A newly released City of Anaheim draft shares some big ideas for the Resort District — including a so-called “Resort Ribbon.”
About the Anaheim 2.0 Draft and the Resort Ribbon Idea:
A 73-page Anaheim Resort 2.0 draft was recently prepared by urban-design firm Gehl for the City of Anaheim, offering big ideas and a fresh vision for the city’s popular areas.For example, the report presents some broad ideas for improving the Anaheim Resort District, including:A redesigned Harbor Boulevard and Katella Avenue intersectionA pedestrian “Greenway”An East-West transportation connectorNew public-realm design standardsDevelopment incentives for hotels and other private propertiesThe Resort RibbonFor Disney fans, the standout is that last one: the Resort Ribbon.A concept map shows a long-term pedestrian loop extending past Downtown Disney and the theme-park entrances before continuing toward the planned eastern parking structure, GardenWalk, the Anaheim Convention Center’s Grand Plaza, and an area labeled “Future Disney Destination.”
The possible route could include grade-separated crossings at:Disney Way near GardenWalkKatella Avenue near GardenWalkHarbor Boulevard south of Katella AvenueThe plan also specifically states that the route and crossing locations would be finalized in coordination with future DisneylandForward projects.Rather than conventional pedestrian bridges, Anaheim imagines wide, landscaped pathways with seating and shade.As they note, “It turns moving through the district into a curated experience, giving visitors a premium, stress-free alternative while bypassing traffic, discovering hidden gems, and experiencing Anaheim from a completely new vantage point.”
The Greenway:
Another big idea that could impact Disneyland Resort guests is The Greenway.Interestingly, this proposal even ponders how traveling down Harbor Boulevard could feel more like an extension of a Disney Parks visit.As detailed in the draft, The Greenway would have three main sections:
Akin to the Resort Loop, The Greenway would also feature seating, playful elements, and more.
More From the Report:
Elsewhere in the draft are ideas for unique shade elements to be installed near Harbor and Katella, ideas for wayfinding elements, and much, much more.It’s also worth noting that a photo of EPCOT at Walt Disney World makes a cameo in the report, highlighting the monorail as a way that transit can feel like a ride.You can review the full document for yourself on Anaheim’s website.
Will This Really Happen?
It’s important to stress that the ideas presented in this draft are just that: ideas.Therefore, it’s probably not worth getting too attached to these proposals or thinking that your next Disneyland visit will include these improvements.Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what the City of Anaheim makes of these ideas and what they may ultimately be able to implement.Laughing Place recommends MouseFanTravel.com for all your Disneyland Resort travel planning