Big, big news coming out of The Disneyland Resort today.
It was reported last year that Disneyland had plans to build a new four-diamond hotel where the Downtown Disney parking lot currently stands. Disneyland also wanted to create a new “Eastern Gateway” across Harbor Bvld, with a new parking structure.
Today it was announced the Eastern Gateway project is scrapped, and the new hotel will be built closer to Downtown Disney.
In fact, it will be build over part of the current Downtown Disney.
The current plans show the 700 room hotel will be now be constructed over the current sites of ESPN Zone, Rainforest Cafe, and the AMC theater. The plans seem to indicate the Disneyland monorail, which has a current stop on the western end of Downtown Disney, will be incorporated into the new hotel. Take a look at this map featured on the OC Register.
This is going to be a major construction project, the likes of which The Disneyland Resort has not seen since the construction of Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney.
Now the cancellation of RunDisney events at Disneyland makes more sense.
The hotel itself sounds really cool. From Disney Parks Blog:
The stunning 700-room hotel will feature a sophisticated design and be a game-changer for Anaheim, creating a dynamic dining, entertainment and hotel experience for resort visitors and local residents. Extensive landscaping and water elements will create a resort oasis, showcasing nature on every level of the hotel. The hotel’s location embraces the iconic Disneyland Monorail with a dedicated platform inside the hotel for direct transport into Disneyland park.
Guest rooms, public spaces and gardens will provide views of the Downtown Disney District. In addition, an upper-level restaurant and lounge will give guests a view of the popular Disneyland park fireworks.
The ground level of the hotel will include shops and restaurants opening onto an expansive landscaped plaza complete with playful water features, creating a gathering place for guests and visitors. The new hotel also connects all four Hotels of the Disneyland Resort through lush gardens and beautifully landscaped walkways, transforming the gateway on the west side and creating a welcoming entry for Disneyland Resort guests.
Construction on the new hotel will start in Summer 2018 and is expected to open in 2021.
From the concept art above, it seems like the popular wedding venue, the Rose Court Garden, is safe. But perhaps the new hotel will offer up some new wedding venues? This is a really exciting prospect!
How do you feel about this massive change coming to the Disneyland area?
Source and Images: Disney Parks Blog / OC Register / WDWNT
