Tending The Garden...

This isn't a rumor, but more about speculation of an opportunity...

The Anaheim GardenWalk will be up for sale on today because the developer couldn't meet the payments. One has to wonder what Disney thinks of this. After all, this a chance for them to control a piece of property that could prove valuable years from now when that Third Gate opens up. Would the Mouse let the opportunity pass by and let some other bidder come in and take it? What if the new owner were hostile to them and their plans? Wouldn't it be a safer bet, especially during this suppressed economy to take hold of that valuable plot of land?

Now, as I've said, I have no inside knowledge on this. I simply think it's a moment that the Walt Disney Company has to plan for the future. When they do someday build another park, there are going to be people streaming in and out of all day long, all year long. Those people/guest are going to tired and hungry. Wouldn't Disney like to be the ones that makes the money from them obviously going across the street and having a bite to eat, a movie to see or a bed to sleep in?

Perhaps turning it into a Downtown Disney East with the original being a Downtown Disney West. Call it the Downtown Disney GardenWalk. This actually falls into theming with the original as it's supposed to be a garden. Did you know that? With all those waterfalls, trees and flower fountain most don't realize it but that's the theme for the outdoor shopping area of the Disneyland Resort. They could put Imagineers to work on "Disneyfying" the place, making it more friendly and accessible. Most of all, they can make it more of a garden, which is one of the things I think it's lacking in. Strangely. Where is all that foliage you see in the concept art?

But I can't imagine that Bob Iger and company haven't at least thought of this. Will there ever be a time in the next couple of decades where it would be possible to purchase this land for the devalued amount it would cost in this recession? I speculate this as a possibility, but I wonder if Iger has had talks with the new head of Disney Parks Tom Staggs about this matter. He does seem to have a vision to see the opportunity of moments like this. For a fraction of what Bob paid for the Marvel acquisition he can get some desired breathing space for that new park that will someday bare his fingerprints. And if what I think will be built there does happen, he'd be very smart to be bold here.

And it would be the exclamation on his purchase of Mighty Marvel...

Room For Improvement...

Like the look of this place? It's about to change.

It's kinda empty now...




It won't look the same in a few years more than likely. The Mouse should have something to say about this in the near future. As well as news of that new parking structure with direct access to the AGW. Oh, and for anyone out there that thinks the Garden Walk will be purchased by Disney? Not anytime soon. There are no plans, as of now to purchase the Anaheim Garden Walk... Nada.



On the other hand, the Garden Walk and the Walt Disney Company becoming friends, perhaps even business associates? That's far more likely. Almost a certainty.

Developing...

The OC Register is reporting today that Prospera Hotels turned in proposals to the city last week to build two 12 stories tall hotels, one with 400 units, the other 466 units. A short article... nice blurb about Disney in there. Not entirely acurate, but they're close, I believe. We'll see what comes of this.

Very interesting. Very.

A Mouse In The Garden?

The Los Angeles Times is reporting what Al Lutz over at Miceage did a few days ago about the Walt Disney Company leasing space at the Anaheim GardenWalk for two hotels... one moderate priced family hotel and another luxury hotel catering to the Uber-Rich. Now, I've heard rumblings about Disney negotiating with the GardenWalk folks, but brushed it off until now as sheer speculation... relenting to pressure, I've relayed secret transmission signals to my Bothans to confirm this.

This may be true, I can't say for sure at this time... but I can say it doesn't mean the Mouse isn't going to be building anymore hotels on it's own property. This doesn't affect the plans for that new hotel to go in next to the Paradise Pier Hotel in the next four to five years... or the other possible hotel to go right next to it should the occupancy rates please the Suits at TDA and TDB. This may be the other two of the four hotels I heard the Burbank Suits were planning on constructing. There appears to be much movement around the Resort District over the next decade...

More about this a new Anaheim Blue Sky Alert later in mid-September. Oh, and those that keep e-mailing me about a Hong Kong Update... it's coming. Most likely at the end of September.