New Parking Structure/Pedestrian Bridge Question

[Darkbeer1]

Alinasan, if you are talking about late 2016, very little impact will be felt.

The city has not approved the project, so the only things that can be done is demolition and ground preparations on the property they own. Pumbaa parking is mainly used for Cast Member parking, so closing that down will impact the employees much more than the guests. So some construction noise during normal business hours, but since most guests get up early to get to the parks, shouldn't be a big issue.

The Carousel will be closed, so that will remove some rooms from inventory in the area, and might raise prices a bit on nearby Motels/Hotels due to supply and demand.

The entire Eastern Gateway project will be done is stages, and we are just starting to start phase 1, which is building the new facilities, which has to be done before they can close down the current area. So in 2017, basically just mainly more construction issues, and roadwork on Manchester/Clementine.

Based on the current proposals and timelines, the major changes won't come until 2018.

 

[Darkbeer1]

Here is a news story in today's newspaper talking about the Anaheim Planning Commission and how a similar situation is happening with the Angel Stadium area.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/la-sp-angels-anaheim-stadium-20160822-snap-story.html

>>The Anaheim Planning Commission dismissed the Angels’ objections and unanimously voted in favor of a 15-acre complex of shops, restaurants, offices, residences and a hotel. The Anaheim City Council has the final say on the project and is expected to vote on it within the next two months.<<

So we might not even really know what will happen until the end of the year in regards to phase 1, even if the Planning Commission decision is made in late September.

Also in the news today, the Anaheim City Council has decided to make changes to its Short Term Rental's (STR) ban. The original rules would fine websites that advertised illegal STR's, such as AirBNB. That small portion of the law has been dropped. But the city will use other methods to enforce that ban, including the fact that the city owns the public utilities in the area, and can cut off water and power to a property proven to breaking the law. (The city has done it in the past for properties breaking zoning laws).

And there is one more piece of fairly recent history that involves Disney and non-Disney Businesses and the Anaheim Resort area, but this time zoning issues as compared to planning issues. It was a proposed project that had city council support in regards to building a high density housing project within the "Anaheim Resort District", an area that is zoned for businesses including the Disneyland Resort and most of the Hotels/Motels that service the parks and the Convention Center. All the major players did not want the zoning change, and formed something called SOAR (Save Our Anaheim Resort) and with the publics help, forced the city to reverse the decision and cancel the project.

http://soaranaheim.com/about-soar/

Lately, S.O.A.R. was involved with the decision to have the tax breaks for the 4-star Hotels approved, along with many of the Unions that are in the area, since the Mayor was against issuing them.

But it does show you that a plan sent for approval is not a sure lock to be approved without changes, and the process is multi leveled and takes time, even if it is Disney making the request.

 

[Indiana Scott]

Trivial trivia.. The existing cross walk wasn't even there in 1988 when my then, new wife and I visited. We stayed at Fairfield (open 2 weeks) and you either had to walk to the extreme ends of Harbor or jay-walk and weave your way through a parking lot - which is what we did. (I was a rebel LOL)
So Disney and the city of Anahiem put that cross walk in to improve access for the hotels across the street. Now they want to do just the oposite and make people walk longer distances again.

 

[DahliaRW]

Interesting. So in theory, they could get this all set up on t

Trivial trivia.. The existing cross walk wasn't even there in 1988 when my then, new wife and I visited. We stayed at Fairfield (open 2 weeks) and you either had to walk to the extreme ends of Harbor or jay-walk and weave your way through a parking lot - which is what we did. (I was a rebel LOL)
So Disney and the city of Anahiem put that cross walk in to improve access for the hotels across the street. Now they want to do just the oposite and make people walk longer distances again.

They put it in with DCA was built and the shuttle drop offs were put there. They needed a light to allow the shuttles to make left turns to access it, so it made sense to also add a crosswalk, etc. There was no light there prior.

 

[Darkbeer1]

I have to laugh at this comment from Disney, that was made 15 months ago in regards to buying the Carousel... (May of 2015)

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/disney-660941-durand-streetcar.html

>>Disneyland Resort spokeswoman Suzi Brown said the Carousel purchase was “a strategic parcel for us due to its adjacency to our east esplanade.”

“Disney has no long-term plans for the property at this time,” she said.<<'

Yep, wink wink, nudge nudge.....

Check out the entire article, an interesting read in regards to the new Eastern Gateway Project.

 

[mom2rtk]

I have to laugh at this comment from Disney, that was made 15 months ago in regards to buying the Carousel... (May of 2015)

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/disney-660941-durand-streetcar.html

>>Disneyland Resort spokeswoman Suzi Brown said the Carousel purchase was “a strategic parcel for us due to its adjacency to our east esplanade.”

“Disney has no long-term plans for the property at this time,” she said.<<'

Yep, wink wink, nudge nudge.....

Check out the entire article, an interesting read in regards to the new Eastern Gateway Project.

That reminds me of the blog comment that there are currently no plans for Paint the Night to go to WDW.

 

[STLstone]

I have to laugh at this comment from Disney, that was made 15 months ago in regards to buying the Carousel... (May of 2015)

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/disney-660941-durand-streetcar.html

>>Disneyland Resort spokeswoman Suzi Brown said the Carousel purchase was “a strategic parcel for us due to its adjacency to our east esplanade.”

“Disney has no long-term plans for the property at this time,” she said.<<'

Yep, wink wink, nudge nudge.....

Check out the entire article, an interesting read in regards to the new Eastern Gateway Project.

But, hey, they really did have no long term plans for the property - as a hotel.

This is why I don't take much stock in their talk with Howard Johnson's. Even if they were totally truthful with HJ at this time, they can change their mind.

Based on all the work that will go into this new security checkpoint and walkway, I have serious doubts there will still be an entrance available on Harbor 5 years (or less) from now.

 

[VandVsmama]

The Anaheim changes to the rules about AirBNB-type accommodations was discussed in Sunday's Disneyland edition of the DIS Unplugged podcast, in case anyone is interested.

My thoughts on this whole thing at the moment...in no particular order:

1. If we won't be able to cross at the BWPPI crosswalk once construction of the pedestrian bridge really gets going, then there goes any incentive for us to stay at BWPPI, Tropicana, Camelot Inn, Desert Inn & Suites, Park Vue Inn, etc.
2. The same applies to if the BWPPI crosswalk goes away permanently.
3. So far, there have been NO formal announcements or confirmations that said crosswalk is going to remain in place.
4. If that crosswalk DOES go bye-bye, thus forcing Harbor Blvd pedestrians to cross all the way up by Hojo's or all the way down at the Harbor-Disney Way intersection, then we will NOT be staying at any of the above-mentioned properties.
5. I totally agree w/the other poster who said that a 1/2 mile is a long way. That's WDW distances. BOO! Y'all can disagree with me. It's all good. Diversity of opinions makes the world a more fun and interesting place.!
6. If that crosswalk disappears, than staying at the Candy Cane Inn or Hojo's just became a whole lot more attractive for our family.
7. Relieving congestion on the surrounding streets is a good thing and overall, I think that the new parking structure is a good idea. At the same time, I still sometimes miss the huge sprawling parking lot from way back in the day where you had to remember whether you'd parked in Mickey, Goofy, or Donald. That tram ride from the lot to the main gate was so exciting as a kid because it meant that an awesome day of fun was about to begin.
8. I'm glad that we don't have to bother with parking in Mickey & Friends when we've gone to DL. I prefer to stay within walking distance. It just works out better for our family and for our needs. I don't want to park in the new enormous parking structure either.
9. We have reservations for the BWPPI for early next June and at the moment, I feel like it's sort of a gamble. I'm half tempted to cancel the reservation and switch to Hojo's instead because to me, the crosswalk IS a big deal.
10. WARNING: SOAP BOX MOMENT! Some are saying that Disney will expand DCA into the current bus drop off area. Honestly, I think that all of that is speculation at this point. Others are saying that Disney will turn some of that into shops & restaurants. Either of those are good ideas. But it's all just rumor and conjecture at the moment. If someone has facts, a source at Disney Corp who has shown him or her architectural drawings, plans, etc., then name your source. Otherwise, it's honestly all opinion until the facts come out. I've lost count the number of rumor threads I've read over time on another Disneyland-related site, especially threads claiming stuff like "I have it from a reliable source that Toontown is going away" or "My friend's friend who works at Disney says that Autopia is going to be replaced with a new attraction."
11. At the new parking structure where they'll have security screening, I hope that they'll include a location for guests to rent ECVs and wheelchairs. Otherwise, there is no way on God's green earth that those disabled guests will be able to walk a 1/2 mile to the main gate. No way. And yes, people CAN rent wheelchairs & ECV's from 3rd party businesses (many do), but let's face it - not everybody plans ahead. Maybe your family is on a trip to Disneyland and you're bringing Grandma with you and Grandma is a proud woman who refuses to ride in "one of those things." But when Grandma sees the long walk from the car to the main gate, she changes her mind.

 

[Darkbeer1]

As for point 11, Disney has already stated they will run special ADA buses/vans from the new Hub area to the shuttle area shown on the released map on the west side of Harbor. If you truly need a wheelchair or ECV, do what many folks do, since you are staying at a non-Disney owned Hotel, use a private company that will deliver one to your Hotel/Motel, and have access to it for your entire visit, and can use it to do things like go shopping at the Anaheim GardenWalk and Downtown Disney, etc.

Point 10, yes it is all speculation, even Disney has stated they are not sure if they will move the Monorail track publically, but based on last year's quote from Suzi Brown in regards to the Carousel, there is a very good chance that Disney has plans and just won't talk about them, and also won't allow anyone to go "on record" about what they are planning with the threat of being fired. And I know of multiple people who have been fired from Disney specifically for that reason, but as part of the severance agreement, they have to sign another non-disclosure agreement. So the best you are going to get is the "off the record" comments. I have been given information from Disney with an embargo agreement, in which I have prior knowledge, but promise not to mention it until a specific date/time. This is common in the news media, which allows the reporter to start writing and doing research, so the article is ready for publication when the allotted time arrives. My guess, the recent OC Register/LA Times article about the Eastern Gateway Project was handled that way, so that the paper could publish the info including a revised map and the artwork to time up with the filing of the paperwork with the city.

Once I was on a construction lift that Disney had set up when the Pool was built on Main Street to get some great shots, but the staff forgot I wasn't a Disney employee and talked about something happening in the future that was not to be released. When the head of DLR Media at the time, Tim O'Day found out, suddenly I had a lunch date at the Grand Californian with him after the event (Disney's dime), where he discussed the importance of the issue being not reported, and also gave insight into the project, and gave up a couple of other "off the record" things he felt wouldn't be an issue if mentioned, but not officially.

As to "another" Disney related site, which one? Jim Hill Media, Laughing Place, MousePlanet, MiceAge/MiceChat or other ones?

Then again, what do I know, but since some of the HoJo's management team attended my wedding, I don't have any info that could be told with the request to not confirm where it came from..... Wait, I was given permission to break the story about the company starting the Courtyard project years ago, prior to any other source, including the big boys.....

Just saying....

 

[mamapenguin]

1. I'm glad that we don't have to bother with parking in Mickey & Friends when we've gone to DL. I prefer to stay within walking distance. It just works out better for our family and for our needs. I don't want to park in the new enormous parking structure either.
2. We have reservations for the BWPPI for early next June and at the moment, I feel like it's sort of a gamble. I'm half tempted to cancel the reservation and switch to Hojo's instead because to me, the crosswalk IS a big deal.

We're in the same boat....I also have a February reservation at BWPPI, which I think will be fine. I'm not so confident about June now.

 

[Darkbeer1]

For those who worry about 2017, I can do my best to almost guarantee the crosswalk will be open for all of 2017 and even part of 2018. If there is any impact to the walking on Harbor, it will be the small section of sidewalk in front of the Carousel in the second half of 2017, that might need to close for short time periods due to construction issues. The work in 2017 is all planned on the Manchester/Clementine segment of the project. There are no current plans (of course always subject to change) to close down the current crosswalk next to the Park Vue Inn until the new Easter Gateway bridge project is open and operating. Only when the "new" option of crossing the street is available, will they address removing the current one.

 

[STLstone]

WARNING: SOAP BOX MOMENT! Some are saying that Disney will expand DCA into the current bus drop off area. Honestly, I think that all of that is speculation at this point. Others are saying that Disney will turn some of that into shops & restaurants. Either of those are good ideas. But it's all just rumor and conjecture at the moment. If someone has facts, a source at Disney Corp who has shown him or her architectural drawings, plans, etc., then name your source. Otherwise, it's honestly all opinion until the facts come out. I've lost count the number of rumor threads I've read over time on another Disneyland-related site, especially threads claiming stuff like "I have it from a reliable source that Toontown is going away" or "My friend's friend who works at Disney says that Autopia is going to be replaced with a new attraction."

As far as I know, this claim came from HoJo's Facebook page where they claimed to have met with Disney officials - as mentioned in post #33: http://www.disboards.com/threads/ne...-bridge-question.3535621/page-2#post-56270644.

But until the plans are announced by Disney, I think of everything as a rumor.

 

[Darkbeer1]

This is why I don't take much stock in their talk with Howard Johnson's. Even if they were totally truthful with HJ at this time, they can change their mind.

Let me just say, Disney did spin the message, and what HoJo's released was worded in a very specific way for a reason. Everyone has to play in the same sandbox, look at the news article about the Park Vue.

>>Durand was further encouraged by a Disney official calling him as a courtesy before news of the $32 million Carousel purchase surfaced. Durand would not divulge details of the conversation.

“Their No. 1 concern is parking,” Durand said of Disney. “Buying the Carousel links that property to the ones they own behind it, which is also next to one of their parking lots.”<<

And amazing the fact that Wincome ran the Carousel for Disney , and along with Disney approached the city council for the 4-Star Hotel Tax credits earlier this year (agreed to in July).

A lot of things are done off the record and behind the scenes, but like they say, some folks don't want to know how sausage is made, but just want to enjoy eating them. Such is life.

 

[Darkbeer1]

As for the STR issue, I spent about 10 hours attending the council session at city hall, live next to one of the larger ones in West Anaheim (and I mean right across the street), and can tell you a lot of inside info in regards to the entire issue, including what Disney did behind the scenes and how they decided to opt to use others to get their point made, and avoid the look of being directly involved, even though they had a vested interest in the change of law. Once again, nothing official, but it did happen, both prior to the actual meeting, and during the meeting.

One joke, Disney got President Obama to invite Mayor Tait to the White House so he had to leave the meeting early... Now, I know that truly didn't happen, but still, Disney does have a lot of contacts and Bob Iger and the President are friends and have worked together in the past.

 

[agamble]

That reminds me of the blog comment that there are currently no plans for Paint the Night to go to WDW.

Thought the same thing

 

[Darkbeer1]

Let's do a quick summary of the Eastern Gateway project.

Disney submitted Phase 1 of a plan to redo the area near Harbor Blvd, where the current Transportation Hub and related items and relocate it to the other side of the street, with the Transportation Hub moving and main access would be from Manchester Avenue, including a new security checkpoint. The city of Anaheim has to approve this first segment and the process could take months.

Disney promised the city in 2015 that they would build a new Parking Structure in the area in regards to an agreement for the city to not charge an admission tax for 30 years in return for a promise of at least $1 Billion spent on new infrastructure.

Disney is asking that structure will be built on the current Pumbaa parking lot (used mainly by Cast Members).

Related - Disney has started work on Star Wars Land (current name of the project) as part of the Billion Dollar promise.

We have gotten a map and concept art sent to the city released by Disney.

The owners of HoJo's, the Courtyard on Manchester and landlords of Mimi's Café (same company) had a meeting with Disney where Disney stated that they would include a security checkpoint for guests on the west side of Harbor (plans have not been submitted for approval) so no idea where it would be located when Disney converts the current area when the new area is open and being used. (Logically, they can't close the old hub until the new one is operating, to allow the switchover).

The city has stated in 2015, they want to make improvements to traffic flow in the area during the Admission Tax debate, and wanted changes, including the Pedestrian Bridge to happen.

So those are the facts, everything else, especially the dates are subject to change, and all construction related projects are subject to delays due to multiple factors.

 

[Nonsuch]

...And amazing the fact that Wincome ran the Carousel for Disney , and along with Disney approached the city council for the 4-Star Hotel Tax credits earlier this year (agreed to in July).

A lot of things are done off the record and behind the scenes, but like they say, some folks don't want to know how sausage is made, but just want to enjoy eating them. Such is life.

Wincome sold the Carousel to Disney, so it's not surprising Wincome continued to run it.

Disney and Wincome likely made some agreements (perhaps "off the record and behind the scenes"), since the design of the pedestrian entrance to the Eastern Gateway (from Disney Way) will be a great benefit to the new Wincome 4-star hotel (replacing Anaheim Plaza).

...One joke, Disney got President Obama to invite Mayor Tait to the White House so he had to leave the meeting early... Now, I know that truly didn't happen, but still, Disney does have a lot of contacts and Bob Iger and the President are friends and have worked together in the past.

That crossed my mind while reading this article:
Hard Hats Help Fat Cats Score $550 Million in Anaheim 4-Star Hotel Subsidies
Those same construction unions will likely fill the council meeting to support the Parking Structure, assuming the unions are able to secure similar "local hire" agreements.

 

[Darkbeer1]

Disney and Wincome likely made some agreements (perhaps "off the record and behind the scenes"), since the design of the pedestrian entrance to the Eastern Gateway (from Disney Way) will be a great benefit to the new Wincome 4-star hotel (replacing Anaheim Plaza).

Isn't it fun to talk about how sausage is made and how it will hopefully turnout... too bad there are now so many rules about what ingredients you have to use, and not use, to be able to be called Sausage in America....

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/o/ottovonbis161318.html

True almost 200 years ago, and still is valid today....

 

[Darkbeer1]

I just thought of another walkway that was removed that was a 100% Disney decision.

The special Paradise Pier Entrance and walkway to DCA near Mulholland Madness (aka Goofy's Sky School) (Room Key needed). It was eliminated for expansion of the Grand Californian a few years ago.

A new thread made me think about it.

 

[Darkbeer1]

More Sausage Making info...

We know the comment Suzi Brown of Disney made in May, and that the city council approved the "no admission tax" in July of 2015.

But let go back to March, when the proposal was first made. (And part of me regrets doing this, since I do agree with Councilperson Kris Murray with many of her votes.)

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/city-654551-disney-murray.html

>>Disney continues to oppose taxes based on ticket sales, Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown said.

“One of the key reasons that Anaheim has been such a success story is due to its policies and initiatives that encourage investment in the city and allow businesses to grow,” Brown said. “It is important that those practices continue to ensure the ongoing vitality of a vibrant community fueled by a strong economy.”<<

So we have the same Disney spokesperson said that in regards to the proposal of extending the ban (well, not really a ban, but a 100% rebate to Disney if Anaheim starts to charge one) in March, and then in May claiming buying the Carousel had no long-term plan...

Also, in the same article, Councilperson Murray stated that the idea of the extension came directly from her, and that Disney had no bearing on her proposal. And if you read the article, and now the history over the last year and a half, let you decide how true that is.....