coasterphil
Well-Known Member
They need to do something with parking at the Studios, but I don't think garages are neccesarily the answer.
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Parking Garages
- Thread starter Pongo
- Start date
jt04
Well-Known Member
It couldn't possibly be worse than it is now.
Unplugged
Well-Known Member
I find it interesting that many are saying that a parking garage would spoil the look of WDW. Considering that at only 3 floors, landscaping and a minimal facade can easilly make a "low profile" garage more appealing than...how many acres of asphalt does WDW currently have?!? A low profile garage of only 3 floors makes parking lots 1/3 the size. This moves all the remote parking up close to the park. I have yet to here people complain about the convention facilities which have equally high roof lines at many of the resorts. Overall, I fail to see the difference. I think people just have a "vision" of what a parking garage is and aren't open to a properly Imagineered design.
A proper design can also lend itself to exit times equal to that of a parking lot. The aisle in Disney lots are very long and when you consider the volume of vehicles merging at the end into only a few lanes, I see little difference between a garage correctly designed for the need verse a parking lot.
There is no doubt, lots are cheaper and land in WDW is sprawling, thus lots make sense. However, given a choice for environment, convenience, and magical experience, a properly imagineered garage wins hands down. After all, I have yet to hear anyone complain about the garages installed at other locations to expand the parks. Any complaints about the employee garage ruining the magic at DHS? No one has stated they wished garages were removed as the new park extensions look terrible. Exception of course for the original DCA :lookaroun (but they're fixing DCA, so we'll ignore that issue).
I think the only real issue here is the all mighty dollar. Garages would potentially increase the parking costs as Disney's construction expenses would be high in today's dollar.
A proper design can also lend itself to exit times equal to that of a parking lot. The aisle in Disney lots are very long and when you consider the volume of vehicles merging at the end into only a few lanes, I see little difference between a garage correctly designed for the need verse a parking lot.
There is no doubt, lots are cheaper and land in WDW is sprawling, thus lots make sense. However, given a choice for environment, convenience, and magical experience, a properly imagineered garage wins hands down. After all, I have yet to hear anyone complain about the garages installed at other locations to expand the parks. Any complaints about the employee garage ruining the magic at DHS? No one has stated they wished garages were removed as the new park extensions look terrible. Exception of course for the original DCA :lookaroun (but they're fixing DCA, so we'll ignore that issue).
I think the only real issue here is the all mighty dollar. Garages would potentially increase the parking costs as Disney's construction expenses would be high in today's dollar.
Most of the questions have been answered but I will throw in some numbers to drive the point home....
On average a multi-story parking garage will cost around $50 per square foot or more to build. Asphalt paving on a large scale will cost around $1.50 per square foot or less. A parking garage only becomes economically viable when there is limited space and or the value of the property is incredibly high. WDW has next to limitless space so a parking garage is not needed and a parking lot can be constructed at 3% of the cost of a garage.
Parking garages also have many issues that lots do not. First of all a single minor accident can completely shut down a parking garage and a minor vehicle fire can quickly turn into a major disaster. Parking garages also can have some pretty steep height restrictions. Many conventional parking garage designs could not accommodate a simple mini-van with a roof mounted cargo container let alone a motor home. It is possible to design higher ceilings (ie Universals garage) but that will drive up the price per square foot.
On average a multi-story parking garage will cost around $50 per square foot or more to build. Asphalt paving on a large scale will cost around $1.50 per square foot or less. A parking garage only becomes economically viable when there is limited space and or the value of the property is incredibly high. WDW has next to limitless space so a parking garage is not needed and a parking lot can be constructed at 3% of the cost of a garage.
Parking garages also have many issues that lots do not. First of all a single minor accident can completely shut down a parking garage and a minor vehicle fire can quickly turn into a major disaster. Parking garages also can have some pretty steep height restrictions. Many conventional parking garage designs could not accommodate a simple mini-van with a roof mounted cargo container let alone a motor home. It is possible to design higher ceilings (ie Universals garage) but that will drive up the price per square foot.
Hammer1310
New Member
For me it's just the garage itself. When I park anywhere at the World and hop a tram or walk to the gate I FEEL like I'm at a theme park. When I park and walk thru the dark, cavernous Universal garage I feel like I'm going to the mall.
twilight mitsuk
Well-Known Member
Swan and dophine is the only place that would use a parking garage
