West Side Parking Garage construction

[mm121]

that deck DOES have a slope there, only tiny little decks do not have parking on the slopes...the deck inclines upwards toward the photo location
dk blue deck level 3, red deck level 4, green deck level 5.
purple is sloping deck from ~deck 3 to ~deck 4, the cutouts on the finished decks at the fore and aft are areas for a steeper slope to finish the climb to the next deck level

seems really odd they would use this design, rather than a direct access to each level design, like the garages at universal and elsewhere to enable the most expeditious loading and unloading of the garage

I hope they put in what our new parking garage at Easton Towne Center in Columbus, Oh has... It is a system that has a green light above each spot so you can see if there is an open parking space. Then when you park there, it turns red. There are even blue ones for the handicap spaces... Then it relays back to a board and arrows through the structure that show how many spaces in a certain direction... I will go tonight and try to take a pic.

even if they didnt do the elaborate light on every space system, some type of system would definitely greatly enhance safety to help eliminate "circling" for the next available space within the confines of the garage

That has become customary in new builds up here, helps with the snow months. It would have been cool if Disney went one step further with the garages. The new 16 story apartment building at the University of IL-Champaign just built an automated parking system for the building.

Cars enter the garage from Street, then moved by elevators to "parking vaults" on the second, third and fourth floors where drivers would not be allowed.

There would be no parking ramps, less space between cars because the car doors don't open, and less ceiling height because people don't need to walk on those floors. It was done not only for space and capacity but also for security within the parking garage. It is pretty cutting edge for an area with corn and soybeans surrounding it.

as cool as those systems are, they work best for residential buildings with low turn over, or hotel operations where they systems are mostly used by the valets

as they work best when people are familar with how the systems work

While that would be cool and futuristic, it's not practical. The turnover rate would be way too high. In an apartment building, the highest-volume day would probably see every car leave and re-enter once. That's a lot less than Downtown Disney where each space can see many cars parked in it each day.

-Rob

agreed, too high turn over, and also as land/ height isn't an issue it isn't really necessary. as most automated garage systems are used in smaller buildings where an extensive ramp network would greatly diminish the amount of available parking spaces

If it's my car I'd rather park it myself anyway. A rental car I don't care about so much. When the elevator goes down or the system malfunctions some parking attendant who is probably making $8/hr isn't going to be much help.

your comment about a parking attendent making minimum wage not being much help is uncalled for.

if they are trained properly and as long as the system is maintained everything would be fine, and in most of the systems there are multiple redundencies, like multiple elevators etc, so if one component is down due to failure or maintenance that vehicles aren't "trapped" into the structure.

and not sure why it matters if its your car or not, automated systems reduce/eliminate vehicle theft/breakins and also collisions and door dings, as there aren't people in the parking areas.

And here I was hoping for a circular structure on the edges to get to each floor rather than driving past rows and rows of parked cars. They have this at OIA short term parking... And showboat casino in AC (so sad to see that one go).

circular isn't really the most efficiant for mass loading and unloading, the ramps at universal use direct ramps to most levels without "circling" within the structure, as yes that is highly in efficient along with dangerous and simply wouldn't work for a garage of 4,000 5,000 cars

 

[Rob562]

seems really odd they would use this design, rather than a direct access to each level design, like the garages at universal and elsewhere to enable the most expeditious loading and unloading of the garage

Except the traffic at Universal (and theme park parking lots in general) flows into and out of the garages in an easily controlled manner. You have large numbers of people arriving constantly throughout the morning heading to the parks, it eases off, people leave at random times and then picks back up again in the evening for City Walk. (It's been a while since I've driven to Universal. Don't they have people directing you to spaces in the morning like in the Disney theme park lots?)

With a shopping district only parking garage, you don't really have the luxury of mass movements like those that would make it an easy job to park the cars in an orderly fashion. You have people entering at random times, staying for random lengths of time, and then leaving at random times leaving lots of holes behind.

Look at how much trouble Disneyland has had coming up with the best way to handle parking in their parking structure. If I recall, there was a time they were actually not parking *anyone* in one or two levels mid-day and sending them to one of the surface lots because they needed large sections of parking garage available for the after-work influx of AP holders...

Overall, I think an automated indicator light system would be in Disney's best interest to install in these garages.

And thinking outside the box a little, what if they integrated the MM+ system into their parking system? When you get out of your car, the system could automatically read your Magic Band and remember where you parked (or at least know close enough to where you are). As you return to the garage, they could have a couple "Where's My Car?" kiosks where you tap your Band and the system tells you where your car is.

-Rob

 

[CDavid]

seems really odd they would use this design, rather than a direct access to each level design, like the garages at universal and elsewhere to enable the most expeditious loading and unloading of the garage

Based on the latest photos, it still appears (to me, at least) that direct access is what they are doing.

 

[TimeTrip]

Based on the latest photos, it still appears (to me, at least) that direct access is what they are doing.

View attachment 63132

Well at the very least I expect that the i4 ramp will come in at a different level than local traffic. That would help alleviate some concern with ramp patterns.

 

[GoofGoof]

your comment about a parking attendent making minimum wage not being much help is uncalled for.

if they are trained properly and as long as the system is maintained everything would be fine, and in most of the systems there are multiple redundencies, like multiple elevators etc, so if one component is down due to failure or maintenance that vehicles aren't "trapped" into the structure.

If they are going to have technicians who are familiar with the system and able to repair it if/when there are issues it would probably be OK. I'm not real confident Disney would provide the training necessary considering the high turnover and likely low wage they would be paying. Not sure how that's uncalled for. It's not the fault of the employee who gets thrown into that job if they don't know how to repair an automated parking system.

and not sure why it matters if its your car or not, automated systems reduce/eliminate vehicle theft/breakins and also collisions and door dings, as there aren't people in the parking areas.

I generally try to avoid parking lots or valets where I can't keep my keys. I like to know where my car is and have access to it whenever I need it. If it's not my car I'm less worried because I don't care what happens to it, but I still prefer a lot/garage where I park and walk out with my keys. Call it a matter of personal preference.

By the way I don't think I'm alone. People in Florida in general don't even like to park in parking garages. It's a generalization, but some locals like @71jason or @PhotoDave219 can probably back me up. Telling them they need to turn their car over to an automated garage is less likely to fly.

 

[71jason]

By the way I don't think I'm alone. People in Florida in general don't even like to park in parking garages. It's a generalization, but some locals like @71jason or @PhotoDave219 can probably back me up.

I made this same point like a year ago (as someone who personally doesn't mind them). Best example is Premium Outlet, where dozens will circle like sharks for a surface space in the sun that's farther away from the entrance than a free shaded spot in the parking garage. See also Pointe Orlando, which despite being centrally located and having the only true IMAX in town struggled for over a decade until DTD (and to a lesser extent CityWalk) finally imploded this year. I have to believe, based on anecdotal evidence, that's a direct result of it being garage-only parking.

 

[lazyboy97o]

I made this same point like a year ago (as someone who personally doesn't mind them). Best example is Premium Outlet, where dozens will circle like sharks for a surface space in the sun that's farther away from the entrance than a free shaded spot in the parking garage. See also Pointe Orlando, which despite being centrally located and having the only true IMAX in town struggled for over a decade until DTD (and to a lesser extent CityWalk) finally imploded this year. I have to believe, based on anecdotal evidence, that's a direct result of it being garage-only parking.

I could see the expectation of having to pay for access to the parking structures being a rather big influence.

 

[PhotoDave219]

If they are going to have technicians who are familiar with the system and able to repair it if/when there are issues it would probably be OK. I'm not real confident Disney would provide the training necessary considering the high turnover and likely low wage they would be paying. Not sure how that's uncalled for. It's not the fault of the employee who gets thrown into that job if they don't know how to repair an automated parking system.

I generally try to avoid parking lots or valets where I can't keep my keys. I like to know where my car is and have access to it whenever I need it. If it's not my car I'm less worried because I don't care what happens to it, but I still prefer a lot/garage where I park and walk out with my keys. Call it a matter of personal preference.

By the way I don't think I'm alone. People in Florida in general don't even like to park in parking garages. It's a generalization, but some locals like @71jason or @PhotoDave219 can probably back me up. Telling them they need to turn their car over to an automated garage is less likely to fly.

Totally. People hate parking garages. How Disney is going to keep traffic flow moving with an I-4 exit dumping into the garage and not have it back up for miles because of one guy backing up or waiting for one person exiting is beyond me.

 

[mm121]

If they are going to have technicians who are familiar with the system and able to repair it if/when there are issues it would probably be OK. I'm not real confident Disney would provide the training necessary considering the high turnover and likely low wage they would be paying. Not sure how that's uncalled for. It's not the fault of the employee who gets thrown into that job if they don't know how to repair an automated parking system.

I generally try to avoid parking lots or valets where I can't keep my keys. I like to know where my car is and have access to it whenever I need it. If it's not my car I'm less worried because I don't care what happens to it, but I still prefer a lot/garage where I park and walk out with my keys. Call it a matter of personal preference.

By the way I don't think I'm alone. People in Florida in general don't even like to park in parking garages. It's a generalization, but some locals like @71jason or @PhotoDave219 can probably back me up. Telling them they need to turn their car over to an automated garage is less likely to fly.

yes lack of training can be an issue but thats not the employees fault, you made it sound like low wage workers were stupid or something, THEY ARE NOT!

overall from what i know from friends that have worked at disney, disney tries to be pretty thorough training wise and not put people into jobs they are unprepared for.

i do prefer to keep my keys as i dont like to valet, but an auto garage no one takes anyones keys, you park on a platform and take your keys with you.

I made this same point like a year ago (as someone who personally doesn't mind them). Best example is Premium Outlet, where dozens will circle like sharks for a surface space in the sun that's farther away from the entrance than a free shaded spot in the parking garage. See also Pointe Orlando, which despite being centrally located and having the only true IMAX in town struggled for over a decade until DTD (and to a lesser extent CityWalk) finally imploded this year. I have to believe, based on anecdotal evidence, that's a direct result of it being garage-only parking.

Any issues citywalk is having would be related to high parking fees, as theres been serveral times i wanted to go there just for a simply meal or to shop without intentions of going to the parks, in the past i thought they had discounted parking in the evenings but I dont think they do that anymore.

as far as dtd goes they've said over and over that the garages will remain free.

as far as people circling for a special spot I really doubt its an aversion to the parking structure maybe that lot is simply closer to the side of the mall they wish to visit.

Totally. People hate parking garages. How Disney is going to keep traffic flow moving with an I-4 exit dumping into the garage and not have it back up for miles because of one guy backing up or waiting for one person exiting is beyond me.

Who are these "people"? most times i much prefer a parking garage, as long as it is well designed and clean.

from the looks of it there are going to be multiple entrance and exit points, thus if one level of the garage gets backed up the whole structure wont. and again that all goes back to having a good design to begin with.

 

[GoofGoof]

yes lack of training can be an issue but thats not the employees fault, you made it sound like low wage workers were stupid or something, THEY ARE NOT!

I'm not sure how you misinterpreted from my original post that I was saying low wage workers were stupid. Here's my original post:

When the elevator goes down or the system malfunctions some parking attendant who is probably making $8/hr isn't going to be much help.

The CM isn't going to be much help in fixing the problem. I'm not a stupid person and I wouldn't be much help either. It has nothing to do with intelligence.

 

[marni1971]

Any issues citywalk is having would be related to high parking fees, as theres been serveral times i wanted to go there just for a simply meal or to shop without intentions of going to the parks, in the past i thought they had discounted parking in the evenings but I dont think they do that anymore.

Universal parking structures are discounted after 6pm and free for residents after that time too.

 

[marni1971]

disney tries to be pretty thorough training wise and not put people into jobs they are unprepared for.

For far too many positions they aren't and they do.

 

[PhotoDave219]

yes lack of training can be an issue but thats not the employees fault, you made it sound like low wage workers were stupid or something, THEY ARE NOT!

overall from what i know from friends that have worked at disney, disney tries to be pretty thorough training wise and not put people into jobs they are unprepared for.

i do prefer to keep my keys as i dont like to valet, but an auto garage no one takes anyones keys, you park on a platform and take your keys with you.



Any issues citywalk is having would be related to high parking fees, as theres been serveral times i wanted to go there just for a simply meal or to shop without intentions of going to the parks, in the past i thought they had discounted parking in the evenings but I dont think they do that anymore.

as far as dtd goes they've said over and over that the garages will remain free.

as far as people circling for a special spot I really doubt its an aversion to the parking structure maybe that lot is simply closer to the side of the mall they wish to visit.



Who are these "people"? most times i much prefer a parking garage, as long as it is well designed and clean.

from the looks of it there are going to be multiple entrance and exit points, thus if one level of the garage gets backed up the whole structure wont. and again that all goes back to having a good design to begin with.

These "people"?

Er. They're a product of wine & Barry white music.

 

[71jason]

Any issues citywalk is having would be related to high parking fees, as theres been serveral times i wanted to go there just for a simply meal or to shop without intentions of going to the parks, in the past i thought they had discounted parking in the evenings but I dont think they do that anymore.

For the record, it's $3 or $5 after 6 pm, free for Florida residents. And it was the same back when CityWalk was going great guns. The venue's issues are more to do with closing Cigarz/LQ and a general sense of staleness than having to pay for parking.

as far as dtd goes they've said over and over that the garages will remain free.

But will tourists realize this? And in any case, suburbanites still hate even free garages.

as far as people circling for a special spot I really doubt its an aversion to the parking structure maybe that lot is simply closer to the side of the mall they wish to visit.

I specifically mentioned in my post most surface lot spots at Premium are FARTHER away than the garage. There's no reason to park elsewhere other than a dislike of parking garages.

 

[roj2323]

For the record, it's $3 or $5 after 6 pm, free for Florida residents. And it was the same back when CityWalk was going great guns. The venue's issues are more to do with closing Cigarz/LQ and a general sense of staleness than having to pay for parking.



But will tourists realize this? And in any case, suburbanites still hate even free garages.



I specifically mentioned in my post most surface lot spots at Premium are FARTHER away than the garage. There's no reason to park elsewhere other than a dislike of parking garages.

Why do you say people hate parking garages? What evidence do you have to back that up? I'm not trying to be accusatory but it seems like a pretty blanket statement and i'd love to see some research substantiating your claims.

 

[TimeTrip]

I specifically mentioned in my post most surface lot spots at Premium are FARTHER away than the garage. There's no reason to park elsewhere other than a dislike of parking garages.

I think its a perception and knowledge problem. The garage is farthest away from the main road entries to the outlets, so most people likely shoot for the first lot they find. Also the walk from that garage to the outlets isn't very "grand". It definitely has a light "back alley" vibe.

That garage is where I always go to park at the outlets.
I love garages and will take them wherever they make sense, mostly due to having the car in the shade. If its quicker overall then its even more of a bonus.

 

[WDWFanDave]

Sorry for the drive by quality, but they've started the theming on the end nearest the I-4 future interchange.

 

[WDWtraveler]

Photo update as of Aug 31, 2014

 

[FLFQTR]

The last deck is scheduled for 9/12 after that about a dozen ramps and some curbs and the concrete work for the most part will be complete.

 

[CDavid]

The last deck is scheduled for 9/12 after that about a dozen ramps and some curbs and the concrete work for the most part will be complete.

Can you say how the ramps are going to access each deck? For example, can you enter directly onto deck 4, or do you have to circulate through the lower decks first?