gathering, including two of my favorite councilmembers, my state senator, a staff member of my state assemblyperson, and my favorite staff member from my Federal Congressperson.

But things are good politically currently with Disneyland and the governmental agencies.

 

[TP2000]

But things are good politically currently with Disneyland and the governmental agencies.

So good to hear! And such a nice change from the previous generation of leaders in Anaheim City Hall and TDA.

 

[JD2000]

Come on Disney, the original plans sucked for more reasons than a poorly designed bridge. For one, why ride the shuttles anymore when the journey is the equivalent distance of walking to Katella Ave? Second, is there an entrance on Harbor Ave or not? Do you seriously want people to walk south to Disney Way and everything?

 

[Disney Irish]

Come on Disney, the original plans sucked for more reasons than a poorly designed bridge. For one, why ride the shuttles anymore when the journey is the equivalent distance of walking to Katella Ave?

Can you expand on this? What shuttles? There were no guest shuttles that I remember from the Eastern Gateway plan. Are you referring to the CM shuttles?

Second, is there an entrance on Harbor Ave or not?

This was answered already during the first go around by Disney, Yes. They already stated the Harbor entrance would stay open. The idea of the Harbor entrance closing was being pushed by the opponents of the bridge.

Do you seriously want people to walk south to Disney Way and everything?

This was so guests could go through security and cross the bridge. But this idea has already been discussed as being changed as they were talking about putting pass-thrus at the back of each of the Harbor businesses. Plus other potential ideas for making the walk shorter.

 

[JD2000]

Can you expand on this? What shuttles? There were no guest shuttles that I remember from the Eastern Gateway plan. Are you referring to the CM shuttles?


This was answered already during the first go around by Disney, Yes. They already stated the Harbor entrance would stay open. The idea of the Harbor entrance closing was being pushed by the opponents of the bridge.


This was so guests could go through security and cross the bridge. But this idea has already been discussed as being changed as they were talking about putting pass-thrus at the back of each of the Harbor businesses. Plus other potential ideas for making the walk shorter.

The plan was to move the entire Transportation Hub; guest shuttles and everything.

And original drawn up plans didn’t include the Harbor Ave entrance. And Disney was being shady about the facts. I am pretty sure they changed the plans after the outcry.

 

[Disney Irish]

The plan was to move the entire Transportation Hub; guest shuttles and everything.

Yes but what shuttles are you talking about that would be equal distance to walking down Katella from the hotel of origin? Really the drop off is right there at security and the walk would be something like an extra 1k feet. I'm sorry but that is not equal to walking down Katella from their hotel.

And original drawn up plans didn’t include the Harbor Ave entrance. And Disney was being shady about the facts. I am pretty sure they changed the plans after the outcry.

Are you sure about that or you just basing it on "rumors"? Disney specifically outlined in the December 2016 Planning Meeting that Harbor entrance wasn't being closed and that they don't know where that idea came from. Additionally HoJo's also shot down this idea that Harbor entrance would close several months before on their FB page when asked directly. They stated that Disney specifically told them that the Harbor entrance would stay open. So again where are you getting this idea that Disney was being shady about the facts where there is no direct proof of such?

 

[JD2000]

Yes but what shuttles are you talking about that would be equal distance to walking down Katella from the hotel of origin? Really the drop off is right there at security and the walk would be something like an extra 1k feet. I'm sorry but that is not equal to walking down Katella from their hotel.

I am talking about the ART shuttles and the distance to one can be equivalent, or very close to it.

 

[JD2000]

Are you sure about that or you just basing it on "rumors"? Disney specifically outlined in the December 2016 Planning Meeting that Harbor entrance wasn't being closed and that they don't know where that idea came from. Additionally HoJo's also shot down this idea that Harbor entrance would close several months before on their FB page when asked directly. They stated that Disney specifically told them that the Harbor entrance would stay open. So again where are you getting this idea that Disney was being shady about the facts where there is no direct proof of such?

It was made a concern before that, when the plans came out and didn't show the entrance (or the crosswalk) on Harbor Ave, and when people asked Disney, the response was not to deny it. It was more than reasonable speculation. But I could be wrong.

 

[Darkbeer1]

Have you seen the ART Routes?

https://rideart.org/

Moving the Transportation Hub to Manchester creates some Hotels who are a bit closer to the new security area, and some become a bit farther away.

But lets use the Candy Cane Inn on Harbor, just north of Katella. One of their perks is a free shuttle. They have it now, and will have it when the Hub is moved, it makes no difference to those guests.

And yes, the plan is NO crosswalk on Harbor from Manchester to Disney Way. The removal of the current crosswalk where the Captain Kidd's is will be removed, and a solid fence will be placed in the middle of Harbor. This is what the City wants, better and safer traffic flow in the area.

I can't address the issues of access, since it is still fluid and being negotiated. Looks like some restaurants will still be upset, but the Hotel Owners should be on board.

 

[JD2000]

I concede, sort of. As perhaps I didn't give this quite enough thought. I am for the expansion space this would provide; so long as they are honestly the best plans and the Harbor Ave entrance remains. *chuckles*

 

[Disney Irish]

It was made a concern before that, when the plans came out and didn't show the entrance (or the crosswalk) on Harbor Ave, and when people asked Disney, the response was not to deny it. It was more than reasonable speculation. But I could be wrong.

I'm not sure how you can say it was a concern before that when it was that Dec 2016 meeting when the plans actually came out publicly. Prior to that the plans were still being work-shopped. And at that same Dec 2016 meeting Disney addressed it. As Darkbeer indicated the City wants to remove the crosswalk for safety reasons, so Disney didn't draw it on the plans (likely at the Cities request). But that doesn't mean the Harbor entrance will be closing. It just means they didn't draw it as a full blown entrance on the plans, and again was addressed at the same meeting where the plans were released.

So let's just see what comes out of the revised plans. I'm sure whatever will be released will be in the best interest of Disney and the City. Yes maybe a few of the Harbor businesses will not like the plan. But the City and Disney have to do what's in the best interest of Anaheim and the guests as a whole, not a couple businesses. Maybe in the future when it doesn't make sense anymore the Harbor entrance will close. And if it does things will still be ok. Guests will still be able to get into the parks and still access all the things they need to. Businesses will adjust and still make money hand over fist for being close to one of the most popular Disney Parks in the world. Bottom line, things will be fine no matter what happens.

 

[TP2000]

Have you seen the ART Routes?

https://rideart.org/

Moving the Transportation Hub to Manchester creates some Hotels who are a bit closer to the new security area, and some become a bit farther away.

But lets use the Candy Cane Inn on Harbor, just north of Katella. One of their perks is a free shuttle. They have it now, and will have it when the Hub is moved, it makes no difference to those guests.

And yes, the plan is NO crosswalk on Harbor from Manchester to Disney Way. The removal of the current crosswalk where the Captain Kidd's is will be removed, and a solid fence will be placed in the middle of Harbor. This is what the City wants, better and safer traffic flow in the area.

I can't address the issues of access, since it is still fluid and being negotiated. Looks like some restaurants will still be upset, but the Hotel Owners should be on board.

And the hotels that would be closer to the new entry plaza are all the bigger and newer corporate hotels; Courtyard, Fairfield, HoJo's, Holiday Inn, Hilton Garden, etc., etc. The old mom-n-pop places along Harbor are the ones who lose their instant access. With apologies to @Curious Constance whose family enjoys the Park Vue, I think in the bigger picture its best to cater to the thousands of rooms in the newer/nicer hotels than the few hundred rooms in the half dozen small motels along Harbor Blvd.

At least this years-long delay will allow them to use the USCIS building from the beginning. If I remember right, our friend @SSG searched the government data and determined the lease for that building ended in 2020. Which in 2016 seemed a long ways off, but suddenly doesn't.

It was always silly for them to have to do this in two phases and build around the USCIS facility until they could tear it down in 2020 when the lease expires.

 

[Disney Irish]

And the hotels that would be closer to the new entry plaza are all the bigger and newer corporate hotels; Courtyard, Fairfield, HoJo's, Holiday Inn, Hilton Garden, etc., etc. The old mom-n-pop places along Harbor are the ones who lose their instant access. With apologies to @Curious Constance whose family enjoys the Park Vue, I think in the bigger picture its best to cater to the thousands of rooms in the newer/nicer hotels than the few hundred rooms in the half dozen small motels along Harbor Blvd.

At least this years-long delay will allow them to use the USCIS building from the beginning. If I remember right, our friend @SSG searched the government data and determined the lease for that building ended in 2020. Which in 2016 seemed a long ways off, but suddenly doesn't.

It was always silly for them to have to do this in two phases and build around the USCIS facility until they could tear it down in 2020 when the lease expires.

They should turn the USCIS into a CM parking structure. Just like I think they should turn that CM lot next to M&Fs into a parking structure too.